Argentina’s Romina Biagioli made her debut on the World Cup circuit back in 2011. Since then, she has won a host of CAMTRI American Cup golds, topped the podium in the South American Beach Games and become a regular in Argentina’s Mixed Relay line-up. At the end of the 2019 season, her first with ITU’s ASICS World Triathlon development team, Romina scored her highest ever finish in a World Cup with eighth place in Lima.
After a difficult year, that result could prove the springboard to a memorable 2020. Romina is currently in the New Flag position to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and, while she is aware there is still a long way to go, the potential fulfilment of that dream will drive her towards an intense off-season before she looks to hit the ground running in the new year.
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What was your high-point of the 2019 season?
I would have to say it was getting on the podium at the American Championships in Monterrey. Though it isn’t the biggest, it was the first important result that i had since i started training with my new coach and team in Brazil.
And what was the low-point?
I think my low point was after the Pan-American Games, not getting the result I expected. I missed many races to be well-prepared for this one, and it was hard not to be able to bring home a medal as it is an important event for my country. Three days later I had a small operation that could not be postponed, which I hoped wouldn’t interfere with my training. I did lose a few days, though, and still went to Karlovy Vary and ended in DNF. That’s when I decided to return to Brazil to do another good training block and be able to face the end of the year races better prepared.
Did you hit your pre-season targets?
Yes, i did! I wanted to break some barriers as the best results of the last World Cups of the previous seasons were 16th place and i finished 8th in Lima. The main goal was to end the year with real chances of qualifying for Tokyo 2020 and although the ranking is constantly changing and I still need good results until the close of qualification, I am very happy to finish 2019 with the New Flag and very motivated to get better results next year.
What were you specifically looking to work on?
I’ve improved my skills on the bike, but i still have a lot of work to do in this specific area.
What is the one thing you would change this year?
I would change the first bike lap at the Pan-American Games. That defined the result of my race.
What are your goals for 2020?
Next season i will look for improve again on the best results of this year, keep looking for my best performances in this sport. Also I hope to finish all my planned races, as this year I had a flat in both Cape Town and Huatulco.
What is your go-to song?
Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody
What is the key to racing around the world?
I think that living in South America complicates the thing a bit when you plan trips, especially when you travel alone. Flights and connections are very long and tickets are very expensive, but I find that the most challenging thing is to make time and food changes not affect your performance. Also, making the bike case weigh no more than 23kg to avoid paying excess is a challenge!
Who has impressed you most this season?
Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig
What was your favourite race venue in 2019?
Karlovy Vary, no doubt. The circuit is very hard but it is a beautiful race and one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been.