Iván Raña announced last September his retirement from professionalism at age 42. A pioneer of triathlon, a sport in which he was proclaimed world champion in 2002 and Europe in 2002 and 2003, he has also competed in rallies, mountain biking and cycling (he played one season at the Xacobeo, in 2009). The Galician visited AS to take stock of his career and experiences.
How are you retiring after more than two decades in the elite?
Relaxed, without the demand of having to refuse to do things. For example, when I was filming for the Hawaii Ironman, it was five months of not competing in other races, not attending events or leaving before dinner with friends because the next morning it was hard training. I am still in good shape and I do my best, but no longer official tests. The family appreciates it, I am not so strict in my routines.
Now, what do you spend the most time on?
I like to organize preparation training camps with other athletes. I take it as a job. If I can improve their learning, give some advice or contribute my experience, I will be happy, because it is a task that I have done all my life. Besides, I continue with my rally or mountain bike themes, I will not travel to the Titan in Almería at all.
Do you feel vertigo before closing the professional stage?
Two years ago I did notice that vertigo, I didn’t really know how to approach what was to come and I really wanted to announce my retirement. As soon as I said it, it was a release. To get out of that pressure wheel and enjoy without tension is the milk.
How has the sport evolved since its inception?
There is too much information and technology. Although it does not seem bad to me, the potentiometer must be reconciled with the capacity and the sensations. Sometimes if you don’t know you’re hitting your watt limit, you don’t think you’re going over the top and over the pain threshold, which leaves you locked in. People associate that I love running barefoot with carefree, and nothing further. I always acted methodically, I keep 27 notebooks with my annotated records. It consists of uniting the head and the physical.
Are you satisfied with the results achieved?
Yes. And, in fact, increasingly satisfied. With a thorn stuck you do not see yourself in a situation like that, happy, calm and without regrets. I offered 100%, I reached a World Cup and two Europeans. I greatly value what has been obtained.
Also from his foray on the road with the Xacobeo?
Yes. At the age of nine or ten I wanted to compete exclusively with the bicycle at some point. My idol was Miguel Indurain. And it happened in 2009, above in a Galician team. It was impressive to walk at 70 per hour next to Petacchi, or half dead and that Valverde was a charleta.
And does it compensate for the burnout on a personal level going forward?
Yes, it was my profession, I helped the Federation and other triathletes emerge, even if it cost a lot. Mainly fiascos with couples, who send you for a walk after four days with so much back and forth (laughs). Nor did I consider myself ready to become a father and focus on raising a child. Now there is time and another mentality, and I do what I want in general.
This Saturday in Madrid, ProTour
This Saturday the elite of the national triathlon meets in Casa de Campo to compete in the exclusive and explosive FETRI ProTour. Iván Raña will be in Madrid, but not to compete: “I will carry out organizational and protocol tasks, it is good for me to take distance to walk calmer and learn other aspects”.
#Withdrawal #liberation