Sports Manager Aina is a triathlete and personal advisor for athletes and groups staying at Hotels VIVA specifically those at our Hotel VIVA Blue & Spa. As a keen amateur, she knows first-hand every corner of the island, and advises our guests on the best cycling routes , mountain biking and triathlon training. Aina is always on-hand if a guest needs a tool or has any questions and queries related to their training.
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Aina, when did you start doing triathlons?
I started going to the gym a few years ago to lose a few pounds (laughs), but what I really liked was outdoor sports so I started swimming and running around the island. In 2010, a friend invited me to train for a triathlon and from then on, I couldn't stop. I fell in love with it.
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What got you into this sport and why do you think the number of fans has increased so much in recent years?
For me, what I like most about this sport is that you do it outdoors. Also, because you train in a group, it's a very social sport so you get to meet a lot of people and make new friends. That's probably the most fun and enjoyable part of doing triathlons.
On top of that, it's a sport that is all about beating your personal best. It helps you to push yourself and to try to break through your limits and achieve your goals.
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Which event on the island do you most enjoy? Ironman? Ultra Trail Mallorca?
With its endless races, Mallorca is a triathlete's paradise. But to name just a few, I like these three best. Even better: I'm surrounded by them because Hotels VIVA is the official hotel!
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Mallorca 312: This is a great cycle-tourism event that attracts some 8500 cyclists. The atmosphere in the days building up to is incredible. The number of people you know and the emotion they go through with the event.
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Ultra-distance triathlon: Ultra Mallorca Man: This trial lasts three days and is focused on pure triathlon. On the first day, you swim about 10km through Port d’Alcudia and cycle 126km through the Santuari de Cura (a landmark for cyclists on the island). On the second day, you go round the whole of Mallorca, covering 312km by bike. Then on day three, you run two marathons through the whole of Pollensa Bay and on to Alcudia Bay.
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Mallorca Handbike tour: I love this event; it's possibly the one I like most out of all those held on the island. It's aimed at athletes with disabilities and it's amazing to see how they push themselves. It consists of 4 days of racing throughout Mallorca (Formentor lighthouse, Pollensa Bay and Alcudia Bay).
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Mallorca is becoming a world-renowned destination for cycling and triathlon lovers. Why do you think this is?
The good condition of the island's roads makes it an ideal place for cycling. In addition, the people who live here are absolutely aware of this sport being practised. This makes it easy to train on roads.
The climate is exceptional both for cycling and triathlon training: the winters are very mild and the springs and autumns are a delight for competitors. In addition, the beaches are spectacular and the crystal clear waters and calm sea make for perfect swimming.
And well, what can I say about the landscape...? Anyone training, whether they're running, walking or pedalling, will fall in love with the island's wonderful landscapes. Another very good thing about Mallorca is that you have both mountains and plains, so you can do routes of different intensity.
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Why do you think many top triathletes and teams choose Mallorca and Hotel VIVA Blue for training?
I think Hotel VIVA Blue & Spa is one of the best hotels for cyclists and triathlon fans, because everything is geared towards people who love these sports.
It has excellent facilities (25-metre heated swimming pool, cycle centres including secure storage for bikes, free water bottles, specialist cycling shops, washing machine and dryer area that is free of charge, and so on). Plus a super well-equipped gym that is open 24/7.
And then there's the food it's great! And we also prepare specialist menus for sportspeople (porridge, smoothies, nuts, fresh fruit, etc) Delicious!
And the hotel's location is unbeatable! It's on Mallorca's cycling mile which means that all the bars, shops, restaurants and businesses are focused on people who love this sport. The atmosphere is incredible!
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What do athletes staying at Hotel VIVA Blue most ask you for?
The most common request is to reserve lanes in the pool. The thing is the pool is amazing (laughs).
We're also often asked to reserve meeting rooms for team meetings, or for preparing briefings or stretching after training.
In the dining room we're also often asked to reserve large tables so that a whole group can sit together. And, of course, whatever else they need, we provide it! Or at least we try to (smiles).
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As a triathlete, if you stayed at Hotel VIVA Blue, what would you most appreciate (the food, facilities, location...)?
The staff service is impeccable. And I don't say that myself: most of the comments we get on TripAdvisor are to congratulate members of staff (from reception to housekeeping staff).
As for the facilities and services, I would certainly recommend the food apart from being delicious, it is designed with athletes in mind. All the facilities are incredible but without a doubt, the best thing is the incredible 25-metre heated swimming pool. Being someone who loves swimming, I use it a lot. Working here gives me the opportunity to meet a lot of professionals, people I admire and who I had previously only seen on television or social networks. It´s great!
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Over all these years, surrounded by the top competitors in this sport - people like Mario Mola and Carolina Routier, who have stayed for extended periods at the hotel, do you have any interesting anecdotes?
Working here gives me the opportunity to meet a lot of professionals, people I admire and who I had previously only seen on television or social networks. It´s great!
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To conclude, and noting that this week includes International Women's Day, would you say it's a mixed sports? How is it for women triathletes?
Fortunately, triathlon is a mixed sport that is attracting more and more women. There is still a greater number of male competitors and there is certainly a lot of work to be done, especially in regard to the Press (this is not the first time we've found articles featuring only the male podiums and where women are not named). But I'm confident that we're heading towards greater equality.
Happy Women's Day by the way!
