Joan Capdevila Athlete Ambassador

From racing disasters to proudest achievements, triathlete Joan tells us about life in the fast lane.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, since I was four years old. First playing tennis until I got into triathlon.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon? 

I did it because I was good at duathlon, especially long distance duathlon. For that reason, I tried triathlon.

What's been your favourite race to date and why? 

I think the most beautiful race I've done so far has been Ironman Lanzarote 2011. It was the first time I qualified for Ironman Hawaii. I suffered but I saw that I could do well in long distance racing.

And your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement was coming third in my age group at Ironman Wales in 2017. 

Have you ever had any racing disasters / your toughest race yet? 

I think the biggest and worst disaster was at Ironman Hawaii in 2011. I didn't have a bike so I had to rent one and didn't have time to test it out first or have a bike fit. My back was so sore after the bike I wasn't sure I'd even be able to run and my toes kept going numb!

How do you overcome setbacks? 

I just remember why I'm doing this and remember to enjoy myself.

What is the best bit of advice you wish someone had told you before you started competing?

The main thing is to have fun.

What are your goals for 2018? 

My goals for 2018 are to compete in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in South Africa and the Ironman Champs in Kona.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

My mother, who once told me I could achieve anything I put my mind to, and my wife, who supports me in everything I do.

What do you like about Sundried and what's your favourite bit of our kit?

One of the things I like most about Sundried is that they use recycled materials in their sports clothes and for me, that is a respect towards the athlete and also towards the environment.