Originally published at: Light-Weight Wonder: Brad Weiss Goes One Size Down to Dial in His Ride for the IRONMAN World Championship Nice - Slowtwitch News
South African Brad Weiss is no stranger to the Nice IRONMAN World Championships. Coming seventh at the first edition, followed by an 11th in Kona last year, Weiss will be taking advantage of his smaller size on the climbs – and has added his extra small bike set up to match. With incredible palmares to his name, including two XTERRA World Championship titles and multiple 70.3 victories, he has the race experience to handle anything and everything that might get thrown at him in tomorrow’s race.
ST: How has your training for Nice been going? Have you been doing anything specific for the bike course?
Weiss: Training has been going well. I did a three-week training camp in Livigno, Italy to get some time at altitude, and also some good riding in the mountains–which is the biggest focus for me during this build as climbing is very important for this race.
You arrived in Nice on the 10th, much later than many of your peers. Was that out of necessity or choice? Do you feel like you’ve had enough time on the course?
Arriving late was by design. I am an athlete that responds very well to altitude training and I like to try and hold onto those physiological adaptations by coming down as late as possible. I know this course in Nice very well so there was less need for me to spend time on the course before the race. I have done a day of recon this week and feel very comfortable on all the important sections of the bike course.
Last time you raced in Nice, you were 7th. What did you learn in 2023 that will help you on race day?
I had a great day in Nice in 2023, but got an unfortunate drafting penalty going up one of the long climbs. This year, thankfully, we will have Race Ranger, which will make it easier for us to avoid penalties. My main learning is to not get a penalty and maximize the long climb being a smaller athlete.
What are your thoughts on race strategy and how you think it’s going to play out?
I am expecting the swim to be incredibly fast and, if I am very honest, I don’t think I will be able to swim front pack like I did in 2023. The swim strength is much stronger this year, but the goal is to then work my way back into the race, hopefully along with some other strong riders. Coming into the run it will be survival, but I feel I have prepared well for a gruelling marathon.
Have you changed your bike set up for Nice? Will you be using any new or special equipment or components?
I have gone down a frame size to a Giant Trinity XS, where previously I was on a small frame. This has saved some weight, and I also feel I climb better on this new bike, which is very exciting.
How have you grown and changed as an athlete in the last year?
As one of the older athletes on course these days, I feel like I have a lot of experience in my favor. I have been exposed to many different racing tactics and feel I know how to make the right decisions when under pressure. Mostly I am just trying to enjoy my final few seasons as a pro athlete and soak up these experiences.
Take us through your equipment.
- Frame: Giant Trinity TT
- Cockpit/TT bars: Fast TT
- Wheels and tyres: Cadex disc rear, Cadex 4 spoke front, Cadex aero tires,–60psi
- Crank length: 165 mm
- Group set: SRAM Red
- Saddle: Giant TT
- Pedals: Wahoo Speedplay Aero
- Helmet: Rudy Project Wing Dream