Face to Face with Maik Petzold

by Peter Holmes on 08 Sep, 2009 11:19

How have your preparations been leading in to the Grand Final?
I did a hard training camp in the Austrian Alps together with the national team. After the Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship Series race in Yokohama I went straight to the Gold Coast, to have few more days to train and get used to the weather and time difference.

Given your position in the rankings, how does that affect your race plans and mindset?
I’m pretty much looking for a medal. I know everything is possible and I’ll try to have the perfect day at 12th of September.

You have been very consistent throughout the year, how will you peak for Gold Coast?
Racingly consistently was always the strongest aspect of the year. With the new series maybe I can achieve the goal I have been looking for for such a long time. The plan was to be in peak shape at the Grand Final.

At the start of the year could you imagine you would have such a good year?
Yes, I was sure with all the changes I made that it would pay off. I trained harder and more consistently than in previous years. Even when I raced badly it still kept me motivated to perform well for the final result.

As the season is drawing towards a close, how is your body holding up physically?
After Hamburg I was really tired and it was hard for me to motivate myself for the last few weeks in the season. The body is not a machine and I tried to give it some freshness back.

Every time you step outside to go training, what is going through your mind?
I always think: ‘only few more days until the race starts’, and I cant wait to race at my second home, the Gold Coast, and to have a holiday straight afterwards.

What are your personal expectations?
Having a exciting race in front of a big crowd and some action in the run.

What would winning the title mean to you?
It would mean to my coach, me and all the people around me, that I did a great job.

How do you cope with the nerves and pressure of racing on the big stage?
Its not a problem unless the last few minutes before the start. But that’s exactly what I need to get ready for the race.

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