Do you have a lot of experience with altitude training?

I have got experience with altitude training regarding to the preparation for my Worldcups 2001–2005. Furthermore I have been in St. Moritz several times, the Mecca of altitude training in my homeland, Switzerland.
Two years ago I started a cooperation with www.hypoxico.com. That means that I am able to do altitude training through simulated altitude in a tent or even in the whole sleeping room at home.

How much time do you stay at the altitude training center?

As much time as possible. Before the competition at Hawaii ten days. I need these ten days to get adapted to the conditions at Hawai. Totally I will stay here in Boulder for five or six weeks. I needed a week to get acclimatized.

In which altitude do you work right now?

Here in Boulder 1700-1800m above sea level. Run and swim training takes place at this altitude most of the time. Sometimes I do the cycle training at 2500m above sea level. Training often orientates at the speed which the best triathletes have got at the Ironman. Thus it is important to choose well the altitude for the training.
At home my motto for the altitude training is „sleeping high – training low“. I sleep at more or less 2000/2500m above sea level. But I train at a „normal“ altitude. Born in Switzerland a certain altitude is normal for my body anyway.

How often do you have a camp of altitude training and where do you go for it?

As mentioned I have got „hypoxico“ at home. Thus I don’t have to go anywhere. But I plan to have my training for Hawaii the next years always up here. It’s not only a good altitude but also the best surrounding with the best conditions one can imagine.

Did you have difficulties at the beginning, for example a headache or something like that?

Well, I am one of the athletes who adapt to the altitude quite fast. No problems referring to sleep, headache or something like that. That’s a good precondition to have a successful altitude training.

Do you think that the altitude training has got a positive influence on your power? How many percent does this special training help you in total?

It is difficult to tell a concrete percentage. But I am convinced to hundred percent that the altitude training influences my body in a positive way. You get fitter because the intensity increases and the body produces a lot of red blood cells because of little oxygen in the air. It is a good approach to get the extra power.

Which conditions decide if you get a good result at Hawaii beside a good training?

At Hawaii all of the athletes will start with a great fitness. But it is not only the fitness which helps the winner. There are many different elements. It is necessary to be an athlete who does not sweat a lot, who feels well within high temperatures. Former and current Hawaii Champions like Dave Scott, Marc Allen, Chris McCormack, Craig Alexander, Peter Reid, Tim de Boom, Chrissie Wellington and so on have chosen Boulder as their center of preparation for Hawaii. Here it is possible to get used to the temperatures and to the ability not to loose much liquidity.
Furthermore you need a good tactical acquirement. You need to be able to read the race and understand it. There are a lot of decisions which need to be made. Those athletes who do not make mistakes at all are the ones at the first positions in the end. Mentally it is important to be fit as well. To be prepared for many different situations before and during the competition so that you are able to give your very best on the Raceday. And finally the winner also needs a little bit of luck.