*** Interview with German Duathlete Simon Huckestein ***
In preview to Powerman Alsdorf in August 2021, we would like to introduce our athletes and get to know them.
Today, we want to get in touch with on of our local competitors, Simon Huckestein (Triathlon Wetterau):
Simon, please introduce yourself and highlight some important moments/successes as athlete.
I’m Simon, 35years old and triathlete / duathlete since 2018. Important victories of mine were 6th place at European Cross Country Championships and German National Champion Cross Country (team results). Between 2004 and 2008, I was part of German national mid-distance team (800m) with a personal best of 1:48,20 min and 3:42,87 min (1500m). I am working as a risk officer for banks and countries in Latin America at Commerzbank Frankfurt. In my leisure time I am interested in any triathlon related topics such as equipment, coaching / athlete development and good (vegan) cooking.
How did you become a duathlete?
At the age of 23, I was a mid-distance athlete when I met my wife Rebecca. This was 11 years ago. In early 2017, both of us got injured and bought old road bikes for cross training (and started swimming). So I got hooked to swimming, biking and running.
Back on running later that year, I had the plan to compete at the Alsdorf Powerman in 2018. With a defect on the bike, overall result was unsatisfying but motivation grew to come back and perform in Alsdorf.
From your personal perspective, what is special about the run-bike-run format of Powerman World Series?
It is a very hard and honest race on the road. I really like that the first 10k is almost as fast as a single 10k race, making things very tough on the bike from the very first moment. The weather in April is a potential challenge as well but I like to cope with challenging circumstances and to take on a strong competition.
How often did you compete at Powerman Alsdorf and what is you personal highlight of this particular race?
I have been in Alsdoef twice: 2018 and 2019. From my personal experience, the running course is definitely a highlight: The lap is very spectator friendly and therefore, fantastic atmosphere is guaranteed and really pushes you to your best performance, especially during the 2nd run.
Have you participated in any other Powerman World Series races? If so, what is your „don’t-miss-race“?
Not so far, but Powerman Liechtenstein is planned and Powerman France already booked. Those competitions are very different race in the Alps with many vertical meters to climb. I assume this will be my don’t-miss-race (some kind of hate-love :-D).
How does a typical training week looks like in your preparation for a Powerman race (approximately 2 month prior to a race)?
I do have a training load of up to 20 h per week, with 1-2 quality sessions on the bike and 1 on the track. My favorite workouts are some K3-related stuff on my backyard mountain, but I also highly benefit from hard multi-bricks prior to the race. For those, I transform my backyard into a small transition area and got company from my wife.
Despite the current uncertainties of racing in 2021, do you have a competition schedule in mind?
Very duathlon focused, as the lock-down makes it hard to focus on developing my swimming skills. Three weeks after Powerman Alsdorf the ITU Duathlon is scheduled in Almere which would be an appealing goal.
Last but not least: What are your best advices for athletes who want to participate in a Powerman race?
There is no reason to be afraid to race a Powerman, but proper preparation makes things a lot easier. Good base work throughout the winter helps as well as some brick-sessions to prepare the body for the fast transition between running and cycling. Duathlon is definitively a tough sport but a cold brew after the finish line motivates for the pain.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights with us! We wish you the best for your individual and athletic goals.
We are excited to see you racing in Alsdorf on August 15th, 2021.
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