One Water Race Preview: Meet Team 5 – South America
The One Water Race is a mammoth 250km race down the Stockholm Archipelago which combines navigation, swimrun and adventure racing.
Participating teams need to excel at orienteering, become masters of the challenges of multi-day endurance racing with an abundance of swimming in open water and long distance running.
Here we meet Team 5 – South America of Douglas Elias da Costa, Federica Frontini, Ruben Manduré and Thiago Bonini.
About the team
This is a team which began as heated rivals on international expedition races. They competed against each other so often that they became friends and then teammates. Since joining forces, they have raced together for over ten years developing a deep bond of trust. Such is the confidence between the teammates, that Ruben signed the team up to the One Water Race without consulting the other team members. The initial reaction was surprise, mixed with a healthy dose of trepidation but ultimately excitement to take on this new adventure together.
What do you think the biggest challenge you will face is?
The distances are enormous, the terrain very difficult, the water cold and the non-stop regime is cruel. But the most difficult thing will be facing the other teams, because they are world-class athletes fighting for a juicy prize. Blood will be spilled in the Stockholm archipelago.
What do you think about the One Water Race?
For us, the One Water Race is a unique challenge in a unique place, a call like this is impossible to ignore.
What advice would you give to the swimrun community from your pre-race preparation?
Our best training advice is to try to improve your efficiency through technique, and when there is no room for improvement, that you manage to reach high volumes of swimming! When it comes to race day, to be well rested and relaxed. Visualise the race and remain focused.
What are you most excited about?
This is going to be a fast and intense race from the start, we are looking forward to fighting for first place at a globally renowned event as we pass through a truly beautiful landscape.
