A Heart Full of Gratitude

This Saturday, June 14, 2025, I experienced one of the most intense moments of my career by winning the Zarauzko Triatloia — one of the most iconic triathlons in Spain, nestled between sea and mountains in the majestic landscapes of the Basque Country. This triathlon is so much more than a race — it embodies everything sport can offer at its best: passionate strangers who become your strength, a crowd that pushes you to your limits, an emotion that can’t be explained but must be felt, together. Winning Zarautz isn’t just a victory — it’s effort, raw emotion, and pure joy, amplified by an unforgettable crowd who brought the course to life from start to finish.

image @fotorunners.es

A Wild and Exhilarating Swim

Image @amarierretratua

The women’s start was at 2:00 p.m., and I loved the format allowing us to begin ahead of the elite men. We dove into the water from the beach in Getaria and swam the 2.8 km to the charming Basque town of Zarautz. The route followed the coast, with water at 19.9 °C — pleasant, but rough. I was in my element. Alongside Polish athlete Alicja Ulatowska, I took the lead early on. Swimming at the front in a choppy sea, with no lines or clear direction, is a real physical and mental challenge. It’s not easy to stay on course.
Kudos to all the athletes — that swim was no joke. Braving that ocean crossing is an achievement in itself.

Image @amarierretratua & @unaialberdi22

As I came out of the water in first place, an immense crowd was waiting for me on the beach. It was surreal. I looked up for a moment, heard the roar of cheering, saw the smiles, and felt a wave of encouragement wash over me. I think I experienced one of the most beautiful moments of my triathlon life right then. I soaked it all in at 200% as I ran to grab my bike.

Image @mikelboada

A Demanding… and Spectacular Bike Course

After a quick transition, I jumped on my bike for 80 km of winding, wet, ever-changing terrain — but absolutely stunning. Two loops, three climbs of the Meagas pass, and of course the legendary San Blas wall, with gradients nearing 20%.

It rained the entire time. Non-stop. The roads were slippery, the descents technical. You had to stay 100% focused, adjust every turn, trust your instincts. But I felt strong, solid, and fully in control.

Image @oblanco78 & @fotorunners.es

And then… the spectators. My god, the spectators. I get chills just thinking about it.
They were lined up on the steep climbs, shouting my name, banging on the barriers, running beside me like in a Tour de France stage. The Basque crowd is legendary — now I understand why. They pushed me on every climb, they gave me wings. Because of them, I made it to the top without ever setting a foot down. They truly carried me.

At the end of the second loop, still in the lead, I had a 4-minute gap over French athlete Morier and more than 7 minutes over Łagownik and Borbón. But I knew nothing was secured yet.

Image @amarierretratua

A Run Carried by the Roar of the Crowd

Three laps of 6.2 km around the town, in the rain — but with an electric atmosphere.
Every street corner, every turn, was filled with faces, voices, bells, cheers. It was electric. I felt lifted, transcended. Even in the moments of pain or doubt, all I had to do was look up to smile again. And then came the children…

On the roadside, they held out their hands, eyes shining. I gave high fives to every little one with the biggest smile in the world. With each hand slap, I felt energy come back into my body. It was like magical fuel. Those moments are a lesson in joy and sharing. But there was also a moment of doubt.

Image @mikelboada

During the second lap, fatigue was setting in, and my closest rival had cut the gap to just 2 minutes. That’s when I saw my brother Jeevan. He was waiting for me at the side of the course, and what he gave me without saying a word lifted me. His look said: “You can do this. Keep going.” And it was exactly what I needed. That fraternal connection, that powerful support, gave me the confidence to finish strong. I kept a good pace, focused, never letting up.
And when I reached the final kilometer, I knew I had it. I looked up, saw that crowd so close, so present. And I savored it. The last kilometer… was magic. A straightaway, the applause echoing through my entire body, chills with every step. That heart-overflowing feeling. I crossed the finish line in 3h59m05s — 19 minutes faster than the previous course record. But it wasn’t just a win — it was a shared emotion.

image @zarauzkotriatloia

A Victory Shared

Winning the Zarauzko Triatloia was above all an emotional gift. What I’ll remember most is the human side of it all. That incredible crowd who gave everything and asked for nothing.
My brother Jeevan, at my side — hearing him shout my name in the streets of Zarautz… priceless.

The volunteers, soaked but smiling. The athletes — every one of them — who braved the elements with courage. This race was demanding, brutal at times. And every person who crossed that finish line, no matter their position, is a true champion.

I end this journey filled with gratitude — for this mythical race, for my brother being there, for the flawless organization, and for every person who stood in the rain to push us beyond our limits. Thank you.

I truly enjoyed every second of it.

It’s a race that doesn’t end at the finish line — it stays with you. It lives within you.
Zarautz will forever be etched in my heart.

Image @amarierretratua