Monday, January 20, 2025, 11:32
The Peñota Dental Alusigma triathlon team is a powerhouse of resilience and determination. This was vividly showcased last Friday during the unveiling of their women’s and men’s medium and long-distance squads at their headquarters, the Hotel Gran Bilbao. The event was hosted by the renowned Basque speaker Jon Alegría.
The men’s team, which clinched the Spanish championship in medium-distance triathlon and secured silver in the long-distance category in 2024, has set its sights even higher for the upcoming year. “our goal is to dominate every competition— the Duathlon and Triathlon Leagues, as well as the Spanish Championships in Duathlon LD, Triathlon MD, and Triathlon LD,” stated their sports director, Pablo García, with unwavering confidence. The roster boasts an impressive lineup of elite athletes, including Gonzalo Fuentes, Pello Osoro, Joan Reixach, Diego Méntrida, Mikel Mujika, Ander Segurola, James Teagle, Julen Lopetegui, Guillem Rojas, Miguel ledesma, Carlos Oliver, Ander Noain, Xabier Tijero, Iñaki Baldellou, Alex Unzu, Aitor San Vicente, Txomin Osorio, and Jordi García. With such talent, the team is poised to solidify its status as the nation’s premier triathlon squad.
The women’s team is equally formidable. Led by 2023 Spanish LD champion Patricia Bueno, the squad includes Steffie Le Bénézic, Aitziber Urkiola, Sofía Aguayo, Phoebe Barker, Bea Lalaguna, Ana Camino, Irune López, Naiade Velasco, Eneritz Urrutia, Maialen Azpiazu, and Eider Bereziartua. These 12 athletes, part of a 19-member team, are steadfast to propel the club into the second national division. “We aim to win the Spanish LD and MD team championships and are fully prepared to compete in the duathlon and triathlon team time trials at the national level,” declared their sports director, Alberto Barrio. Additionally, the Portugalete-based club is focused on dominating the Basque duathlon and triathlon circuits.
The event concluded with heartfelt gratitude to the team’s sponsors, whose support is instrumental in their continued success.
Long-distance category last season, aims to reclaim their past glories. ‘We are convinced that we can bring the title back to Bilbao,’ said the captain, Peio Martínez.‘The players and the coaches are doing a fantastic job preparing for the next matches. Our supporters and the club are excited for this season, which we hope will be a great success.’
Meanwhile, the women’s team, led by Lea Aramburu, is following a similar path to that of the men. ‘We are aware of the challenge, but we are committed to achieving the best results of our careers,’ stated the women’s leader. ‘We know there will be tough moments during the season, but we work hard every day to be in the best shape possible.’
The squad has reinforced their rosters with promising talents like Lorena Gonzalez, who began her professional career with the Zarautz Tennis Club, and Iñaki Zabaleta, who achieved 13th place in the Ironman del Lanzarote in his first outings with the men’s team.
The Peñota Dental Alusigma triathlon team’s unveiling of their squads for the upcoming season was a testament to their enduring spirit and ambition. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, both the men’s and women’s teams are poised to make a significant impact in the medium and long-distance triathlon circuits this season. The community of Bilbao rallies behind their teams, eager to witness a season filled with triumphs and memorable performances.