CTEK Sales Manager to take on gruelling Ironman Barcelona challenge
CTEK’s UK Sales Manager, Adrian Hopkinson is to undertake his ultimate physical and mental challenge in October – to complete the 140.6 mile Barcelona Ironman triathlon event in less than 12 hours, while fully kitted out in a CTEK branded tri-suit!
35-year-old Adrian is a regular athlete having participated in running events and challenges for a number of years. In June of this year Adrian completed an Olympic distance triathlon at Rutland Waters, finishing in just 2 hours and 32 minutes. On 28 August he will compete in a team relay event with his local club, Bassetlaw Triathlon Club, and just a week before the Ironman event he has a half distance triathlon scheduled in Nottinghamshire.
Adrian started competing in triathlon in 2021, and now he is challenging himself to take part in his first full distance Ironman event in Barcelona on 2 October. Training is well underway with Adrian having already covered over 1,370 miles on his bike, 555 miles running, and 51 miles swimming, this year alone.
Adrian said: “Ever since I started following the sport, a full distance Ironman has always been my goal. After completing the half distance and Olympic distance events last year I set myself the challenge to put both my physical and mental limits to the test”.
Described by Adrian as ‘the biggest challenge of my life’, the Barcelona Ironman is renowned for being a relatively flat but fast course. The 2.4 mile swim takes place in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, off the sandy, palm tree lined beach of Calella. From there, competitors set off on a 112 mile bike course over 2 laps, winding along the stunning coastline. The final leg, a 26.2 mile run, takes place between Calella and Calella-Santa Susanna, with the runners completing 3 laps of the route.
Adrian continued: “I’ve always been into sports, it has always been my social activity, my de-stressor, my medicine for life. Last year was my first season in triathlon, and I really got the bug for it. The Barcelona Ironman was really the next step up for me. I was looking for something to really push my limits and I am training as hard as I possibly can to reach my target for this event. I think having a goal keeps you focused, not only personally but also professionally.
”CTEK have been really supportive and my colleagues are always asking how my training is going and keeping me motivated. Running and biking every day before and after work is a challenge, not just physically but mentally as well, and the weekends are no easier – I’ve completed four half marathons over the last four Saturdays, covering at least 13.1 miles at a time. My CTEK branded tri-suit is certainly being put through its paces!”.
The event will take place on 2 October in Barcelona and will be aired on the Ironman YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ironmantriathlon