A rowing career behind her. Two Iron Man finishes (and well too) in her pocket. Alessandra Derme is the prototype of the NRC ambassador : always determined to push her limits a little further.
The next stop on this journey towards excellence is the Iron Man, which will be held in Kärnten-Klagenfurt , Austria, on July 3. The challenge is one for the few, but our Alessandra is certainly not the type to be discouraged by difficulties.
We talked about it with her in an interview where she told us about her passion, the best moments, as well as the most difficult ones of her career as an athlete and, of course, about NRC sunglasses. Which, in her words, “changed her life” . And who are we to say otherwise?
What inspired you to become a triathlete?
I practiced competitive rowing for 15 years and I reached a point where I was fed up, so I decided to change. I had the example of an aunt at home, our family “Iron Woman”, and so I decided to try my hand at triathlon and Iron Man.
Multitasking is fine, but between cycling, swimming and running, is there a discipline that you feel more comfortable with?
I feel more comfortable with the bike, while I suffer a little more with running.
Aside from your family example, what drives you to take on challenging feats like the Iron Man?
Trying to push the limits, to see how far I can go.
In “normal” times, how much and how do you train daily?
I train at least two hours a day, but it depends on the day: if like today the sun is shining outside, maybe I only do two or three hours of cycling. In any case, I always train on all three disciplines.
When is a competition approaching, like the Iron Man in July?
So I do at least two workouts a day and the bike sessions are extended, because in the Iron Man the bike is a bit like the needle on the scale. You have to be able, after 180 km, to get off the bike still able to understand and want, and above all able to start running.
Do you have to give up anything for this passion of yours?
I'm lucky because my partner also trains and I come from a family of athletes. So everyone around me understands this passion and doesn't make me feel bad about the dedication it requires. Sure, sometimes I'd like to take a weekend away, but instead I give it up because I have to train. But it also happens that we take a weekend to the seaside and we bring our bikes, so I reconcile the two things.
What's your favorite moment of a race?
The arrival, not only because it's over, but above all because your family and the people who love you are waiting for you, so it's like a party. At the start there's the adrenaline shared with all the other participants, but you're so focused on yourself that you're still alone.
The best moment of your career?
The last Iron Man, the one in Barcelona last year. Not only because I was doing a great race, but also because, at the risk of compromising my final result, I helped my partner, who was in crisis, to get to the end, so we crossed the finish line together. I thought we would arrive separated, me after him, and instead... Let's say that in this way I repaid him for all the times he waited for me in training!
The most difficult?
When I was still rowing and because of a doctor I was charged with doping, but luckily I was completely acquitted. I had to deal with myself, it was a difficult moment, but also useful for growing. But the bad thing is that everyone talked about the fact that I was under accusation, while when I was acquitted the matter was passed over in silence.
From an equipment standpoint, as a triathlete, what do you care about most?
First of all my bike, which is my little jewel and must always be perfect. Among the accessories instead the glasses, because I have very delicate eyes and NRC literally saved my life. When I practiced rowing I didn't use sunglasses and I was always with frowning eyes, so much so that I got wrinkles. Today instead I always wear them.
What is essential in glasses during a race?
The lightness. I don't even notice I'm wearing my HOCOs.
Do you have any advice for managing your glasses during the race?
Before a competition I clean them perfectly, so that there is not even a stain. And I attach them directly to the helmet, so that when I get on the bike I don't waste time putting them on. Once I have started, then I fix them. In triathlon the transition is fundamental.
Your favorite NRCs?
HOCO , precisely. They are the most versatile glasses that exist. I have “converted” all my family members and I am giving them as gifts to many people.