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Alessandro Zanardi takes up the triathlon challenge in Hawaii

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Khatir Soltani
From BMW

Former Formula 1 and ChampCar driver, Alessandro Zanardi is preparing to tackle his next big challenge: a triathlon. On 11th October, the BMW works driver and Brand Ambassador will participate in his first ever long-distance triathlon, which will be held in Hawaii.

Forty seven-year-old BMW works driver Zanardi is one of the best paracyclists in the world, a fact he has proven by winning two gold medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and by being crowned a double paracycling world champion in 2013.

Alex Zanardi
Alex Zanardi (Photo: BMW AG)

The triathlon on the Hawaiian Island of Big Island though will be another tough challenge for the Italian.

The competition consists of three parts: First, a 3.86 kilometre swim in the open ocean awaits the competitors. Zanardi, who has had both legs amputated, will be allowed to swim with a wet vest.

Then the competitors have to cycle for 180.2 kilometres. Zanardi will tackle this stage with his handcycle, with which he won his Paralympic gold medals. The triathlon will be completed with a 42.195 kilometre marathon, which Zanardi will contest with an Olympic wheelchair.

So in total, the former ChampCar champion will have to complete 226.255 kilometres – solely by the power of his arms.

We wish him all the best. Go Alex!

Alex Zanardi
Alex Zanardi (Photo: BMW AG)




Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada