Finnish motorsport driver Valtteri Bottas completed an Ironman triathlon circuit in his backyard. Bottas, who drives for Kick Sauber in Formula 1, completed 2.4 miles (3.86 km) of swimming, 12 miles (180.25 km) of cycling and a 26.2-mile (42.195 km) marathon.
The driver uploaded snippets of his run to his Instagram channel. Bottas completed his swimming circuit in his infinity pool, his cycling on his home bike and running on his treadmill. Bottas was asked to swim more than 200 laps of his infinity pool to make up the Ironman distance. Afterwards, he hopped on an exercise bike to complete the 112-mile cycling component.
An Ironman triathlon is one of the world’s most demanding endurance events, consisting of three gruelling disciplines: swimming, cycling and running. It starts with a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, followed by a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike ride and ends with a 26.2-mile (42.195 km) marathon run.
Participants must complete the entire course within a set time limit, usually 17 hours, with intermediate limits for each segment.
Ironman triathlons are known to push athletes to their physical and mental limits, requiring months or even years of preparation. The race requires not only physical endurance, but also careful strategy, nutrition and pacing, as competitors must manage their energy during the event.
Ironman events are held all over the world, with the most famous race being the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, held every October. The race attracts elite and amateur athletes, all united by the goal of finishing this monumental challenge.
For many, completing an Ironman is the culmination of years of training and is often seen as a symbol of perseverance and resilience. It is a test of endurance that requires a deep commitment, both physical and mental, to achieve.
Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas and Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu will leave Sauber at the end of the season, the Formula One team said on Wednesday.
‘After open and constructive discussions with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, we mutually concluded that the conditions for continuing together could not be met, so we have agreed that the time has come to part ways,’ Sauber said in a statement.
‘We would like to thank both of them for the contribution they have made to the team over the past three years. They have been the epitome of professionalism, using their experience and enthusiasm to support our growth.’
Sauber, which will become an official Audi team in 2026, announced in April that German driver Nico Hulkenberg, currently at Haas, will race for the Swiss team next season.
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