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Photo at the finish line in 2011 of Thiago Vinhal. Thiago was one of our spotters here in 2010 Ironman Brazil

Canadian Sara Gross

Coming into Ironman Brazil off of a recent third place finish at Ironman 70.3 St Croix: “My preparation for Ironman Brazil has gone really well in 2012. I had two solid training blocks in Tucson, have been riding with good cyclists and doing everything I can to work on my weaknesses and make the most of my strengths. I had a good race at 70.3 St. Croix, on a hard, hilly course, so I take some confidence from that. The only small incident was when I went to Melbourne for the Ironman in March. The airline lost my bike and when it finally arrived, it was broken. I also got a bug on the plane that I couldn’t shake before race day. It was a bit of a disaster and we are still dealing with the fall out. Fortunately, my friend Jasper Blake was able to lend me his frame so I can race here.”

Coming Back to Brazil: “There are many reasons I keep coming back to Brazil. I like the people and the place, and the familiarity of doing a race I’ve done before gives me comfort. Endurance Sport Travel does a good job of taking care of us. Also, the course suits me. I had a DNF here last year, so I have to make amends for that as well.”

Photo credit David McColm

Hillary Biscay, the Iron-Maiden, in her words:

“Although Sunday will be my 54th Ironman finish, a sixth finish here in Floripa will make Brazil my race with the most repeats. I fell in love with this country back in 2005-2006 when I was training in Sao Carlos with Brett Sutton, so half of my reason for coming here is simply an excuse to get back to Brazil. The other half is because of the history I have now established with the race; coming back to Floripa, I see so many friendly faces and I love the people here”

2011 second place finisher at Ironman Brazil: Guilherme Manocchio

Finishing second in Brazil: “It was a marvelous moment to share with Brazilian people and it was the highlight of my career so far. But it was just a race. Of course it does change me as an athlete, but as someone once said - you can’t live in the past. That’s why I intend to progress in my career. This year things begin so well after my first win in 70.3 distance in Pucon. After that I trained even harder for this Ironman Brazil. Some things I did correctly some not. I trained more, but my health was shaken. Got sick a few times, did Ironman South Africa not 100 percent, finished 10th, but I hope in Brazil I may perform at my best, or near it.

To win Ironman Brazil: “It would be terrific. It’s a goal I aim for my life. I’ll try it with all my power, physical and mental abilities. Even if I don’t win this year or the next few years I’ll keep trying, learning and performing.

His swim: “My swim is leveled as always. I started as an Olympic distance athlete, so I not very worried about the swim. I can push hard in this part, but at what cost. I’ll reach an economic steady state and wait for the bike.”

His bike: “I will spent lots of energy in the bike. I can ride very fast in a good day, and I hope May 27th (Race day) is that day. I’ll study the race, but I want to deliver in the bike.”

His run: “My running is going to be my last card in my hand. I expect to finish broken, with all my energy spent at these 42km. I hope to have a good fight, that’s all.”

His mental game: “The mental part is important too. And for that I can say I am prepared to suffer. Actually, I’m waiting for that moment. When everyone hurts, I hurt too. But I’m sure I can race hard even then. That’s what I’ll do.”

Argentina’s Ezequiel Morales talked of his many supporters and fans in his home country and Brazil, and that he doesn’t want to disappoint them on Sunday. Morales, now living in Brazil, also spoke about his first Ironman win at the 2011 Ironman Wisconsin. “It was a dream; it was the best moment and 15 years in the making,” Morales explained.

Oscar Galindez Three-time Ironman Brazil Champion:

About his season so far: “I have competed in recent months in several Ironman 70.3 and other half Ironman distance, as there was little time between these races was difficult to train 100 percent for Ironman Brazil, but I'm here to give a battle this weekend.”

Talking about racing Lance Armstrong: Racing with Lance was very good, even better for me was to make the best time on the bike in 70.3 Panama. I hope that the arrival of Lance in triathlon and Ironman help grow up our sport, including more and better conditions to pros triathlete.”

Discussing his son’s stab at triathlon: “Thomas is competing in short distances, the boy is 15 years old and 1.85 meters tall (6ft) and he could be basketball player but he loves the triathlon. I do not press them to have good results, it is your decision to take up training for make triathlon, I'm happy because he make a sport, away from bad things and computer.

Proud about OG glasses: “Oakley Brazil will be launching at Ironman Brazil Jawbone model with my signature, it is a project which I am most grateful and an award for my career of 26-year in the triathlon.”

The future: “I am working on my book to tell my story in sports.”

Fernanda Keller

Brazil's Luiz Ferreira led this race last year on the bike. Watch for him to exit the water in the lead, or with the leaders. His plan this year is take it just a little easier on the bike and save some for the run. Young and talented youngster!

Brazil's Silvia Fusco

Japan`s Hiroyuki Nishiuchi

Brazil`s Santiago Ascenço is always a challenger here in Brazil.

Argentina`s Ezequiel Morales should be in the hunt for the win. He won his first Ironman in Wisconsin last year and is carrying the confidence that Ironman title.

Eduardo Sturla - shooting for five title here in Brazil.

Four-time Iroman Brazil champion, Eduardo Sturla

"I decided to start the season a little bit later - last year I raced Ironman South Africa in March - to rest from all 2011 season and to settle down a little bit. 2011 was too many travels and races and I needed a break from all that rush. So I decided to stay in Argentina close to my coaches, friends and family. So season starts a little bit late but I hope all goes as good as it's going so far."

Talking of being the returning champion: “Sincerely, I hate the pressure. Sometimes I just forgot about that, and sometimes I just can't stop remembering. But the good thing is that it's not the first time that happens, specially going to Ironman Brazil, so I know how to manage that prior to the race. It's not the first time I come back as last winner so I know it's important to keep the focus, organize my routine and don't lose energy with things that aren't important. People talk everywhere, who's going to win, who's not, who's racing, who's not, I prefer to don't give attention to that and just do my own thing.”

Brazil, a special place for Sturla: "Brazil is special for me for a lot of things. In "racing matters" it's close from Argentina, same timezone, same weather. The course is considerably flat what's good for me. My coach always goes with me that is a big help too. I have a really good relationship with the organization too so it's nice to be welcomed by Carlos every time i go. In "affection matters" my family is also Brazilian, my wife is from Rio and always her family goes there to see her and give me support. They have a special good vibe naturally "Brazilian style" that is just great. Besides lots of friends and people close to me are able to go to cheer, give a word of support and just send me good energy. So in the end of the day it's like being home.