My Experience at the ITU Cup in Morocco | Triathlon African Cup
The water was rough, and wetsuits were not allowed. I felt good in the swim, but during the transition, I wasn’t fast enough and lost the group. Thoughts like “I won’t catch them” came up, but I didn’t let them affect me.
One of my goals in triathlon has always been to gain experiences, share them, and use social media in a positive way, learning from both the good and the not-so-good moments.
In 2015 and 2016, I lived in the Dominican Republic for almost two years, where I grew personally, made friends, built connections, and gained sponsors. It was an incredible period of personal growth that gave me the motivation and strength to return to competitive racing.
Challenging Myself
At the end of the year, there were very few competitions available. I wanted to motivate and challenge myself, and the only option was the ITU Cup in Morocco. I felt a mix of excitement, commitment, and responsibility.
Long story short: I bought the ticket, registered, and took advantage of the opportunities offered by the event—free hotel and meals, plus prize money. I told myself, “Go for it, Raquel!”
Arriving in Morocco: Everything New and Challenging
The trip was long, with an eight-hour time difference. I arrived four days before the race, alone and having never been to Africa before. Everything was new: the language, the food, the hotel—an истинe adventure.
Adapting, however, was not easy. I didn’t sleep well and learned that I would be sharing a room with two other athletes in a small town where no additional accommodations were available.
In the end, sharing a room with an English athlete and an Italian athlete turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. Despite our time differences, we shared experiences and moments I will always remember.
Adjusting Sleep and Nutrition
I arrived on Thursday, and the race was on Sunday. With the time difference, sleep was a real challenge. When I finally managed to fall asleep, the other athletes were waking up.
I decided to go with the flow and stay positive. I also paid close attention to my nutrition, which was very different from what I was used to. I focused on what I could control and enjoyed every moment of the adventure.
The Logistics of Being a Triathlete
Traveling with full triathlon gear is a science: swimming equipment (wetsuit, swimsuit), bike, tools, wheels, and more. Upon arrival, you must unpack, assemble the bike, check every detail, preview the course, and even swim in cold ocean water. Every step requires discipline and strategy.
Race Day: ITU Sprint
The event was a sprint triathlon:
750 meters of open-water swimming
20 km of cycling (draft legal)
5 km of running
I chose to maintain a positive mindset, blocking out negative thoughts such as fatigue or frustration. I focused on the experience, the opportunity, and the people around me.
Swim
The water was rough, and wetsuits were not allowed. I felt good in the swim, but during the transition, I wasn’t fast enough and lost the group. Thoughts like “I won’t catch them” came up, but I didn’t let them affect me.
Bike
I rode a large portion of the course alone, battling strong winds. I felt frustrated for letting the pack go, but I kept fighting and eventually rode part of the bike leg with the Argentine and Japanese athletes.
Run
We arrived together at the final segment. I knew the French and Japanese athletes were among the best in the world, but I told myself, “Hold your pace—don’t give up.” And I did just that. I learned that mindset creates reality, and I promised myself never to give up in the face of obstacles.
Result and Lessons Learned
I finished in 7th place, the only Latina in the race, feeling confident and motivated about my abilities. Every obstacle I overcame reinforced that consistent work and discipline lead to growth.
Beyond the result, it was an invaluable experience: learning about the culture, feeling the warmth of the people, and proving to myself that I can improve through effort.
Final Reflection
Life is about challenging yourself, without comparing yourself to others. It’s about gaining experience, reflecting, identifying areas for improvement, turning the page, and working on your weaknesses.
We all face challenges and have opportunities to become better. Attitude and determination are what make the difference.
