It's always nice to hear from athletes who know a venue well.

From the Organisers, we have a short interview with Marta Łagownik POL, who can tell us about her preparations.

We're continuing a series of short interviews with the Polish athletes who are preparing to participate in the Triathlon European Cup in Olsztyn. We are asking the athletes what they think about the organisation of such a prestigious event and what their preparations look like. Marta Łagownik answer our questions.

The city of Olsztyn has been granted permission to organise the Triathlon European Cup, which means that this prestigious event is coming back to Poland after an eight-year break. Do you think that the organisation of this international event in Poland will contribute to the development of triathlon?

For sure, the city of Olsztyn has perfect facilities to organise triathlon competitions. So far a lot of competitions have been organised in the western part of Poland and the time has come to show the beauty of Warmian-Masuria region and Lake Ukiel in all their glory.

How are you preparing for the competition in Olsztyn and for a new season? What are your plans concerning the starts in this season?

Owing to the Polish Triathlon Union and the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, together with the women’s national team members, I was preparing at the training camp in Lloret de Mar in February. Then, in March, just before Easter, we were training in Tossa de Mar. What we got was a huge motivational boost and the possibility to escape from the last days of winter and the beginning of spring in Poland. All the competitions are very important to me, including the race in Olsztyn which will be the first one. A lot will depend on it.

Have you adjusted your training plans to taking part in the Triathlon European Cup?

I am trying not to make any sudden changes which may not have positive results. I still like eating chocolate; I sleep the same number of hours. A golden mean is my method for preparation. If you keep doing the same thing, there are slim chances that you will make progress. My coach, in cooperation with me, is trying to introduce some changes; however, the results will be shown after the races so I don’t want to mention anything else.

The European Triathlon Cup Olsztyn 2018 is one of the first events in Europe at which it is possible to receive the ITU ranking points; gaining these points paves the way for qualifying starts for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. What is your goal that you wish to achieve in Olsztyn?

I just do care about a good start. I am not aiming at particular positions or the highest ones. I would like to gain valuable experience. The European Triathlon Cup in Olsztyn provides me with an opportunity to do so. I promise I will try to do my best and do what I am supposed to do.

What do you think the positive aspects of competitions organised in Warmian-Masuria region are?

It’s nice to take part in the European Triathlon Cup almost “at home” because Tricity isn’t so far away from Olsztyn. I’ve heard from other more experienced athletes that in our country there haven’t been too many events of such significance. They are always organised overseas so taking part in them requires investing a lot of money and time. It is a real advantage to Polish athletes. There will be a great chance to compete against the world leading athletes and to hear the cheering of our compatriots. So, I can’t wait.