Name: Giulio Dubbioso

Triathlon background

When I red an article by a 80 year old nun that was completing her 85th Ironman, I discovered what triathlon is and I was immediately struck by it. At that time I was running and swimming...so only cycling was missing to complete the puzzle. The next year, in 2018, I competed in my first triathlon sprint (but having in mind since the first day long distance) and after 1 month my first 70.3. In between 2018 and 2021 I completed 11x70.3 and 2xIronman (Zurich and Elbaman). But something different called me: the extreme. In 2021 I did my first extreme triathlon, Brixiaman (Stoneman). From saying to myself "never again" to "I love it" was a fraction of second. Since then I completed 15 extreme triathlons, including Double Brutal and Hardasuka. I completed two times Lanzarote Ultra Challenge, one in solo, one together my great friend met during the first Lanzarote swim camp Peter Solc.

How old are you?

47

What do you think will be the toughest moment during the event?

The swim of the channel.

Favourite discipline (run, cycle, swim) and why?

I like all, all of them give me a sense of freedom. But if I have to choose, cycling and swimming.

Why do you push yourself to this level?

Honestly, I don’t really know. I just feel that I need it. In the last few years, I have tried to understand why I feel that extreme races are calling me, rather than me simply seeking them out. In the end, I realized that it feels natural to me, almost like what Jack London describes in The Call of the Wild.

For me, this call is connected to sport and endurance. For others, it may be connected to something different. But I think everyone has something inside that pulls them beyond their limits.

What made you want to take on Arch2Arc?

I wanted to take on Arch2Arc to honour my mother with something special. She was never able to practise sport because of a disability caused by polio, which she contracted when she was one year old. This challenge is also for her.

Favourite post-training meal

Eggs coocked with olive oil, bacon and pecorino cheese

How can people follow or support your journey?

Track on the official site

Least favourite discipline?

Running, because I am not a good runner even though I've always run.

What does finishing Arch2Arc mean to you personally?

It is impossible to me to find the right words, because probably those that I know would probably belittle it. Since I had the opportunity of the slot, A2A is the first I think when I open my eyes in the morning and the last before I fall asleep.

For me, finishing Arch to Arc would not be only a personal achievement. Of course, it would be the culmination of a very demanding sporting and human journey, but the most beautiful idea I like to think about is something deeper: showing that even something that appears impossible can become real if faced with determination, patience, and belief. I would like this challenge to carry a simple but powerful message: never give up, never stop believing in your dreams, and keep moving forward even when the road seems too long, too hard, or out of reach.

Hidden talent outside of sport

I have always been quite good at drawing, but I rediscovered this passion after many years when I started drawing Disney characters for my little nieces. It brought back something I had almost forgotten. However, now that they have grown up, I have stopped drawing again. It is still something I like, but at this stage of my life I feel more drawn to sport, training, and endurance challenges.

What do you do for work?

Researcher at National Research Council (CNR)

What does a typical training week look like?

For Arch2Arc, 6 session of swim, 3-4 sessions of runs and 3 session of bike.

Nationality / where you’re based

Italy

One word your friends would use to describe you

Different words...but the one I prefer is that said by a great woman and athlete. She said I am "strange"

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by apparently ordinary people who do extraordinary things, not necessarily in sport. People who live normal lives, with a job, a family, and daily responsibilities, but still find the strength and discipline to keep pursuing what they love. I think there is something truly extraordinary in that kind of quiet consistency.

What keeps you going when things get really tough?

I simply tell myself that I have to do it, no matter what. When it gets really tough, I stop negotiating with myself and just keep moving forward.

How are you preparing differently for this compared to other races?

I am preparing differently with respect to an extreme triathlon. I usually swim 5 days per week, but in the last months I approximately doubled the volume and in the next three months I have to further increase. Regarding run I will focus on slow run, seeking for an optimal peace for the ultra marathon, with "tempo" sessions. Regarding bike, I will try the most as possible to maintain my actual level. This is the aspect it like the least for the preparation, because I am always focused on "standard" extreme triathlon where bike is crucial...and I love it.

Have you ever wanted to quit during training? What got you through it?

Yes, of course. But I have never completely quit a training session, even when I was very tired or not at 100%. I accept slowing down or pushing less than planned, because I know that crises are part of long-distance racing. In those moments, I turn the session into mental training: I learn how to manage the difficult moments and keep moving forward.