The world of Ronnie Schildknecht
2008 has been a magical year for Ronnie Schildknecht with his wins at Ironman Switzerland, 70.3 Switzerland and the European Duathlon Championships, and a 4th place in Hawaii. He starts his 09 season in Oceanside at 70.3 California and talked to slowtwitch.com before the race.
ST: You spent a few weeks in Gran Canaria to train to escape the cold Swiss winter. Did that give you enough time to get ready for 70.3 California?
Ronnie: I also was in Fuerteventura in January and then Gran Canaria in February to get in a good bike shape. I did about 40% uphill training so my bike power should be good. When I was training in Switzerland I focused more on swimming and running. It’s the first race of the season so I don’t know where I am exactly standing. I will know more after Saturday ( – ;
ST: How long will you stay in California before you return to Switzerland?
Ronnie: I will only stay another 3-4 days until I fly back. The weather is getting better back in Switzerland now.
ST: You have called 70.3 events your favorite distance. Why is that?
Ronnie: 70.3 suits me the best I think. It’s more about speed and power and I don’t have to worry about conserving my energy like in Ironman distances where the race really starts after 100 Km on the bike which I like too. But generally I just like to go out and hammer it all the way.
ST: Despite 70.3 races suiting you best, you still managed to finish 4th in Kona in 2008 and narrowly missed third or even second place. Tell us about that day.
Ronnie: Well Hawaii is different…. It’s not just a race it’s a long journey of highs and lows. It’s something special and for me it’s not to compare with my other Ironman races. I swam ok and was in a group with Vanhoenacker and Beke. We were riding pretty hard on the bike and were catching up on some guys. I was in about 15th position in Hawi. Back to town I had some problems on the bike and lost a few positions. I still managed to get out of transition in 13th position. On the run my legs felt quite fresh and I just ran my tempo, which was about 4min per Km. I was running close to Beke all the time and I was reeling in a lot of the top guys. I was quite stunned! At Palani I was in the top ten. On the highway I saw Lieto, Al Sultan, Sindballe, Stadler and got a little more motivated. In the Energy Lab after passing Brown and Bracht I was in 4th and 10 Km to go!!! Wow… I was hurting bad time but hey my buddies at home in Switzerland went crazy for sure so I had to hang on tough. It was just an amazing feeling to finish 4th place.
ST: In 2008 you won IM Switzerland and 70.3 Switzerland plus the Swiss and European Duathlon titles. Will we see you attempting to defend those titles in 2009?
Ronnie: I will not try to defend the European Duathlon title but 70.3 Switzerland and IM Switzerland.
ST: That being said, would you consider 2008 as your best season to date?
Ronnie: Yes it was. I won 70.3 and IM Switzerland also in 2007 but dropped out in Hawaii. So the 4th place in Hawaii really tops my 2007 season by far.
ST: So what event in you career is the most meaningful to you and why?
Ronnie: That’s the 4th place at the Ironman Hawaii 2008. For me it’s the biggest race in the sport with all best guys at the starting line.
ST: What else is on your race calendar for 2009?
Ronnie: Like I said 70.3 Switzerland, then Ironman Switzerland and Hawaii in October. I will also race some short races to maintain the speed.
ST: Can you talk to us about your athletic background?
Ronnie: I was always into sports. I started playing tennis as a five year old until I was 17. I also played soccer during that time. I was quiet good in Tennis nationally and once played Roger Federer. He was 14 and I was 16 years old. I lost 6:4 6:4. Not too bad, but after playing over 12 years I didn’t step up like Roger did and I quit. Then I started playing ice hockey and inline hockey with friends for a few years. In 2000 at age 21 I did an English course in San Diego and met two triathletes from Brazil. That’s when I got hooked with Triathlon and bought my first bike. I even flew from San Diego to Hawaii to watch the Ironman.
ST: We would like to hear your thoughts on doping and how common it is in your eyes?
Ronnie: Unfortunately doping takes a part in our sport/normal life and we need to talk and do the best we can against it. For example I don’t understand why we only get tested with urine and not blood. I voluntary get my blood tested 3 times a year with a special method and Swiss Olympic and the doping labor can see the results.
I also can understand when people start to think that every good performance of an athlete is not possible without any doping. You hear so many negative examples in the media that it’s hard to believe that there are talented athletes who can achieve these results clean. Tests are absolutely necessary but like I said they need to be improved and developed.
The only person who really knows is the athlete. So most important for me personally is, that since my 4th place at the Ironman Hawaii I know for sure that it’s possible to win there clean. That doesn’t mean I thought different before, but now with the experience being top five I see it from another perspective.
ST: Tell us about your sponsors.
Ronnie: My main sponsor is ewz, a big energy company in Zurich Switzerland. I am working with them since I started my triathlon career. I also signed with Cannondale for 2009 riding a Slice. It’s crazy stiff, light and still comfy. I have run in Pumas now for a few years. Biestmilch is the only supplement I am using. It’s a special protein and works very good for me. I also used a Fuel Belt in Hawaii last year and I loved it. It’s really helping me with hydration and stabilization.
ST: Do you follow any other sports?
Ronnie: Yes I follow Tennis, NHL Ice Hockey and champions league soccer in Europe.
ST: What foods do you like and dislike?
Ronnie: I love American bagels and peanut butter with jelly sandwich! I don’t like Seafood too much.
ST: Talk about your favorite music.
Ronnie: Depends on the mood. The Killers, some hit list songs and Hip Hop as well
ST: What was the last book you read?
Ronnie: Barack Obama’s Biography
ST: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Ronnie: By the age of 34 I am hopefully healthy and still doing triathlon and have some kids on the way…
ST: Is there anything else we should know about you?
Ronnie: No, but I am happy to answer further questions.
Ronnie's website is ronnie.absolog.ch
