RELEASE 023/2005 - A LOOK AT FLORIANOPOLIS, HOME OF IRONMAN BRAZIL
RELEASE 023/2005 - A LOOK AT FLORIANOPOLIS, HOME OF IRONMAN BRAZIL
20.10.2005
A Look at Florianopolis, Home of Ironman Brazil
By Staff for Ironmanlive.com on Mon, Jan 10th 2005 (1:06 PM).
From tourist beaches to ancient forts, Florianopolis has something for everyone, including lots of Ironman triathletes.
Since 2001, under the new management of Latin Sports, Ironman Brazil has been taking place in the city of Florianopolis, in the country's South Region. "Floripa", as the city is affectionately called by Brazilians, occupies the whole Island of Santa Catarina plus a continent territory. It is a one-hour flight from Rio or Sao Paulo, the largest cities in Brazil and hub cities for the many airlines operating locally.
Because of its proximity to these large cities, access to Florianopolis is easy for Brazilians and South Americans who enjoy the area as a vacation destination. They not only enjoy the beaches, but also the culture and local history, the cuisine, the glittering nightlife and the well-preserved ecosystem.
The city still keeps traces of the XVIII century colonizers that can be perceived in the architecture, fishing, agriculture, gastronomy (highlighting seafood), and even in its friendly people, who are very open to foreigners. They watch the race during its entire course, cheering and motivating all the athletes.
The Brazilian culture is highlighted during the pasta dinner that takes place a couple of days prior to Ironman Brazil. "Typical local dances, a group of capoeira (a special, centuries-old wrestling dance) and a samba school performed in 2004", recalls Latin Sports' marketing director, Benny Hakak. "And we're setting up new surprises for the 2005 race, celebrating 5 years of the event being held in Florianopolis", he points out.
Riches and wealth are a kind of Florianopolis trademark when the subject is beaches. There are 42 beaches, some wild, some extremely scenic and addressing the sophisticated international tourism, some with warm waters, others with cold and agitated waves. That is the scenario that shapes the race's course, which no doubt fascinates the participants.
To the North of the island, the tourism infrastructure is better organized. The South keeps its natural wonders protected by hard access. It is on the West Coast beaches that many of the island's inhabitants traditionally live. The East Coast concentrates on the varied sports of the city and is the youngsters' and surfers' favorite.
The city where Ironman Brazil takes place is also impressive with its historical attractions, like a series of forts that surround the Island of Santa Catarina. Portugal, the country that colonized Brazil, built a variety of fortresses to defend it from invasion. Some are refurbished forts, while others are in ruins, and should not be overlooked while visiting there. These forts represent the most meaningful asset of the Brazilian Navy in the whole Atlantic Coast.
Many other monuments are incorporated into the history of Florianopolis. Among them is the Hercilio Luz Bridge, which has been the city's postcard for decades, and which is rare example of the oldest hanging bridge in the world. Other spots that are worthwhile visiting are the Metropolitan Cathedral (the oldest church in the State) and Palacio Cruz e Souza, both downtown.
Florianopolis is a capital of huge contrasts, not just for its mountains and architecture, but especially because it is a city where urban and rural, modern and ancient live together. That provides its visitors with an infrastructure where it is easy to find typical local crafts and also large international chain stores located in modern shopping centers.
The city's nightlife also recalls large urban centers. On the night following the race, athletes are invited to the Ironman Party. "The party always happens in a club near the event's site, to make access easier for the athletes" explains Carlos Galvao, the event's director. On the 2004 race, which was a success for athletes and friends, the selected location had two separate dancing sites and a live musical show.
With so many features adequate for an Ironman event, it is just impossible not to think of Florianopolis as a city destined for this type of race, in addition to being a wonderful travel destination.
Ironman Brazil's official tour agency is Endurance Sports Travel, managed by the American triathlete Ken Glah. The agency, that has already got bonds with the best Magic Island's hotels, offers special packages for athletes and friends. In addition, Endurance Sports Travel also provides a series of day trips before and after the event, as well as options of travelling to other parts of Brazil, like world famous Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon, thus completing a unique experience in South America's largest country.
Further information is available at the race's official website - www.ironmanbrazil.com