An island is the ideal place to organize a triathlon. The sea opens its waters for swimming and the dry land has plenty of space for cyclists and runners to complete these sections. Mallorca, which is a European reference in sport, is once again betting on this complete sporting modality with Mallorca 140.6. We spoke with David Thompson, CEO of Kumulus and in charge of ensuring that the triathlon is held again on the largest island of the Balearic Islands.
Mallorca 140.6, an ideal test for the athlete
A reference place for all triathletes on the planet to have. a triathlon of our own. The Ironman 70.3 held in Mallorca is the largest in the world. With these bases, Kumulus launches Mallorca 140.6, the latest bid to turn the island into the world capital of this sport.
Since 2016, the Ironman has not been seen in the Balearic Islands. The company led by David Thompson wants to convert Mallorca 140.6 in a high quality sporting event with the best services for the participants, the true protagonists of the test.
A test that will be held for the first time on September 25, 2021. COVID-19 restrictions have prevented the number of participants from being greater: Kumulus, in search of everyone's health safety, has limited the number of athletes to 600.
A careful organization, an unparalleled route and a spectacular island. Mallorca opens to anyone who wants to visit one of the world meccas of triathlon and also discover a small paradise in the Mediterranean. You cannot stop participating in Mallorca 140.6.
Kumulus, organizing company of Mallorca 140.6
Has the pandemic forced you to reinvent yourselves?
As a company, we have the advantage of being diversified. We have timing, digital image production, the agency... We have been able to do other things and look for new clients that you didn't have time for when preparing large events. You reinvent yourself to endure what you can, because everyone is standing still. We have been going month by month and we are still alive.
Why does Kumulus focus on these types of events?
The event with the most participation is the Palma Marathon. They asked us to host the event and that's how we started. Between the Marathon and the Iron Man in Alcudia we begin the adventure. We were going straight for the company to focus on sporting events, especially with the infrastructure part, since in Mallorca there was no one with the infrastructure capable of organizing high-caliber sporting events. This is how Kumulus emerged, betting on sporting events because that is what the client demanded.
Would you encourage people to get into organizing sporting events?
We are a company of 9 people that hopes to last much longer. We do it because we enjoy it and it is a very engaging job.. If you like sports and events, it is a very passionate sector, which works through experience and contacts. We can't complain, everyone is satisfied with our work. But yes, if you like it, I encourage you to dedicate yourself.
David Thompson, a passionate sports event organizer
The CEO of Kumulus has been linked to sports his entire life. Since he was a child, when he practiced it; until today, when he organizes it; David Thompson has made one of his hobbies a pillar in his daily life. Thus he reviews his career linked to different competitions such as triathlon or sailing.
The passion for sport and David Thompson.
When I was little I did all kinds of sports, although mine has always been sailing. From the age of twenty I started mountain biking and then started working in a sports store. We were the only store that sold triathlon, the owner's son opted for that topic. We created a club and little by little I entered.
I worked in the sports store, ran the club and organized some events, as a hobby, because there were almost none. About four events a year, in total, but without competition or anything like that. You like it or you hate it, but we were doing it. I joined an event organization company and from there I moved forward.
After five years of being in the company, the possibility of creating the company Kumulus arose. The clients I worked with decided to come with us. This is how Kumulus arises.
Your work life has always been linked to sport.
I have worked as a sailor, I was dedicated to sailing... My entire working life has always been linked to sport. But because it has come like this, it has never been that I was looking for it specifically. That arose and the passage of time has brought me to where I am now.
This is Mallorca 140.6
Why this type of test?
From the beginning we have been specialists in triathlon. We liked this sport and organizing events as a hobby at the beginning. It is the sport that we like the most and being linked to triathlons and Iron Man makes things easier for us. We have not had a full distance triathlon in the Balearic Islands for several years.
We decided to jump into the pool because setting up a complete triathlon, with two cycling laps, has a fairly high assembly cost. But it is true that there was demand for this event. We started organizing in mid-2019, but the pandemic prevented us from being able to celebrate the 2020 edition. Now in 2021 we believe that we have not made a mistake, because Iron Man has once again put the full distance in Mallorca. We want to resume long distance triathlon here in Mallorca.
What attraction does Mallorca have for organizing these events?
The issue of connectivity with all places in Europe and the world. This is very important. There is a brutal hotel structure and much of it focused on athletes. Transportation within the island itself as well. On a logistical level, it is one of the best places to host this type of event.
The landscape too, much more than the beach. Mountain roads, many coves and everything you want to organize this type of test.
No event organized by you before has the magnitude of 140.6. What does it feel like to complete this type of event?
We want to create a high quality event. Return to what long-distance triathlons were, so that there are features of the event for the athlete. We want to ensure the satisfaction of the participants, focusing on that. At a logistical level, we plan to organize a great event so that the people who participate leave with the feeling of having run the best test they could run.
The half triathlon is also well received. Why do people choose one version or the other?
The big test is queen. The people who have been competing for years are the ones who participate the most. It requires a lot of prior preparation time to do it well. But it is true that the medium distance, which also has its own thing, is chosen by many people and they enjoy it, because it is not so demanding in daily training. That's why there are many people who choose the middle distance.
A fun cycling circuit to get to know Mallorca
You can see the smile on David Thompson's face when he explains what the triathlon cycling circuit is like. The almost 90 kilometers of the section and the 400 meters of elevation make up a fun and somewhat difficult route, which allows you to get to know the island of Mallorca better. If you are one of the brave ones who dare to do the complete triathlon, you will have to do two laps of this entertaining circuit.
What is the cycling part of the test like?
We have used it in other events, including Iron Man. We were looking for a very visually attractive circuit, with some parts of ramps, but very attractive and fast. It is a circuit that offers us many opportunities. It's fun and allows you to get to know a less-seen part of Mallorca: towns and roads that people who do a lot of cycling do know, but generally don't. It has a small point of demand, which I also like. It is made to be fully enjoyed.
A fascinating event in a unique enclave. David Thompson and Kumulus look to the future with enthusiasm and desire for everything to go well. The organization is finalizing the preparations for the first edition of Mallorca 140.6. At the end of September, with the circuit completed and the medals on the necks of the winners, the largest island of the Balearic Islands will be able to boast of the return of the triathlon to its land.
