Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía – Interview with Iván Pastor

by Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía on 23 Mar 2014 At the Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía Spanish sailor Iván Pastor, number two in the world ranking, will defend his title in a few weeks, in waters of the bay of Palma.

With three participations at the Olympic Games, Iván Pastor is always one of the big names of Spanish sailing. The sailor from Alicante, one of the most experienced sailors of the Windsurf Olympic fleet, will participate at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía, from 29th March to 5th April in Mallorca, defending gold in his category, RS:X M. For the Movistar team sailor, the ISAF Sailing World Cup Mallorca -first European event of the Sailing World Cup- will be the starting gun of a season 'to work hard towards Río 2016', because 'the Olympic Games are not every four years, they are every day'.
'I have been seriously getting ready for Río since the end of the London 2012 Games'

You won the Trofeo Princesa Sofía last year in RS:X M. What are your memories of that victory?

I have very good memories, not only because I won, but for the weather conditions, we had excellent wind conditions. Besides, I have a special feeling for this regatta. I’ve been participating in the event since I was 15 years old… It was the second time I won after the 2005 victory, so I hadn’t been on the podium in Palma for a long time and I missed it.

You were also the only Spanish sailor on the podium … What happened? Relax in the post-Olympic year?

Simply teams were not lucky and most of all, there were a lot changes with the new classes… Because the Spanish team normally performs well at the Sofia.

The new Olympic team was presented some weeks ago. Is it time to get ready for Río 2016?

I have been seriously getting ready for Río since the end of the London 2012 Games... Time goes by very fast and without being aware, a year and a half has gone by since London. So we must work hard up to Rio… The Olympic Games are not every four years, they are every day.

How have you planned the season?

My first important event of the season will in fact be the Trofeo Princesa Sofia, followed by the Europeans in Turkey, the Pre-Olympic event in Río and the Worlds in Santander.

How is a training day for Ivan Pastor?

It is very varied, every day is different. I practice several sports to complement my physical preparation which is most important for windsurfers. So I practice triathlon, surf, MTB, gym, trial running... Training on the water with RS:X can be once or twice a day and we mustn’t forget a most important part, stretching, yoga and pilates. Well, as you can see, I have some quite busy days...

You did not participate in Miami, the previous event of the Sailing World Cup, so we don’t know how you will arrive in the bay of Palma. Ready to defend the Gold?

I am training for it, up to now everything is going very well and I have a good feeling. I hope to be 100% ready for the Trofeo Sofia and enjoy once again the bay of Palma.

You are second in the class World Ranking. Do you expect to regain the lead this year?

Actually, not. As I did not go to Miami, I cannot defend the points obtained last year. This year we will focus on less events in order to obtain good results, so the ranking isn’t among our plans for this year. At least, I can say I’ve been leading the standings for 15 months during my sports career, and I hope there will be more!