Daniela Ryf will compete for the first time at Ironman Klagenfurt, Austria

Swiss Sportswoman of the Year 2018, Daniela Ryf, has announced her first two Ironman races for 2019. On June 2 she will compete in Rapperswil, Switzerland, over half the Ironman distance and on July 7 at Ironman Klagenfurt, Austria. Daniela is already qualified for the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Nice and will compete there in September. Her main goal for this season remains the Ironman World Championship held in Kona, Hawaii.

Daniela Ryf has had an eventful few months since her fourth victory at the Ironman World Championship. The 31-year-old was voted Swiss Sportswoman of the Year and has been nominated for World Sportswoman of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards. The announcement and presentation of the awards will take place on 18 February in Monaco.

After a few weeks break, Ryf resumed training last December. "I took a good break and really enjoyed having more time for other things," she said. "I was also able to launch many exciting projects with my team, sponsors and partners. After that I slowly started my preparations again, with one training session a day and I am gradually increasing the scope".

Daniela Ryf will continue her preparations in February during a training camp in Gran Canaria. "I train several weeks a year on the island. The good climate and the challenging terrain are perfect for building form, especially  on the bike. In February I train over two weeks and then in March over three weeks on the island. This also gives me a good change from training indoors which I do a lot over winter."

Premiere in Klagenfurt

Daniela is still to decide on her first race of the season and will announce it soon. However, she is pleased to again be racing Ironman 70.3. in Rapperswil on June 2. "I'm always happy when I can start at least once a year in Switzerland so my friends have the opportunity to join in the excitement on the track. I'm very excited about Klagenfurt as well. This year the race fits well into my preparation."