The facet for which Antonio Lobato is best known is his career as a formula journalist 1. However, before focusing the bulk of his carrera In the circuits, he was also a announcer of other races: those of cycling. "That helped me to discover a sport that has fallen in love." Lobato is a fervent fan of the two wheels, more specifically to the Mountain Bike, a modality that has returned to intensity this year. So much so that he has not hesitated to sign up for the Titan Desert 2015, one of the most demanding MTB races that begins next Monday.
What do you expect from your first experience in the Titan Desert?
I hope to have a great time. Regardless of suffering and the weather conditions of great heat and exhaustion, but everyone says that the environment is exceptional. Many stories are heard, they say that the mixture of professionals who compete with survivors is very curious, there is a bestial companionship ... What I hope to find myself is absolutely beautiful, an unmatched personal experience.
How did the challenge of changing the television set for the Mountain Bike arise and sign up for the Titan Desert?
When I think of MTB I always remember the Titan Desert because of the difficulty it has. I already practiced mountain bike, but for a while I left it aside and then re -catch it. With the road bike I have already done twice the breakdown and the Delgado parakeet, but I was missing. I have always had in my head run it but until last year it was unfeasible. This year I have more time and it is time.
"To go to a Titan Desert you have to seriously take training. Six days of desert are another story"
How was the preparation of the Titan Desert?
Well, I don't know why it is a challenge that I have never faced. Route cycling can train it but Titan Desert is an adventure, they are extreme conditions for the Moroccan desert and these conditions cannot be trained in Madrid, so the greatest enemy is the head. The truth is that I am a bit scared.
Do you fear more mental fatigue than the physicist?
Yes because I have never done anything the same and what starts to play bad passes is the head. I made a marathon and in the final 2 kilometers my head warned me. When the body gives an alarm the head warns you. If you have not trained your head a lot, it warns you, but the really surprising thing is that the limits are much further, you have to cheat your head, you have to endure until the end.
In the physical section, what has it cost you most to train for the test?
You have to take training with some seriousness. In the breakthrough, for example, if you have not been very rigorous training you can pedal 200 kilometers, although you end up exhausted. But six days in the desert are another completely different story, or you prepare them well or not survive, you stay in the attempt. You have to take time although it has coincided with the Formula One World Cup and with the launch of my first book. I combine training with my personal life and the family has to accept this great passion and enormous madness.
"When I broadcast the Italian turn in 1995 I discovered a sport that fell me completely"
Do you train alone or accompanied?
It depends, I have a MTB group and another road bike. On weekends I train in groups and during the week.
You have always declared yourself fond of cycling, you have even broadcast great tests such as turn or return. Are you more of road or MTB?
To watch it on TV I don't care. Retransmitting the turn in 95 I discovered a sport that fell me completely, I discovered another dimension of suffering that captivated me. The Mountain Bike is more modern, it does not have the same heroic profile as road cycling. But it is growing a lot, now it is already Olympic sport and also falls in love. The road bike is more for a normal fan, for the general public I think the Mountain Bike is more attractive.
What are your favorite routes to go by bicycle?
I live in the western area of the Community of Madrid, where there is a lot to roll. I like going out for the Escorial, Valdemorillo, Abantos, Quijorna, La Sierra, Navacerrada ... They are mythical ports.
What gives you the bicycle that other sports do not give you?
It's fun, it gives you more satisfaction. I got hooked and I like it but it doesn't give you the same adrenaline. With the bicycle you suffer but enjoy. I love technical drops, the adrenaline of speed. Many people say I am crazy because I like to climb or climb. I like repencos, crowns, shrink my friends and squeeze me.
"After the Titan Desert I hope to do more tests. I am very attracted to Madrid-Lisboa by teams"
What bicycle are you?
I have several: one Scott Spark 910, one Scott 750 and one Addict Team road.
Have you ever bought or sold bicycles or second -hand material? Would you sell the bicycle with which you are going to participate in the Titan Desert?
Sell yes, I sold a bicycle because I didn't fit me in the garage. If I finished the Desert Titan I will hang it on the wall with the Finisher's jersey, if I will not sell it.
Is the Titan Desert an end or will it be the beginning of new bicycle challenges?
It is a beginning. I feel very lucky personally and in the professional. Two years ago I made a marathon, then came the breakthrough and the Delgado Perico. This will be a step forward although we will see it later. I hope to repeat. The Madrid-Lisboa by teams also attracts me a lot.
