Rudy von Berg: On a Mission

Rudy von Berg is on a mission to become the fastest 70.3 triathlete on the planet as he takes on the world’s best at the upcoming IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Nice

Rudy von Berg had a breakout year in 2018 with a 10th place finish at the 70.3 World Championships, 1st place at the Wildflower Triathlon, and several 70.3 wins including the European Championships and South American Championships. 

He also took the tape at last year’s 70.3 Nice, which is the site of this year’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships coming up on September 8th.

Most people would be happy (probably ecstatic) with a 10th place finish at Worlds. But Rudy wanted more, and he knows that he is capable of having an even better race this year.

Strong Start to 2019

Rudy has backed up his 2018 season with a strong start to 2019. Winning at the North American Championships in St. George, Utah in a time of 3:49:10. A performance which included the fastest bike split of the day.

Just one month later, Rudy took on a star studded field that included former Olympic silver medalist and 70.3 world champion Javier Gomez at the 70.3 European Championships. Rudy rode his way to victory with a blazing fast 2:01 bike split and 3:39 overall finish!

Mile High Training

Rudy lives and trains full time in Boulder, CO and has been working with his new coach Luc Van Lierde, which is clearly working out well.

Rudy’s sister, Olympia von Berg, a first year member of Team INFINIT, lives just a mile away (4 minutes to be exact) from him in Boulder. Their passion for triathlon was introduced to them by their father, who started doing triathlons back in the 1980’s. Olympia, who’s quoted saying, “I want to train with the best to become the best”, is thankful to have her father and brother to help her pave her road to success in the sport.

Olympia will also be headed to Nice for the 70.3 World Championships as an Elite Amateur and vying for a top spot in the 25-29 Age Group and Overall Amateur race. She finished 2nd overall in her age group at the 70.3 North American Championships in St. George as well as at the 70.3 Coeur d’Alene.

However, they won’t be the only two members of the von Berg family on course, you can plan to see their father and brother racing as well!

Rudy was first introduced to INFINIT while he was a member of the Maverick Multisport Elite Triathlon team in 2016. After the team folded, Rudy stayed on as an INFINIT Athlete because, simply put, “the product works!”

Rudy uses his “Full Throttle Racing” blend during the bike portion of 70.3’s. His fueling strategy includes use of a concentrated bottle, with 5 scoops mixed in one bottle. He supplements with additional plain water as needed throughout the rest of the ride, and that’s it. No gels, food, or any other nutrition products needed!

Returning to His Roots

While Rudy was born in the USA, he actually spent most of his childhood and teenage years in France. He later returned to the states for college, attending and graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2013 with a Business and Marketing degree. Needless to say, this twenty-five year old rising star is primed and ready to take on the 70.3 World Championships close to his childhood home in Nice, France.

The women will race on Saturday September 7th, while the men will race on Sunday September 8th, 2019. Both races will leave the von Berg’s racing among the best triathletes in the world. With names like Alistair Brownlee (Olympic Gold medalist), Javier Gomez, Ben Kanute, and Sebastian Kienle, to name a few. This race is certainly going to be one to watch!

About the Author

Colin Riley, MS, RDN, LD, CSSD is INFINIT's Head Formulation Specialist, registered dietitian, a fourth year professional triathlete, and a USA Triathlon level 1 certified triathlon coach. Colin started his triathlon career while he was studying at the University of Dayton and Florida State University. Also in that time Colin received his Bachelor of Science in fitness and nutrition from University of Dayton and his Masters in Sports Nutrition from Florida State University.