Inside EagleXMan: Tommaso Boffi’s journey through the extreme triathlon

Forget everything you know about triathlons.

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EagleXMan is a different story altogether: the extreme version of a sport that’s already unforgiving. The distances are Ironman-standard, but the setting is something else entirely: deep in the heart of Gran Sasso National Park, with over 6,000 metres of elevation gain and a course that feels pulled from the script of an epic film. The landscape is breathtaking, the climbs seem endless, and the wilderness is as beautiful as it is brutal.

Out here, physical preparation isn’t enough. You need a clear head, a strong heart — and more than a little madness.

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Few dare to test themselves against the hell and paradise that is Gran Sasso. Among them this year was Tommaso Boffi, our ambassador and tireless triathlete. On 19 July, he took on the legendary EagleXMan for the first time, pushing himself to the limit in every possible way.

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In this interview, he shares what it was really like: the fatigue, the moments of doubt, the mental strength it took to keep moving forward, and the overwhelming satisfaction of crossing the finish line in one of Europe’s toughest races.

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This is his experience. Not just as an athlete, but as a man.

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1. What made you decide to participate in EagleXMan this year?

Last year, I went to watch a friend cross the finish line and I have to say, it was incredibly moving. I think it’s the most powerful and heartfelt finish line I’ve ever seen in any race. That moment stayed with me.

On a more practical level, I also chose EagleXMan to extend my race season. On 26 July, I’ll be competing in the full-distance IRONMAN in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, and I believe that these kinds of distances deserve respect. Taking on EagleXMan was a way to build towards that, both physically and mentally.

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2. How did you prepare for such an extreme race, both physically and mentally?

My training was very specific this time. I focused a lot more on uphill running and trail work than usual, and I spent significantly more time on the bike. The elevation profile of EagleXMan demands that kind of focus.

As for the mental side when your body is ready, your mind just has to manage what’s already there. These races don’t allow for improvisation. There are no surprises. You are what you are.

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3. Did you have a specific plan for managing your pace or tackling the different sections of the course?

Absolutely. In a race this demanding, you have to be careful not to push too hard too soon. Precision is key. After the swim, I stuck to a specific wattage on the bike, a power range that I knew I could sustain without burning out. That way, I could save enough energy to give my all on the run.

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4. What made you most anxious in the days (or hours) leading up to the race?

Honestly, I wasn’t anxious. I knew I was ready, both physically and mentally. I was confident because I had put in the hard work. Instead of nerves, I felt pure curiosity and excitement to take on the challenge with all my heart.

I had just come off a minor injury from Vietnam 70.3, but I managed it carefully and controlled it throughout my preparation. Over time, I’ve learned how to manage these feelings, now, nervousness rarely gets the best of me.

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5. Was there a moment or part of the route that particularly struck you, perhaps because of the beauty of the landscape or the emotion you felt?

I actually took time to really soak in the landscape the day before and after the race, so I could fully appreciate its beauty. During the race itself, the swim in Lake Campotosto was a special moment, the sunrise behind us made it truly unforgettable.

On the bike, I was very focused on sticking to my plan, so I didn’t take in as much of the scenery as I might have liked. But the most powerful moment came near the end, running along a mountain ridge with the finish line just 700 metres away. Knowing that my friends and family were waiting for me there gave me an incredible rush of emotion.

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6. Which of the three disciplines challenged you the most: swimming, cycling, or running? And what made it so challenging?

Definitely running, if you can even call it that! I had never faced a section like the first 18 kilometers, which included 600 meters of elevation gain, followed by another 6 kilometers climbing 1,000 meters. It was tough, no doubt. Thankfully, my coach was right there with me. In races like this, having a coach is essential. He pushed me when I wanted to give up and kept me going until the very end.

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7. Did you encounter any unexpected events during the race? If so, how did you react?

I was bracing myself for a flood of surprises, that’s usually the case in Ironman races. But surprisingly, nothing really unexpected happened. Maybe the only difference was some awkward transitions where I lost a bit of time, but nothing I wasn’t prepared for. Everything else went according to plan.

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8. What kind of gear did you pick for race day? Did you follow any specific nutrition strategy that worked well?

For the swim, I chose a Zone3 wetsuit and Zone3 goggles with clear lenses; since the race started at 6 a.m., visibility was limited. On the bike, I wore a triathlon bodysuit, and because the first 20 kilometers after the swim took me through mountain terrain, I put on a cape to stay warm and avoid freezing.

As for the run, which I mentioned earlier is split into two challenging sections, I used the Salomon Active Skin 4 hydration vest with water in the pockets to stay hydrated, paired with my trusty HOKA Mafate X shoes. This setup worked well for me, keeping me fueled and comfortable throughout the race.

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To tackle the vertical section, you need a specially checked kit before the climb, which is mandatory. This includes long trousers, a whistle, a thermal blanket, a headlamp, a thermal shirt, a hat, and LEKI Ultratrail FX.One Superlite Trail Running Poles. Luckily, my coach, a former pro bike racer and Ironman athlete, carried everything in his backpack, as permitted by the rules.

For nutrition, I relied on solid bars during the bike leg and caffeine-free Maurten 160 gels while running, trying to drink whatever fluids were available along the way to stay hydrated!

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9. How did you recover after such an intense event? Do you have any useful advice to share with those preparing for similar competitions?

To recover, I did what I always do: I saw a chiropractor who helped get me back in shape.

I felt strong, satisfied, and truly happy. These competitions boost your morale and strengthen your heart. I don’t have any specific advice beyond this: you won’t find amateurs in these races. My biggest tip is to be truly ready, understand what you’re getting into, and only commit if you have a tremendous spirit of sacrifice. The numbers on paper won’t carry you through. When cramps hit on the final climb and your legs are so tired they almost feel empty, it’s miles and miles of heart and passion that keep you going.

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10. What would you say to someone thinking of signing up for their first extreme triathlon?

Enjoy the preparation. I imagine anyone taking on a race like this probably comes from a more traditional triathlon or IRONMAN background. My advice? After finishing something like EagleXMan, you’ll know you can do anything!
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A heartfelt thank you to Tommaso for sharing his incredible experience with us. You can follow him on Instagram to stay updated on his races and gain valuable insights from his journey.

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We also extend our gratitude to Federica Lucia Carducci for the stunning photos that beautifully captured this extraordinary journey, and to Franky Mascia, Tommaso’s coach, whose constant technical and physical support made this adventure possible.

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