Written by: Lucy Kovari 
What kind of sport did you do as a child? When did you start doing triathlon? How did you become familiar with the long distance?
My sports career began at the age of ten. After running as a youth, my teacher, Edit Soós suggested that I focus on duathlon races as well. Thanks to her, I participated in several world games
as a member of the Hungarian National Team. Our team won the World Duathlon Champion title in 1996 in Ferrarra, Italy.
My triathlon career began at Széchenyi István University in Győr where László Papp and Dr. Géza Zakariás were in charge of my training and thanks to their outstanding professionalism my results improved continuously.
Because of my talent and perseverance, it soon became clear that the longer distance is more suitable for me. From 2002 I genuinely and specifically have been preparing for that. I am especially proud of my Ironman Hungarian Championship titles five times (2005 - 2009), my best result (22nd-8:51:44) in the Hawaiian World Championship in 2007 and my first international ironman victory in Arizona in April 2008. These results made me an internationally recognized triathlete.
As you said, foreign experts have already started to know your name; Soma Half Ironman (USA) 2nd, Challenge Roth 28th, Ironman70.3 California 10th, Ironman China 3rd, Desert Classic Duathlon 2nd place.
How do you evaluate your last season?
I have mixed feelings about 2009. In January I decided to start working with an internationally well-known triathlon coach, Sergio Borges. Our first season working together did not produce the expected results because of other unexpected circumstances. Although we both have invested a lot of work into the preparation, my races followed an unfortunate trend (China - bike failure, St. Pölten - puncture, Roth - I misjudged my strengths, Hawaii - injury, Arizona - illness). IIn the light of this, it is difficult to draw conclusions, however there were positive signals as well (Hungarian Duathlon Championship and Hungarian Ironman Championship 1st place). Therefore we are looking forward to next season.
You mentioned the accident, which is why you could not participate in Kona. What kind of injury did you suffer from?
Thanks to my sponsor, Tribe Multisport, I had the chance to train under better weather conditions before the Worlds. So, I arrived in Arizona in August to prepare well for the event. I had just got my brand new Cervelo P4 and went out for a 1.5 hour riding session. On the way back home I was going straight on the roadway when suddenly a car turned in front of me. I spent four days in hospital, I was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder, broken rib, fractured left hand , broken nose, damaged teeth, several cuts and bruises and my left lung collapsed. At first, I was very disappointed; but then I realised how lucky I am that I survived with these injuires and I could continue doing ironman races in the future, including Ironman Hawaii.
What opportunities do you see for getting amongn the absolute world leaders in 2010?
As far as the international ironman races are concerned, I have a good chance to get another victory. But the most important event is the Hawaiian World Championship where I want to finish in the top 15. To be one of the world’s best also means that you can represent famous brands. I am proud that some large global companies already consider me worthy of using their products and representing them all over the world; Cervelo, Newton Running, Xterra Wetsuits, ISM Saddles, Decathlon and Oval Concepts.
What are your early season plans?
My first race this year is Ironman China. It is a great opportunity to race a hot early season Ironman, experience the Chinese culture and discover the beautiful, tropical Hainan Island. The race course is very similar to last year`s, the swim starts in the Nandu River, the bike mostly takes place on the perfectly smooth highways, except the two villages, whose narrow roads will slow us down a little bit. Then we run 2 loops alongside the palm tree-lined river and finish in the bustling old city, in the center of People’s Park. Last April I was 3rd despite the extremly hot weather. This year race organizers decided to bring forward the event to March due to favorable conditions so I am hoping for an enjoyable race from start to finish. An additional source of interest for me is that my girlfriend will take part in the ironman 70.3 distance at the same time. I think it will be a great experience for both of us.
Are you planning to take part in Hungarian competitions as well?
My goal is to qualify for Kona in the first half of the year. After China I am going to the United States and the following contest will be Ironman St. Georges in Utah. If I get the slot there, the end of the year becomes sure as well; Ironman World Champs in October and IM Arizona in November. Between the two periods I would like to do a European ironman and the first Orfűman half distance triathlon in Hungary.
What is your opinion about the ultratriathlon and the achievements of Ferenc Szőnyi the world champion?
Although I do five or six ironman races in a year, I haven’t tried more than one in a row. Unfortunatelly, I do not know Ferenc Szőnyi personally, I think the ultratriathlon distance is more than finishing the distance, the triathlete has to overcome himself as well. It can be incredibly demanding. I respect their achievements.
Who helps you to prepare for the contests and reach your goals?
Besides my professional back-up team, I have very important supporters, without whom I could not go further. Tribe Multisport is more than a store in Scottsdale for triathletes, it is a community of folks who also love the sport of triathlon. Fétis Kft is one of the largest Hungarian tools trader and distributes good quality products. One of my most long-standing partners is the R+R Konstrukt engineering firm and I am sponsored by Bilk Kombiterminál as well. I am in the fortunate position that all these companies stand behind me and help me finance the training camps and achieve my goals.
Homepage: www.majorjozsef.hu
Tags:Jozsef Major,Soma Half Ironman (USA) 2nd, Challenge Roth 28th, Ironman70.3 California 10th, Ironman China 3rd, Desert Classic Duathlon 2nd,
