Luz Saúde SA

04/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/09/2025 02:28

Hospital da Luz Setúbal by the side of those who overcome and triumph

Hospital da Luz Setúbal was the official medical service for Lidl Triathlon 2025, with a team of more than 20 professionals.

Lucas cherished the moment he crossed the finish line. Under a historic downpour and after completing a grueling four-and-a-half-hour race, he did what he had planned: "Inês, will you marry me?" That's right-he proposed to his girlfriend right there under the finish line arch. And she said yes! A few minutes later, despite the torrential rain, Rodrigo approached the race's final stretch, called his two eldest children, and crossed the finish line holding their hands. He wanted to make sure they shared another of their father's victories. "And they loved it!" he assured afterward.

Lucas finished in 68th place in the final standings. Rodrigo was the 112th athlete to complete the Lidl Triathlon 2025 in Setúbal-one of the country's most significant triathlon events, bringing together around 1,000 athletes last Sunday, April 6, in the city.

This year, for the first time, the event was sponsored by Hospital da Luz Setúbal, which served as the official medical service for the competition. Beyond requiring well-trained professionals with technical expertise in Sports Medicine and Emergency Medicine, their presence also meant recognizing moments like those of Lucas and Rodrigo-standing by those striving to push their limits, knowing that the future is built with effort and dedication.

  • "We believe in the values of sports and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. This sporting event, which brings together athletes from various disciplines, is an excellent opportunity to encourage physical activity and well-being in our community. Additionally, triathlon is a sport that demands perseverance and determination-qualities we highly value and that reflect our commitment to caring for the health of the region's population," explains Cristina Fezas Vital, Executive Administrator of Hospital da Luz Setúbal, regarding this year's sponsorship of Lidl Triathlon 2025.
  • Furthermore, she adds, "This partnership is perfectly aligned with our strategy of proximity and social responsibility in the city and the region. We want to be more than just a hospital-we want to be an active partner in promoting health and well-being in the community. By associating with this event, we reinforce our commitment to fostering a healthier and more active lifestyle, in line with our purpose."

The Hospital da Luz Setúbal (HLS) team present at the event-comprising 22 healthcare professionals, including two doctors and eight nurses-began assisting athletes early in the competition. Due to severe weather, the water was rougher than expected, leading to ten athletes needing treatment for hypothermia. The rain and wind also made the roads more dangerous, and the 90 km cycling segment was marked by several accidents and dramatic falls, requiring medical intervention from the hospital team.

Even so, the overall outcome was less severe than anticipated, given the intensity of Storm 'Núria' that struck the region that day: 24 incidents were recorded, with only one athlete requiring hospital evacuation, supported by a team of five motorcycles, three emergency ambulances, one support vessel, and an advanced medical post near the finish line.

Entertainment for children at HL Clínica Luísa Todi

"We are familiar with the common medical conditions that arise in these competitions, and we are prepared to treat them: hypothermia during swimming and cuts and abrasions from transitions or falls. However, our biggest concern is athletes who have inadequate physical preparation. Critical incidents resulting from poor conditioning can occur at any moment," explains Ricardo Pereira Lopes, a Sports Medicine specialist at HLS who was part of the hospital team at the event. He proudly states that being part of Lidl Triathlon 2025 "places a seal of quality and trust" in the competition. "People trust us and our hospital," summarizes the doctor-a sentiment echoed by Cristina Fezas Vital: "Hospital da Luz Setúbal today stands as a fundamental pillar in providing excellent healthcare services in the city and region."

The HLS executive administrator participated in the awards ceremony for the race's top finishers alongside the mayor of Setúbal, André Martins. He emphasized that the city has become "a reference in sports," citing the various disciplines and competitions that take place in Setúbal with municipal support. "The involvement of local institutions, such as Hospital da Luz, in these initiatives is beneficial for both athletes and their performance. We are very pleased to see this happening," he stated.

  • On Sunday morning, while the Lidl Triathlon 2025 took place, Hospital da Luz Clínica Luísa Todi welcomed families from Setúbal. Located right next to the finish area and along the athletes' route, the clinic became a prime spot for spectators to cheer on competitors. As adults applauded athletes, children enjoyed drawing, playing with balloons, interacting with Lu-the Hospital da Luz mascot-and having their faces painted. Despite the stormy weather, Sunday turned into a day of celebration.

Rodrigo, the Hospital da Luz Athlete

Cristina Fezas Vital personally present Rodrigo Ribeiro with his medal. After all, Rodrigo is now officially an athlete representing Hospital da Luz. With a demanding professional career and a large family-three young children-Rodrigo is part of Luz Saúde's corporate team, working in the New Business Directorate at the company that manages the Hospital da Luz network.

Coming from a family where sports have always played a significant role, Rodrigo has a strong athletic lineage: "My parents and grandparents were always athletes in different disciplines," he shares. He began playing tennis at age six, later switching to rugby. "At a certain point, I realized I wouldn't reach a competitive level to build a sports career. So, I stopped competing and started playing padel, tennis, surfing, football, and going to the gym," he explains. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he had to choose a more solitary sport, which led him to take up running. "What motivates me? If I don't do it, I feel like I won't sleep well," he says with a smile.

On Sunday, Rodrigo completed the 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride, and 21 km run in 4 hours and 54 minutes. "I have grown so much with Luz-I joined right after graduating. This sponsorship adds an extra layer of responsibility for me. Knowing that Luz and my family are supporting me and watching helps me push through the pain of these races."

Congratulations, Rodrigo! We're always with you!