Sergio Borges

Sergio Borges is a former elite Ironman-distance triathlete and one of the most respected endurance coaches in the United States. For more than 30 years, he has dedicated his career to mastering both the art and science of triathlon performance, blending real-world racing experience with evidence-based training methodology.

As a competitor, Sergio raced at the highest level of the sport, completing 25 Ironman races worldwide with a personal best of 9:38, and over 70 Half Ironman (70.3) events with a personal best of 4:12. He qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii seven times and earned USA Triathlon All-American honors ten times. His competitive background laid the foundation for a coaching career defined by innovation, results, and athlete-centered development.

After a successful decade in investment banking, Sergio transitioned full-time into coaching, bringing analytical precision and strategic planning into endurance sport. In 2003, after years of questioning traditional endurance models, he developed his groundbreaking methodology: Inverted Periodization. This innovative training system challenged conventional endurance programming and has since produced Ironman champions, 70.3 podium finishers, and countless age-group winners worldwide.

Sergio’s impact on triathlon extends far beyond individual results. He has played a pivotal role in the development of many of California’s top professional and age-group athletes. To date, more than 180 of his athletes have qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

Coaching Credentials & Leadership

  • Level III USA Triathlon Coach

  • Level II ITU Triathlon Coach (Junior & U23 Development)

  • Level II USA Cycling Coach

  • Certified Ironman University Coach

  • Former Head Coach, UCSD Triathlon Team (3× National Champions; #1 Women’s Team 2006–2010)

  • Former Head Coach, UCI Triathlon Team

  • Head Coach, High Performance Paratriathlon Camp – Olympic Training Center

  • Head Coach, First Paratriathlon Camp – Challenge Athletes Foundation

  • Head Coach, USA Team (Elite, U23, Junior) – 2003, 2004, 2008 Duathlon World Championships

  • USAT Coach – Collegiate National Camps & Olympic Training Center Recruitment Camps

  • USAT Lecturer – Level I & II Coaching Certification Clinics

  • Founder, San Diego’s First Kids Triathlon Program (1998)

  • Contributing author, USA Triathlon’s first official book Complete Triathlon Guide

  • Contributor to leading endurance publications including Ironman.com, TriFuel.com, and Xtri.com

  • Featured Lecturer, Triathlon World Summit

  • Speaker, 2022 Endurance Exchange Conference

Education

Sergio’s coaching philosophy is supported by a strong academic foundation:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business – FAAP (Brazil)

  • Sports Science Studies – University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

  • Nutrition Science Studies – Stanford University

His academic background in business, sports science, and nutrition allows him to integrate physiology, performance strategy, and long-term athlete development into every training program.

Sergio is widely known for “thinking outside the box.” His Inverted Periodization methodology has redefined how endurance athletes prepare for peak performance. By combining decades of elite racing experience, scientific insight, and a deeply individualized coaching philosophy, Sergio creates realistic, performance-driven training plans designed to help every athlete — from beginners seeking health and balance to world-class competitors pursuing championship titles — reach their highest potential.