Posted: July 11, 2005

Triathlon: Tri-Dubai Claims 1st & 2nd at Opel Ironman Germany

Frankfurt, Germany-World Ironman Champion Normann Stadler clearly executed the same strategy at the 2005 Opel Ironman Germany as he did when he took the sport’s most coveted prize last year in Kona…. “Go hard at the gun, and don’t stop!”

The “Norminator” thrilled over 300,000 spectators and a live television audience from around Germany when he crossed the finish line at one of the most spectacular Ironman race finishes ever witnessed in the long distance triathlon. The day was one of several firsts for Stadler as he had his first bike crash in 17 years with 10k left on the course, and his mother’s first visit at an Ironman to see her son cross the finish line. “Watching Sarah (Stadler’s longtime girlfriend) and Normann’s Mom celebrate at the finish line with him was really emotional,” said team photographer Mike Yux. “The fans in Frankfurt were unbelievably enthusiastic – it was like the Tour De France – truly a spectacular race. Hats off to race director Kurt Denk.”

Stadler’s victory at Ironman Germany is Tri-Dubai’s 4th Ironman Championship of 2005.The day was all about Tri-Dubai as Stadler’s teammate, and 2005 Ironman New Zealand Champion Cameron Brown took second place, for his third podium finish of the year. Brown was his typical steady self, using his incredible speed on the run to break the lead of 4 competitors ahead of him coming out of T2. Brown has been training in Switzerland since the first Dubai training camp in early May. He will now head back to New Zealand to be with his family, then off to the Gold Coast of Australia for his annual 7-week World Championship preparation.

Tri-Dubai is a professional triathlon super-team made up of elite triathletes from all over the world. Sponsored by the city of Dubai, UAE, under the patronage of Dubai Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the team focuses on generating international attention for Dubai as a world-class tourist and business destination, and sharing success by partnering with local charities at designated competitions. Tri-Dubai is managed by The Human Interest Group, Inc.

Web site: TriDubai.com.