Andi Böcherer and Swen Sundberg make it among the first 3 (13.06.2010)

Both athletes perfect the weekend in Heilbronn and Niederbronn!

After Andi was sick last weekend he could not race the planned race in Austria (Ironmännli). Just before this weekend he decided to do the middle distance in Heilbronn. He had some great performances at the last races, which he could show again. Already at the swim that was done in the river Neckar it worked well. 2 seconds behind the world champion 2007, Daniel Unger, Andi came out of the water on the second position. On the bike he pushed hard from the first kilometres on and he took immediately the lead. Sebastian Kienle was the only one who was faster on the bike. But Andi could still enter the 2nd transition area as the first one. On the run he felt the effort of the bike and after 8 km on the run course he could not follow Kienle. But he had enough power to keep his second place. “After I had health problems for 2 weeks I was not sure how it would work in Heilbronn. But now I am confident according Ironman Germany in Frankfurt. The signs are pretty good” Andi said just after the race.

At the same time Swen raced at Challenge France. He should also perform well. From the start on he had a duel with the South African Raynard Tissink. Together they came out of the water just a few seconds behind the Australian leader Aaron Farlow who increased the distance on the bike. But Swen and Raynard stood together. So it was clear that the decision would be made on the half marathon. As the 2 fought each other they came closer to Farlow. At that moment it was clear that Swen would finish top 3. A few metres before the finish line Swen could already see the leader but he was too tired from last weeks race in Switzerland. Despite that he could finish 3rd just 40 seconds behind the winner Tissink. But Swen was happy with that result. Now he will do his last training block before Challenge Roth where he will compete on July 18th.

All in all today’s race day with places 1, 2 and 3 was perfect for Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon!