Andi Böcherer won in Gerardmer (05.09.2010)
Just 2 weeks after his victory in Viernheim Andi Böcherer won again an Olympic distance – this time in Gerardmer, France. At the same time Swen Sundberg placed 5th at the middle distance in Cologne.
One day after Faris Al-Sultan Andi Böcherer stood at the same starting line. Just the distance was shorter. Because of the bustle Andi did not look at the swim course before the race and he started swimming into the wrong direction. Soon he realized his mistake and he still got the first group. That was the position he came out of the water. On the first hill Andi overtook the only athlete who was in front. That already happened 2 weeks ago. From that moment on he wanted to do the same as in Viernheim. There he increased the distance to his chasers up to 5 minutes. But today he was not able to do that. 30 seconds ahead of the 2nd he entered the transition area. But the run seems to have gotten his favourite one in the last weeks. Again he could show that and finish 2 minutes ahead of the 2nd Antony Pannier.
Just after the race Andi was tired but of course happy: “It was the first time I did such a mistake at the swim start. Everything else was perfect though the bike section was not easy. From the 2nd loop on there were so many athletes I had to lap and the roads were narrow and rough.”
At the same time Swen Sundberg raced at the middle distance in Cologne. His swim performance was good. Though he felt not well on the bike he stayed in touch with the leading group. But on the run it got worse because of problems with his stomach. Since Ironman Switzerland he has problems with a gastritis, which he does not get under control. But at kilometres 13 he still was on the 3rd place. Then it got tough for Swen. 2 athletes overtook him and he entered the finish as 5th without any energy. Andi Raelert won the race in front of Clemens Coenen and Per Bittner.
“The training in the last weeks went well and today there were these problems with my stomach again. I could not drink or eat at the end of the bike and on the entire run,” so Swen at the finish line.
