Ironman European Championships – Faris Al-Sultan and Kristin Möller (22.07.2011)
On Sunday there will be he highlight of the European Ironman Tour in Frankfurt/Main. In one of the biggest pro fields, Frankfurt ever saw, Faris and Kristin will race. The reason is the high amount of Hawaii qualification points which can be collected. Both athletes of Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team will go for them too. Of course they want to bring as many as possible back home to get the desired slot for the Ironman World Championships in October. How Faris feels just a few hours before the race and what his goals will be can be read here.
How satisfied are you with the season so far?
Not everything was like I would hoped it would have been. My run performance is much better than it was last year. The bike performance went a little bit up and down. But it was never perfect. The results were sometimes worse than the performance.
How was your preparation for the European Ironman Championships?
I did a lot of races. I have not that much training kilometres in my legs which is probably the right thing to do with my training age. I think that the race toughness will be a help in Frankfurt.
What is your expectation and what are you personal goals?
It is my 4th time in Frankfurt. My last participations went all not very well. My goal is to have a solid race and I will use my experience which will hopefully help me. Because of the qualification modus for Hawaii if have to cross the finish line and in the end I should be under the best 5.
How do you think the race will be?
That is difficult to say. The field of pro athletes is big and there will be some athletes who have to push hard if they want to qualify for the Ironman World Championships. I do not have a strategy. I will decide during the race what I will do. It depends on my form on Sunday and how the race will run.
What are your plans after Ironman Germany? Where and how will you prepare for the Ironman Wold Champs?
If everything works well I will do a high altitude training camp in St. Moritz in August. In September I will fly to Tucson, Arizona, with my teammate Rachel Joyce to train there for Hawaii.
Frankfurt's live results will be under ironmanlive.com.
