Place 1 to 3 for Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team (01.05.2011)

On the same weekend the German Duathlon Champions were elected and the fight for the „Pure Trophy“ took place in Graz, Austria.

After Kristin Möller got second in 2010 she came to Oberursel to go for the German duathlon title. With another year of specific training that should at least be the goal. But already in the first she could not follow Jenny Schulz who won the title last year. Kristin is known for a great runner but she had not enough race experiences this year. On the bike Schulz could increase the gap up to 5 min. Though Kristin ran the fastest second run split she could not close the gap to Jenny. But she could still be happy with a another vice title at the German duathlon champs.

Of course the 3-day competition in Graz was not on the same sporting level as the German championships. But Faris Al-Sultan was more than motivated to race. The way the triathlon takes place fascinates and motivates him. There are no excuses – it is a race just against the clock. After Faris could not finish the race last year because he was injured he goal was to win the race.

Together with Swen Sundberg he started the „Days of Truth“ in a 25-meter pool. Faris already set standards at the first disciplines with the fastest time of 17:25 min. The second day was not the day of the guy from Munich as he lost some important seconds on the bike. But he could defend his overall lead. With a great performance Swen could win some place and was 3rd before the run which was done at university track of Graz. The last discipline was exciting but the positions did not change. Faris could celebrate his first victory in Graz with a run time of 32.18 min. The strong Austrian Max Renko got second in front of Swen Sundberg.

For the first time Faris Al-Sultan’s name will be engraved to the cup. It would not be a surprise to see Faris again in Graz in 2012 as he likes the format of that unique triathlon.