Bobby was a pro triathlete from Ireland who used to train out in the Bosch with us, and is currently managing the Specialized Factory Mountain Bike Team. He’s a close friend of Conrad’s as well, and below is a combination of the two’s wit and views on Stoltz phenomenal third World Xterra title.
Xterra World Triathlon Championships Race Report – By Bobby Behan and Conrad Stoltz
Maui, Hawaii
Sunday 28th October 2007
Conrad certainly gave me a near heart attack last night! Sitting at home watching this race live on the internet with a very poor disrupted internet feed, where I was getting muffled information and constantly hearing the words “Marceau was leading on the bike” made me think back seven years. I am sure anybody in South Africa watching that very race was thinking the same.
At the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 Conrad Caveman Stoltz gave me many reasons to shout, coupled of course with his Specialized Teammate Christoph Sauser. It was triathlons debut at The Olympics and after the swim Conrad was out almost at the back and it looked like the race was going to be a boring one on the bike with a procession of lads riding around the flat course. Little did we Conrad’s supporters and friends know, but Big C was quickly worming his way through pack after pack. Attacks were attempted and failed and then all of a sudden Big Conrad was on our TV screens; at first we thought the TV camera had focused on the back of the field, but we suddenly realised that “The Caveman” had done what we all knew he was capable of – attacked off the front of the bike. Conrad was joined by Frenchman Olivier Marceau and so their history and reputation as the strongmen of biking began. The twosome finished the bike with over a minutes lead that day, but Marceau got the better of Conrad on the run.
Now you can see why I was reflecting. I did not want to see a repeat result between these two! I know Conrad only too well and I know his strengths and weaknesses as an athlete. To win on the run as Conrad did just shows how strong he has been this year. To take one of The ITU’s dominate performers Bevan Docherty (Olympic Silver Medallist) also puts Conrad’s performance into perspective.
There is always somebody in the background. Somebody who is there with you through every tough day. Last night Libby Burrell Conrad’s coach and great friend was also on the edge of her seat. We skype’d just after the race and Libby told me she had tears in her eyes. She has been behind Conrad since well before that Sydney race and is the force in the background helping Conrad to get to where he is now: Three Times XTerra World Champion, Five Times USA XTerra Series Champion, Two Time Olympian and a caveman at heart!
Conrad’s Report
(Birthday boy Conrad)
The Springboks took the Rugby World Cup, so I had pull out all the stops and hit XTERRA Worlds in a big way. The only way- on the top of the podium, lei around the neck, sponsors Pacifico Beer down my throat.
(A tough battle of the bike with Marceau)
What an epic battle. My game plan of killing everyone on the bike and jogging it in went out the window as my Sydney Olympics breakaway buddy Olivier Marceau rode the less than technical course brilliantly, and we started the run neck in neck. I’ve raced Olivier many many times over the last 15 years and never have I even come close to outrunning him. So I told myself, “Pucker up, this is going to be the toughest run of your life”.
(Nearing the top)
The 1st mile I stuck to him like a bushveld tick, and as we hit the 1st big climb he dropped off the pace, first I though he was playing games, but when I turned the screws his footsteps faded quickly and a little miracle happened.
It was a star studded field with the Olympic silver medallist, (Bevan) 5 Olympians and a number of past champions. Victory was really really sweet. Especially after last years’ trials and tribulations. Actually the last 5 years of paying my dues here in Maui.
Anyway, have to go get ready for a huge Halloween party tonight, just wanted to send out a quick spam, saying thanks a lot for everyone who played a role in my unbelievable season. (I won all 6 XTERRAs I did)
Mahalo,
Conrad
more on www.xterraplanet.com
Ice cream and beer season is now officially open…
(The men’s podium)
Men’s Results:
1 Conrad Stoltz South Africa (Specialized Factory Rider) 2 hours 40’54’’
2 Olivier Marceau France 2 hours 42’05’’
3 Brian Smith USA 2 hours 42’ 35’’
4 Chris Legh Australia 2 hours 44’26’’
5 Bevan Docherty New Zealand 2 hours 44’54’’
6 Felix Schumann Germany 2 hours 45’04’’
7 Nicolas Lebrun France 2 hours 45’19’’
8 Mike Vine Canada 2 hours 45’57’’
9 David Henestrosa Spain 2 hours 47’04’’
10 Nico Pfitzenmaier Germany 2 hours 47’53’’
One Response to "Xterra World Triathlon Championships Race Report"
Oh, I forgot to tell you the best part of the Xterra U.S. Championship: I got an actual real life viewing of the Red Rocket. Dare I hope for a test drive?