Normann Stadler is a
professional triathlete from Germany. He is the winner of the 2004 and 2006
Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. Many believe these victories show that the world
championship can still be won based on a strong bike but weaker marathon
run. Normann Stadler was a member of the Tri Dubai triathlon team and his
major sponsors included PowerBar (nutrition) and Kuota (bike) until Tri Dubai
was disbanded at the end of the 2006 Triathlon season.
Although he was expected to
do well in the 2005 Ironman, he withdrew from the race after suffering multiple
tire punctures. Frustration regarding the second flat of the day and a bleeding
bee sting on the thigh prompted him to throw his bike off the road. It is not
entirely uncommon for elite Ironman athletes to withdraw from a race upon losing
mental focus. In 2006, Normann returned to Kona to compete in the Ironman
World Championships. Normann swam fast enough to exit the water only moments
behind the race leaders. Once on the bike course, Normann managed to gain over
10 minutes on the chase pack, setting a bike course record at 4:18:23 (26 mph).
Australian Chris McCormack came within 71 seconds of Normann but was unable to
get any closer.
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