CORRECTION
The exclusive sub 8 hour Ironman club also includes
Thomas Hellriegel who in 1997 at Ironman Europe placed fourth in 07:57:21.
Hellriegel also did a 7.57 this year when he finished second to Jurgen Zack.

Thanks to Rob Docherty and Glenn Tasker for pointing this out.
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Schliersee Triathlon.
a note from Glen Tasker
This is probably the most scenic and best organised Tri in the world. The
starting line up will also be top level. Steve Farrell and I did it a few
years ago and it rates as the best both of us have done.
Recommended to any Kiwi's racing in Europe.
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ROSE BAGS SECOND IN THE GERMAN MOUNTAINS !

Mieke Suys and Lothar Leder, queen and king in the German Alps, could enjoy
together with a stellar field of athletes the traditional great
organisation, the Bavarian hospitality, the refreshing waters of lake
Schliersee, the incredible technical and tough bike course, as well as a
truly demanding run – and of course a huge crowd of excited spectators.

The women started the European Cup this Saturday afternoon, and given the
“big names” that toed the start-line, a  tremendous race was in prospect. A
group of three, composed of Heather Williams/GBR, Louise Soper/NZL and
Leanda Cave/AUS exited the water after a 1500m wet-suits swim first,
followed by a group that contained almost all race favourites including
Mieke Suys/BEL, Jenny Rose/NZL.

The very demanding 40km bike section saw Mieke Suys and Jenny Rose working
to brake away from the field which proved to be successful. The two were
over 3 minutes ahead when entering the second
transition ! Suys proved to be the strongest of teh day and took gold after
the final 10km run, clearly ahead of Rose and Spirig.

Main results of the ETU Triathlon Cup in Schliersee/GER:
1- Mieke Suys BEL 2:20:02
2- Jenny Rose NZL 2:20:21
3- Nicola Sprig SUI 2:23:47
9- Louise Soper NZL 2:28:49

1- Lothar Leder GER 2:02:03
2- Matteo Mormorunni ITA 2:03:04
3- Markus Keller SUI 2:03:18
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Kiwi Ironmen bound for Ironman Canada on August 29th

Tony O'Hagen  bound to be as competitive as he always is - watch that podium
carefully.

Wellingtons Kevin Nicholson - will be looking to make amends for his
dislocated shoulder in the Taupo swim.  Kevin's shoulder has recovered and
he deserves a good day out up in Canada.

Dave Blackie of Cambridge will be looking to qualify for Hawaii in the 65
plus category

Jean-Luc Boulanger will also be after one of those Elusive Hawaii slots.
Some people may recall that his wife Louise was part of the Taupo commentary
team

>From Christchurch Kerry Glynn will be making sure the South has a good
showing.

An ex pat Kiwi is Gary Saunders ( a Speights Coast to Coast finisher ) who
now lives in Nevada.  Gary will join the crew in Penticton British Columbia.

Bryan Rhodes and Tara Lee-Marshall are already up in North America.  Both
have had top tens at Ironman  Canada before and will be looking for more
good performances this year.

Anyone wanting more info on how to get to race in Canada is welcome to
contact me at riverpro@wave.co.nzA da
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A DAY AT THE TRIATHLON
a great little story by Marc Becker found on a recent Triathlon Digest

The Great White North Triathlon, half-Ironman distance, is set in the
rolling hills and green
pastures of rural Alberta, just west of Edmonton.

Of particular interest to those who are thinking of racing on the Canada
prairie: The first 40 or 50 competitors to arrive at the 30 km point of the
bike course were greeted by a puzzled and somewhat aggressive bison that had
escaped its pasture. I'm not talking bison calf, either -- this was a
full-grown bull in his prime, some 2000 lbs. of snorting, stomping, and
eager-to-charge aggression with horns.
****************
>From a quick scan of the Internet, here's the low-down on what racers
faced:


"The best description of a bison's temperament is UNPREDICTABLE. They
usually appear peaceful, unconcerned, even lazy, yet they may attack
anything, often without warning or apparent reason. To a casual observer, a
grazing bison appears slow and clumsy, but he can outrun, out-turn, and
traverse rougher terrain than all but the fleetest horse. They can move at
speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, and cover long distances at a deceptively
fast lumbering gallop."
*****************************
Well, no one on July 5 was riding 35 miles per hour, so third-place man
Shane Besler and several others were forced to play a game of chicken as the
bison charged down the highway at them. Not surprisingly, the buffalo won
the game and Shane was forced to make a quick U-turn to avoid being
stampeded into the asphalt. A race support vehicle corralled soon after the
ornery bull and the race proceeded safely (except for a few coyotes dashing
across the road between riders . . . but that's another story.)

As noted in Tri Update last week it was a clean sweep for the Kiwis with
Bryan Rhodes and Tara Lee Marshall taking victory.
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NZ SELECTION AND CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS FOR 1999 / 2000
Later this week we will carry a full summary of Tri NZ Championship and
selection events for the coming season.
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Tri NZ NOMINATIONS
The Tri NZ AGM is on Augist 14th in Wellington.  Nominations for all elected
positions are now closed.
Tri NZ's annual report is currently at teh printers and will be distributed
to all members within the next two weeks.

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Tri UPDATES - HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
You can subscribe to the Tri Update service until 31 July 2000 for $10.00
Send Cheque to River Promotions, PO Box 1237, Hamilton
or
Online subscriptions is now available at  www.poprun.co.nz  for $12.50