Project "Ironman Frankfurt 2009"

In 2008, we managed to form a team of 14 to go and take part in the Ironman 70.3 in Austria.

1st of July 2009, a team of 22 Greeks started their journey to Ironman Frankfurt, loaded with bike-cases, anxiety and excitement. The city is buzzing with preparations for the race, builders constructing the finish-arch, athletes picking their race-bags, the sport-expo filled with blasting music and stressed athletes…

In the few days leading to the event, we get busy together – last year’s experience of Iron70.3 Austria proved that having fun in a group relieves all stress and pre-race uncomfort. So here we are, shopping at the expo, riding our bike one last time before check-in, trying out the local beers and eating loads of pasta. Seems we are doing ok!

Last evening before the race, Markos’ intensified and constant singing betrays what we all feel like: we can’t wait, we want to be on the start-line, this is so exciting. We head up for our last diner at the Italian restaurant, light pasta and vegetables for the carbs, and beer & grappa for a good night’s sleep!

And at long last comes race-morning… Packed up in the bus at 5am heading up to the Lake. We’re nearly there… Pros start at 06h45, fireworks explode above the water… 15mn to go and we’re on our way… Before we know, the gun shot echoes above the lake and the washing machine starts turning. We’re all in, it’s all blue sky, hot temperatures, happy yet concentrated faces. A wonderful day ahead!

The day before the race, all of us doing ironman for the 1st time played the “estimate” game, giving away our best-estimate time for the race. We all exceeded our targets largely, and worth notice, none of us imagined finishing below 11h30… The results table below doesn’t need much comment about the achievement of the team!

For short individual impressions of the race, take a look at this page.

This race has been again a fantastic group experience… To be all together throughout the preparation, rehearsing some half-ironman or long rides. To be travelling together and sharing our last week with each other. To be all together at the finish, and seeing the emotions first-hands, the tears of joy, the hugs, the unbelievable smiles on our faces…