Just wondering why Faris was able to put 30min on 2nd place finisher? Is this the largest gap between 1st/2nd in a recent IM race? Was it a weaker field??
HC
not sure.
but if it makes any difference, malaysia is very warm.
and very, very, very humid.
Vabrousek is no joke, and Dragstra is an up-and-comer who’s done well in heat and humidity before. Although performance is a bit less predictable in conditions like they had in Malaysia, I think this result suggests Faris is in great form. He’s just that good.
I am not sure how much this race result compares to other Ironman events but it has to be one of the largest margins of recent times. Throw in the amazing athlete Faris Al Sultan compared to some decent but not really outstanding pros and you quickly have a bad matchup. Add to it a tough hot weather and maybe not such a great day for some of the athletes and that is what you get.
H
Must be using power cranks. there is no other explanation.
The year i did it, i think Luc Van Lierde was the only pro to run the whole marathon, most were reduced to a walk due to the heat. The heat makes this race brutal. If it was a hot one, Fairs and his middle east training base may have been the best prep for it. If you never done it, check it out, its a great race with a unique feel.
His marathon was 3:06, which for him is not fast. But when you lead by half an hour why push yourself any harder?
FARIS happened, the guy’s a stud.
I think Herbert is right. Decent field but no one that compares to his level right now.
this has happened more in recent years as the number of IMs has grown. someone mentioned van lierde; lothar leder beat up on the field to a similar extent at IM florida several years back.
-mike
Petr Vabrousek looks to be approaching the whole ironman racing calendar differently to most other pro’s.
He is entering more races and is being selective about those he enters. It makes sense to enter races where you are assured some prize money (depends on the field depth and any rules governing the handing out of prize money).
For instance Petr entered 14 ironman events or so in the past 12months which is more than any other pro I know of has.
if he is smart he might just try and secure 2nd place in this race when he gets the update of the time gap to Faris at the start of the run.
Talked to Petr after ‘Challenge Wanaka’ and he said he felt he could do it on the bike(but a puncture later in the ride lowered his aims).
I got hold of this race on DVD last week and Faris said it was more a point for him to have a good race so he had a major point to prove after the poor season in 2007.
Great coverage by the way.
Hey mate,
Where did you get the dvd from ?
I raced there as well in 07 and 08.
Thanks very much
Terry
I have raced in Langkawi twice ( 07/08 ) and numerous triathlons of OD and HIM distances in Malaysia.
Basically the heat is stifling and the humidity , physically and mentally draining.
I have only raced 2 other IM’s ,being Western Oz and Kona.
Both don’t come anywhere close to South East Asia ,in regards to heat and humidity.
This in turn of course ,amplifies the need for correct electrolyte supplementation and “effective” nutritional planning. Meaning, knowing what your body can comfortably absorb in this climate , AT RACE PACE.
From what I understand , Faris trains in the UAE. I have never been there , but from what I understand it is even hotter than Malaysia , I am unsure about the humidity.
Not to forget the guy is an awesome swimmer , exceptionally powerful on the bike and can run like a bat outta hell off of it as well. He did mention in the regional newspapers as well ,at the time around the race , something along the lines of : being Muslim and racing in A Muslim nation was important for him and he really wanted the win.
Cheers
Terry
Must be using power cranks. there is no other explanation.
No, he heard about a bomb threat on his return flight, and was rushing to catch another one. 
Bomb threat ?
article
thread
.
In all fairness to Faris, he’s probably just a super badass, especially in the heat r/t the whole UAE thing. The bomb threat comment was a bad joke.
Ah… ok thanks , I generally avoid those types of threads 
Got it now.
Thanks Show Pony and Raul.
Terry
Terry if you would like a copy of the race I can burn you one. Just message me.
What year did you do WA? I could have that too.
My friend, it is not dee way dat jew will be treating my people.
