Great post dev
Here’s another tale perhaps that has been overlooked here in the states, and perhaps everywhere other than Europe.
1997, approaching perhaps the epoche of Ironman racing. Ex-suicidal heroin junkie gets clean and embarks on an absolute meteorical ascent to world-class status. At Roth of that year, as an unknown is given a bib number in the 1500s. Only at the last minute is he alowed to start with the pro field. Comes out of the water 2nd, behind Van Lierde but is first onto the bike. Leads for 30 km but then is caught and rides with a leading group of 5, Van Lierde, Zaeck, Hellriegel, and Leder. At 90, Zaeck and Hellriegel break away. But this athlete does not break and goes on to place 5th with fastest first-time IM time in history, 8:06:57! Who was this athlete?
Andreas Niedrig.
Just like Dietrich. Or Faris today. Was not afraid to go off the front with the gun. Awesome story. Have read his book, “Vom Junkie zum Ironman.”
I agree with you. Those truly were the Glory days. The decade of the 90s. I know that there was an interview with Andreas here on ST. As I recall there was pretty much zero forum comment on him.