I would have never believed that this EVER happened in the history of triathlon, but browsing some results, there was a day in 2003 when Jurgen Zack ran 2:48. This day was Ironman Germany in Frankfurt…check it out:
TOP MALE ATHLETES PL NAME NAT SWIM BIKE RUN TOTAL DIFF. 1 STEFAN HOLZNER GER 00:49:27 04:25:36 02:54:12 08:12:29 - 2 CAMERON BROWN NZL 00:49:21 04:33:22 02:49:45 08:15:51 0:03:22 3 JÜRGEN ZÄCK GER 00:50:59 04:37:24 02:48:51 08:20:12 0:07:43 4 PETER REID CAN 00:49:21 04:31:07 02:58:23 08:21:59 0:09:30
Is that nuts or what? Was anyone on that course on that day and witnessed “the pass” ? I am sure that got Peter all fired up to bury the Germans in Kona later that year!
peter always said that i never allowed him self to dig deep in germany or any other race other than kona… i m sure he didnt like to get pass by anyone but in another way…could not care less…they only important race for him was hawaii and the way he prepare for germany show it was a A race for him…
In the Triathlete magazine (I think) coverage of that race, Zack reminded them that he’d started his sporting career as a runner. Also according to Triathlete, Reid says he considers himself a cyclist first, triathlete second. This race reflects that, it’s the results of all the other years that are topsy turvy!
True, Reid started his career off as a cyclist, and when he chose to, he could ride the pants off anyone. And yes, I recall Zack saying that he was an 800m runner in his youth! I also realize that Zack ran sub 2:50 several times spread over Roth, Austria and Frankfurt, but rarely gets credit for his “cool weather” running pedigree, likely cause he was more known for riding like a demon in Kona and then never quite holding on for a podium or victory. Aside from Macca and Lothar Leder, he might be the fastest guy to never win Kona (all three members of the rarified sub 8 ironman club).
Jonnyo, are you in Ottawa now…if so, we should get together for a long run (and make sure that all the guys keep their WOMENS locked up and out of range of the JONNYO…).
I know you guys all know this but it should be noted for academic purposes anyway in our discussion of Zack results. Never forget that he retired after testing positive for using performance enhancing drugs. With that in mind, I think we must take ALL of his results with a certain cavalierness. It begs the question. Was it the drugs all those times and who else is guilty? We will never know. Like I said, it’s academic at this point. Interesting thread though… thatnks Dev.
Solid point, especially when you think of that amazing performance in (was it 1997?), when Van Lierde broke the world record and Zack wasn’t that far behind.
It’s hard, when aspiring to be one’s best, to see or hear of others who aren’t willing to go to the same lengths to develop that greatness, or who decide to take shortcuts. Sometimes all we can do is to take note of the marvellous accomplishments of others, either take them with a grain of salt or give them the benefit of the doubt, and use them to fuel our own pursuit of a clean brand of excellence.
“Churchill, you are disgustingly drunk!”
“Yes Madam, and you are disgustingly ugly! But in the morning, I shall be sober!”
I seem to recall post-race reports, that Pete headed out onto the run at a very fast pace as a bit of a test and experiment to see how far and how hard he could push himself over the first half of an IM marathon. The extra effort then caught up with him and he faded a bit over the final 13 miles. However, I am sure that some lessons were learned and notes taken. That’s what the true great-ones do!
I think there were two factors at play. Reid, was both doing a bit of a test, as well as trying to close on Holzner and put the boots to the Germans on their home turf.
The only one who seems to be able to consistently beat the Germans on their turf is Macca. How ironic is that, given the current smack talk between Macca and Norman!
Hey thanks…now that I recall, I was driving across Maine without any connection to the rest of the world that day…no wonder it was surprising seeing those splits 3 years later!
dev, are you skate skiing. I recall you are a big fan of the sport. N. Michigan, no f*&king snow, plenty of rain. We have been out a few times going up and down bunny hill. very disappointing.
I’m pissed…Peter Reid is gaining XC ski fitness on me (not that it would be any contest…). Its been raining and everything is green. Rumour has it that I can hit the local downhill resort before it opens at 9 am tomorrow. They have 4 runs open, so I should be able to get 90 min of hillwork in!
that is what we do- we go up and down the local ski hill- 90 minutes tues night. 2 and 1/2 hours on Sunday. It is a drag, but a good workout. Regardless, I need practice on the flats, going up hill is no problem, it is getting the skiing down smooth and fast on the flats is a challenge. it is very bleak.
peter reid, never heard of him? Didn’t he do the tour de france?
