Biennathlon - hat trick victory

 My hometown race and the 3rd time I participate as an athlete there. This edition was even more special as it marks my 20th year as a triathlete this week and me going into the race a the 2 time defending champion. With this the pressure was high to race some very fine athletes like Sami Götz and Andy Kläy. 

My strategy for this year had a small difference to the previous year, this time I was aiming to have a massive lead out of the water and build on that through the race. Start was again in transition with a run to the waterfront. Due to a somewhat fresh water temp the swim distance was reduced to 1000m. As soon as we hit the water I ramped up the speed and when I got back to transition my lead was 2min on Sami in second place.

Going into the rest uphill on the bike there was unfortunately a corner with a race marshal that had a wrong info and started to mislead all racers into a circular loop. When I got back to the misfortunate corner I questioned the marshal if this is really the direction we should go and more and more athletes stopped at the same place. When Adrian Ruhstaller, former race director, arrived he also spoke up that the track should go straight and not right at that this corner. So now all the guys regrouped here we restarted the race. My 2min 30sec lead was gone and Sami was pacing well uphill. When we arrived on the top to first technical section I could gap him. In the downhill I played my card, knowing the trails by heart and opening again a 2min 30sec lead when arriving in the second transition.  

The run course was again exactly what I like with a lot of climbing and a beautiful single trail on the way back. Finishing again in the midst of my family and friends was one of the best moments I have had in my career. 

Congrats to Sami moving every year a spot up on the podium - well the top one is take - sorry. Also congrats to Tim Hug, a nordic combination skier taking 3rd in his first cross triathlon, very impressive! 

Thank you to all the volunteers, organisers and sponsors making such a beautiful event happen. I am looking forward to return to the 10th edition of the Biennathlon in 2017!