Biggest athletic accomplishment?

Sub 8 Ironman finish (7:54:31) at the Ironman Austria 2014.

What do you like about the sport of triathlon / Ironman?

It’s that kind of experience you can get when you have that kind of self talk during the end of the bike and during the run. You have to stay positive all the time, trying to be focused and pushing yourself as hard as you can. Self belief is the most important thing during that race.

Which CEEPO bike do you ride and what do you like about it?

I’m riding the Viper during my races and I like it. It looks great and you can race really aggressive on the bike.

Favorite thing about training?

Warm and nice weather somewhere in the mountains. Doesn’t matter if I’ve got to swim, bike or run as long as the sun is shining.

Least favorite thing about training?

When it’s raining and I’m on the bike. I don’t like to ride in the rain. If it rains prefer to have a session on my indoor trainer.

How do you balance workouts with family responsibilities?

To be honest, my wife is balancing it the most. If possible I’m trying to get the kids into the kindergarden or we’re trying to have some meals together as a family, but most of the time my wife takes care of our kids.

What inspired you to try triathlon?

My wife did triathlon and so I started to give that kind of sport a try, when I ended my “surf life saving career”. My first triathlon was a really big torment, but great fun as well and I stuck with this new sport. My first triathlon race was a league race in the German Bundesliga with Andreas Raelert in 2005.

When and where was your first Ironman? How did it go?

I did my first Ironman in 2009 in Wisconsin. It was a great experience and I finished 2nd overall and qualified for Kona 2010.

Unusual training regimens?

For the most of the time I train on my own – except swim training. It’s just me and my GPS watch and powermeter and sometimes a mp3-player.

How did you celebrate your finish?

That depends on the result. If the race went well I’ll have some sweet stuff, burger or pizza and a beer. If the race wasn’t as expected I’ll have the food, but probably two or three beer . . .