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Great success for Felix Walchshöfer in his very first Challenge race - He was celebrated frenetically in Wanaka
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Felix Walchshöfer, organizer of the world-wide Challenge triathlon series finished his first Challenge race in Wanaka (New Zealand) in 13:27:37 hours. It was his very first long-distance triathlon - and a very special experience, since everyone along the race course in the little town of Wanaka recognized the "boss" of the Challenge series and cheered him on enthusiastically.
Walchshöfer had announced his participation only a few days before the competition, not even race organizer Victoria Murray-Orr and her team had known about it before. Felix Walchshöfer started the race with start number 335, and finished the swim leg in a fabulous 1:16 hours ("The swim was hard, there were so many waves".) He did the bike leg in 6:44:41 hours and the marathon in 5:17:23 hours. A big surprise was waiting for Walchshöfer at the finish line: All top athletes followed him on his last meters with balloons in their hands and gave him an overwhelming welcome which moved him to tears.
After he had ceased training for a while, Felix took up his training again only in July 2008 with the guidance of Susanne "Susa" Buckenlei and Michi Hofmann (Professional Endurance Team). With his participation in a long-distance race he carried through on a promise which he had given his father Herbert before he died. This is also why he wore a "Thank you, Herbert"-script on a ribbon throughout the race. He was supported by his mother Alice, sister Kathrin and trainer Susa Buckenlei, who motivated him even more by wearing shirts with the text "Felix, yes you can" on them.
After he crossed the finish-line, Felix said: "I am so happy, I just can't believe it. But one thing is for sure: I wouldn't have made it without my family, and above all without my trainers Susa Buckenlei and Michi Hofmann!"
Further information on the Challenge Wanaka race is available at: www.challenge-wanaka.com |
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Race in
| 18. July 2010
