Boris Stein: The fans in Poland are sensational

Submitted by dp_admin on Wed, 03/30/2022 - 14:54

Boris Stein is the European Champion IRONMAN 70.3 and seventh competitor in the IRONMAN World Championships. The titled triathlete from Germany has also on his account very successful starts during the competition in Gdynia. He debuted in Poland in 2014, taking 5th place. Three years later he again competed in our country winning Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia. In 2020, the experienced representative of Germany we hosted again during the competition at the Polish seaside. He finished in 11th place. This year Boris Stein will be one of the favorites of the debut competition of Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Poznań, scheduled for September 4. We invite you to read the interview with Boris Stein.

So far you have competed 3 times in Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia. Probably your best memories are from 2017, when you won?

- Winning always tastes the best, but for 8 years, watching the event develop has been extremely interesting and makes me proud to be a part of it.

This year we will see you again in IRONMAN Poland competitions, but this time in your debut competition in Poznań. It seems that for triathletes from Germany, this is the perfect location. Just two hours drive from the border. How important is it to get to the competition comfortably?

- Travelling is part of the duties of a professional triathlete, but I don't like to do it. It's a waste of time that can be spent on training. Especially in times of climate change, I like to take every opportunity to race nearby. The ideal situation is when I can explore unknown places in addition to convenient, fast communication.

The swimming stage in Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Poznań will start in Lake Kierskie. So it should be a bit easier than in Gdynia, when the waves of the Baltic Sea were an additional obstacle?

- During my starts, the Baltic Sea usually did not have such big waves. But for sure I will not miss that taste in my mouth.

The bike course is one fast and flat loop. Are these conditions the best for you?

- I'm not picky anymore. As a tall, heavy rider, I can also use the power of my bike on flat trails. It's a great feeling to speed along a scenic route at 50 km/h.

During Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Poznań the athletes will also not be able to complain about the lack of contact with fans. Two loops of the cross-country course go along the streets in the city center. Are you one of those triathletes whose fans' cheering and support mobilizes them to greater effort?

-Yes, of course, and I remember the Polish triathlon community as very enthusiastic, especially in the times before the pandemic. Certainly, the fans are one of the most important assets of IRONMAN competitions in Poland.

The competition in Poznań is scheduled for 4 September. How will your preparations for the competition look like?

- After the summer long distance I will be preparing for the IRONMAN Hawaii. Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Poznań is a dress rehearsal.

Where will you compete in addition to the competition in Poznań?

- I will compete in the IRONMAN competition in Hawaii.