The 1988 Avignon Triathlon
I’ve already looked at Avignon in 1985, 1986 and 1987. I only read-up on these races recently. But I’ve been obsessed by the 1988 race for quite a while. The race report appeared in the August 1988 issue of Tri-Athlete (UK). The 3rd triathlon magazine I ever bought.
The author is Richard Graham. Who seemd to travel quite a lot for stories back then. Later he got into Roller Hockey journalism. And is still active on a few Vintage Triatholn Facebook groups.
The races were won by Mark Allen and Julie Moss. Three wins out of four at Avignon for both of them. Note. Sarah Coope in second. Who convincingly beat Moss in 1987. Unlike the previous editions, the top French women were also in town. Poncelet, Delemer, Rouchon and Malherbe.
Molina and Dave Scott made the trip this time. As did the American-Enigma, Tom Gallagher. I really need to speak to him. He was often in France.
Of course, I read and re-read the article. But I was more into the photos. There’s to behold. Allen’s 1988 cap-sleeved Nike kit. Moss’s Sock Racers and shorts over swimming costume. The gravel section. More of this needed! Caroline Heins’s Bell V1 Pro. And the number trimming.
Mark Allen also gave a speech in French when he accepted his prize.
Here’s a grainy video.
The 1987 Avignon Triathlon
I’ve already looked at the Avignon Triathlon in 1985, 1986 and 1988. Not sure why I skipped 1987. But here it is.
I don’t like using superlatives at The Streak. Yet the 1987 Avignon Triathlon was probably the first appearance of aero-bars in Europe.
The Americans had them. And Glenn Cook had sourced a pair in California. He could have ridden them in Les Mureaux or Marseille. But it’s not mentioned in either race report. And I think they would have turned some heads.
Allen, Tinley and Moss were back for the thrid time. And they’d brought former J-David team-mate George Hoover with them. The French challengers were Yves Cordier. Of course. Jean-Luc Capogna. See epic handlebar bag and tri-suit from 1985. And Herve Niquet. Who’d become the first French athlete to podium at Nice later in the 1987 season.
Yogi Hoffman was there. He’d won the 1986 Le Coq Sportif European Series. Loads more info on that coming soon. And Glenn Cook was also in town. Would 1987 be the year he started to show his world-class credentials?
Julie Moss had won the women’s race in 1985 and 1986. But with Sarah Coope toeing the line. She finally had a serious challenger.
But the triathletes weren’t the only Americans in the region. As the night before there was a Cowboy Rodeo in Nimes! These old-school race reports are brilliant. I really need to do a full translation. Coming soon!
It’s interesting that the report says it’s not often you get the best in the world on the same start-line. Americans and Europeans. Nice and Hawaii of course. And the Perth race that happened in January. But in 1987 the sport was needing a governing body to put on true World Championships!
Mark Allen had already decided not to do Nice in 1987. To try and win his 6th title. So he could focus 100% on Hawaii. A race he’d not yet won.
But Perth showed that the Americans could finally be beaten. However, Mark was still repeating the “out of season” excuses from back then. While doubling down by explaining that he’d won in Dallas the week before Avignon. Where Perth winner, Rick Wells, got third.
The swim is downstream in the Rhone as usual. With the fastest route in the middle of the river. Through the 4th arch of the famous bridge.
There’s also a pollution kerfuffle. As some athletes had been ill recently after river swims. Capogna, Cordier and Hoffman took pre-race
anti-diarrhea tablets just in case.
Mark Allen crashes in transition trying to get his feet into his shoes. Yes, yes. We used to ride in transition. Allowing Glenn Cook to overtake him. And begin the pursuit of Yves Cordier.
Due to the downriver swim the gaps are not large. Hoffman is slowed by a cold and Tinley is having rear wheel problems. But Coope is flying. Note. No Scott DH for her. Weird. I’m pretty sure she had some.
Allen, Cook, and Cordier lead. Keeping, it seems, 100m apart. Allen and Cook are the better climbers. Cordier catches up on the descents. Tinley fixes his wheel and is moving forward. So is Capogna.
The athletes are now afoot and it’s raining. Allen is worried because Cook has a reputation as a fast runner. He’s not scared of Cordier though. However, it only takes a few kilometres for Allen to drop Cook.
Excellent run by Tinley. He gets 3rd. Cordier hangs in there for 5th. And Sarah Coope wins easily. I think the times in the results are wrong.
There’s definitely some very cool photos below.
Shirtless Tinley on a Raleigh with the new Scott DH and Oakley Eyeshades. Mark Allen on the steel Schwinn with the blue and grey iconic Nike kit. Also wearing a Bell Stratos. Glenn Cook with Cinelli head-fairing, Scott DH, Oakley Frogskins and a Le Coq Sportif tri-suit.
I’ve also posted the results. Note. Rodolphe Von Berg down in 14th.
Images: Tri-Athlete (FR) Juillet 1987
Runner’s World May 1988
There’s some red-hot nostalgia for me here. I’ve already told you about how I used to loiter in WH Smith on Slough High Street every Thursday.
Of course, I’d pick up a copy of Athletics Weekly. And hope they would have the new Running Magazine, Today’s runner or Tri-Athlete (UK). But getting an import copy of Runner’s World (USA) was also exciting.
Unlike the modern version of the magazine, Runner’s World back then was mainly focused on races, racers and racing. With occasional stuff about kit. I think the May 1988 issue was the first one that I ever bought.
Although I was into collecting virtually any running content. The big attraction this month was seeing Dave Scott on the cover. In 1988, Mark Allen hadn’t won the Hawaii Ironman yet. He had 6 Nices. But still. Dave Scott was the American reference for British triathletes.
In fact, the Dave Scott article leads a feature on how and why runners should get into triathlon. A bit like Today’s Runner did in May 1987. Reading this might have even been the thing that finally tipped the balance for me. To become a triathlete. Although I wouldn’t race until May 1989.
The feature is heavy on science. Very Dave Scott. But there’s also side-bars on Curtis Alitz and Kirsten Hanssen. Alitz was a huge talent. And had some solid USTS results. But I don’t think he pursued triathlon beyond the 1980s. Probably too busy with his military medical career.
Interestingly, some column inches are used to discuss the chances of Triathlon getting into the Olympics. It’s noted that an international governing body was formed in November 1987. That would of course come unraveled. Peter Cazalet is also put forward as a future participant. He wouldn’t be. But his story is interesting. More on that later.
There’s a Bike Buyers Guide and some maintenance tips. I remember find these super-interesting. As I was in the market for a new 10 speed. I worked out that I needed what they call an Entry Level Road Racer.
The jargon guide I could do without. I hate these things. But the ad for the Peugeot Versailles is very cool. In fact, I’m visiting Versailles in October. Maybe I’ll take my Peugeot. To spin around the gardens.
Here’s the whole magazine. Take a look.
I was also intrigued by the articles about Mormon runners, the elite veterans racing an indoor mile, the preview of the 1988 Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials and the road racing reports at the back. Amazing how many British runners were active on the US circuit back then.
Images: Runner’s World (USA) May 1988
Ironbums
Remember the hippies, those blossom beings of the 60s with beards, bare feet and balmy brains from too much marijuana and LSD? If you’re in Kona, look around: a new, streamlined breed of hippies has emerged - the Iron Hippie.
In the '60s the most exercise hippies got involved running away from tear gas, carrying signs at anti-war demonstrations and striking matches to burn draft cards. The closest they got to water was an infrequent shower.
Today a new sort of hippie appears: a sleek endurance triathlete who has chosen to live in triathlon mecca - Kona, Hawaii, home of the Ironman. The Ironbum will endure any hardship, live comfortably in any lifestyle and will be happy as he or she can train, train and train.
I’m not sure Ironbums exist anymore. Although. IMO. It’s still possible to do triathlon inexpensively. Simple equipment. Local races. And there certainly used to be plenty of Ironbum-like characters on the UK triathlon scene in the 80s and 90s. But I won’t name names here.
Anyway the article is a fun one. From Tri-Athlete (USA) October 1984. Following 4 triathletes living low-cost in Kona.
Chip Salaun leans on a dumpster as he explains how he went from mountaineering and nature photographer to triathlon. And from Colorado to Kona. Chip is on the edge financially. Living low-coast and getting bits of money from sponsors and training rich wanna-be triathletes.
Kona local, Gorden “Slash” Gaspar won a case of beer from friends when he finished the 1981 Ironman. The first in Kona. Although he’s still into to ocean canoeing and surfing. Working as hula dancer on cruise ships gives him the basic finances to keep truckin’ in triathlon.
Garry Daintry was a former British Army officer, helicopter pilot and stockbroker. He left a comfy life in Hong Kong to do the October 1982 Ironman. Arriving in August and coach-surfing until race day. After the Ironman Gary decided to stay in Hawaii and live frugally. Going out only once a fortnight. Even when girlfriends come to visit!
Garry died in 2021. Age 82. Seems to have enjoyed a hard-core life!
Sepa Tanoai is a Samoan chief who decided to get fit when he watched his cousin run the 1978 Honolulu Marathon. He started jogging and lost 50kg. In 1981 while worked an Ironman aid-station he was inspired to get involved in triple fitness. For cash he drives trucks for film companies. This is how he’s able to borrow Tom Selleck’s bike to race on!
Ken “Cowman” Shirk remained part of Ironman folklore until his death in 2023. Age 81. He was known for his beard, long hair and furry horned hats and cycling helmets. This thread on Slowtwitch is worth a read. Here’s my favourite quote. From Titanflexr: “Cowman was a true character from an era when Ironman was a magnet for fitness eccentrics.”
If you are aware of any modern day Ironbums. Let me know!
Images: Tri-Athlete (USA) October 1984
1988 Triathlon Des Hauts De Seine
Here’s 1988. Although I still haven’t finished translating 1987 yet. The Triathlon des Hauts de Seine was another triathlon in downtown Paris. Like the Triathlon International de Paris. Both started in 1986. Hauts de Seine in May. And Paris in June. Neither are still going. But I really want to get to Puteaux to check out the old venue. And all the other sports facilities. I’ve pencilled a trip in for February 2025.
I’ll do a full translation later. But there are few interesting things to see in the images in the article. Look how close La Defense towers are. And check out the cool Winning Club / Aquaman wetsuits. And the field is much deeper than in 1987. Neff beats a young Delemer in the women’s race. And Blondeel a minute ahead of Reynolds for the men. I’d really like to speak to Nigel Reynolds. A pioneer of feoreign racers in France.
The transition area and finish seem to be in an athletics stadium. But I’ll try and find out for sure. And I think the run course loops the island. But there’s several bridge crossing shots. Which might mean running on the mainland as well. Again. More research needed.
Images: Tri-Athlete (FR) Juillet 1988
1986 & 1987 Triathlons Des Hauts De Seine
Hi everybody. I haven’t posted on here for a few months. Mainly because I’ve been racing loads of triathlons. Old school-style. Short, often, gun to tape and mainly local. Although I also did two race swing in the UK. I’ll definitly do a season overview podcast episode in September.
But I got an email yesterday from a reader / listener, Gary. That reminded me I need to dig into the history of the Hauts de Seine Triathlon. And other triathlons in and around Paris. After watching the Olympic triathlons this morning. I have a podcast about the first Paris Triathlon here.
The first Triathlon des Hauts de Seine was on the 25th May 1986. Fifteen weeks before that Paris race. The race was advertised in the Tri-Athlete (FR) March/April 1986. Below.It seems the triathlon was in support of a Paris bid for the 1992 Olympics. Spoiler Alert. On the 17th October 1986, at a conference in Lausanne, Barcelona was chosen to host the games.
The event took place on the Ile de Puteaux. Which is an island in La Seine about level with the north end of La Bois Boulogne. The towers of La Defense are to the west. And the Arc de Triomphe is just to the east. So the race really was right downtown. Although only 2km long, the island has impressive sports facilities. See some of them on the 1987 poster below.
Image: Tri-Athlete (FR) Mars/Avril 1986
The distances would be 1500m / 40km / 12.5 km and the race would be part of the French Championship Series. Although most of the triathlons in the country were included in the points scoring until the series was streamlined in 1990. Entry fee was 120FF. That’s about €18.
Maybe because it was an unproven event, Tri-Athlete didn’t dispatch a reporter. Although results were published in the Juillet edition. Below. I don’t know Ivar Sesnega. Is it this guy? But behind him are some solid names. Foucault, Methion, Ullman and Volkaert.
Image: Tri-Athlete (FR) Juillet 1986
For the second edition of the race in 1987, the Triathlon Des Hauts De Seine definitely had a higher profile. The poster was in colour for a start. And there was a race report published in Tri-Athlete.
Images: Tri-Athlete (FR) Mars/Avril 1987. Tri-Athlete (FR) Juillet 1987.
We’ve made a lot of progress since last year. Everything went really well. We’re pleased with the result. And the triathletes are satisfied too.
It’s 17:00 in the big multi-sport hall at the Puteaux Sports Complex. Filled with competitors who have come to maybe receive one of the many prizes on offer. One of the organisers has to raise his voice to repeat to a journalist with a microphone how pleased he is with how the event went. That was put together for the regional council of the Hauts de Seine.
The Total Fitness Shop In Swindon
Total Fitness was Trevor Gunning’s shop in Swindon. The first one opened on Gorse Hill in 1985. The business was a big deal in the late-80s. The first triathlon shop? I’m not sure. There were a few. But definitely a must visit venue for the young ambitious triathlete.
With John Lillie, founder of 220, Trevor also formed Total Promotions. To put on events. They organised the Swindon Triathlon from 1988 until 1990. In 1991 the race was absorbed into the 220 Triathlon Series.
Swindon was about a 75 minute drive from my home in Slough. I made my first trip to Total Fitness with my parents in late-1988. As I’d entered my first triathlon that was taking place in May 1989. I bought a copy of Dave Scott’s Triathlon Training and some Tinley Lace Locks.
That shop was at 30 Morley Street. Which had a handy car park just opposite. It’s now the Red Dragon Tattoo shop.
From May 1990 I had my own car. So I could drive myself to Swindon. I’d visit the shop. I was mainly interested in books and import magazines. Then hang out in town. Have a McDonald’s. And get something in Our Price.
In May 1993 Total Fitness Swindon moved to 109/110 Commercial Road. The new shop was only 50m from the old one. So you could still use the same car park. And by then they’d also opened stores in Bath and Nottingham.
Total Fitness were also present at events. They’d set up a tent near transition. With plenty of everyday and exotic stuff. The 220 / TF crew used to travel in an enormous Winnebago. Was that Trevor’s or John’s?
Leave a comment below if you shopped at TF in Swindon.
The 3rd Triathlon International de Paris
Image: Tri-Athlete (FR) Aout 1988
Here’s a race report from the 1988 Triathlon International de Paris. I’ve already looked at 1986 (the first edition) and 1987.
The article is written by Pierre Titeux. But from point of view of a boat anchored in the Seine. Yes. Unique. Your move 220.
Over 1000 athletes applied for the 350 slots. Despite the typical big city race problems reported after the 1987 edition. Glenn Cook and Robin Brew were announced on the poster above. But I’m pretty sure neither started.
Yves Cordier got a gap in the swim. And held it on the newly designed bike course. A two-lapper. Through Issy Les Moulineux, Meudon, Sevres and Boulogne Billancourt. It was a tough one. With long straight, exposed sections, technical descents and a steep climb.
Erin Baker led the women’s swim. From Sarah Springman, Isabelle Mouthon, Sarah Coope and Sophie Delemer.
Cordier used Scott DH bars for the first time. Crazy. It’s September 1988. US-based pros have been on them since May 1987.
Yves got caught in traffic on a descent whcih allowed Rob Barel to close the gap. And ultimately start the run first. He held a small lead for the first 8km. But pushed it out to 38 seconds in the last 2km.
Karel Blondeel was 3rd. Jean-Claude Cauchois 4th. And Tom Gallagher was 5th. An American pro that I don’t know a lot about. But he was a regular on the French-scene at this time. More research needed on Tom.
Baker wins easily. By 6:30. Followed by Springman, Coope, Delemer and Elisabeth Poncelet. All results are below.
The 2nd but last paragraph is interesting. Here it is:
Paris provded a magnificent backdrop for an exciting race. That kept the large crowds entertained. But from a sporting point of view there’s not as much to get excited about. Swimming with the current. And plenty of drafting on the bike. Even if it’s not intentional. And a run course through car exhaust fumes. That’s before we even talk about coaches and club officials getting onto the bike course. And using cars and motorbikes to protect their athletes from the wind.
Images: Tri-Athlete (FR) Octobre 1988
The 1995 France Iron Tour Preview
Images: Triathlete (FR) Aout 1995
I’m guessing you know by now that I’m a huge France Iron Tour nerd. I’ve already done podcasts about the 1993 and 1994 editions.
So here’s a preview of the 1995 race. It’s a quick translation of the article above. They call the 1995 race the 2nd edition of the FIT. Because 1993 was technically just a 2 day trial race. To test the concept a bit before a full launch the following year.
The main body of the article is an interview with Carole Gally. The FIT co-founder and organiser. Here we go!
Headline. Coming Soon To Your TV Screen.
Subheading: On the eve of the second edition the FIT is hoping to get its second wind. Carole Gally explains it all.
Carole. Explain how and why you had the idea to create the FIT.
The story starts in 1990. When I met Jean-Luc Capogna. He had the idea to organise a triathlon tour like cycling’s Tour de France.
Of course. We had no pretensions to make the event as big as the Tour de France. Our goal was just to get more people. And the media. Interested in the sport of triathlon.
Similarly. There was never any question of creating a gruelling endurance test. Rather the length of stages would be based on the Olympic Distance. To show competitive, high speed racing.
We then got some hands-on organising experience by starting triathlons in Grenoble and Alpe d’Huez. The idea was of course to eventually send a triathlon up the famous Tour de France mountain. Note. The 1992 Triathlon International de Grenoble was the first race to do this.
Last year (1994) when we felt ready. We launched the FIT. We decided on 4 stages in 5 days. We didn’t think we needed to, even if it might be a long term goal, to design an actual tour of France. This year we have 6 stages in 8 days. Next year it will be something like 12 stages in 15 days.
You do however want to create a Tour de France alter-ego?
Absolutely. But a triathlon one.
How long did it take to get the FIT up and running? For Example. To plan race courses and get permission from local authorities.
A full year. We started by negotiating with towns. Presenting what would be expected of them as potential stage venues. In terms of both the race and the financial commitment. We prioritised towns that already had some experience with hosting triathlons.
Once we’d come to an agreement with a town we then met two or three times before the event. From October to March we worked on finding sponsors. Only then did we begin planning the technical aspects of the tour.
How many people are involved in putting on the event?
We have 3 full-time employees. Carole Bertrand. Lucie Badoil. And me. But we also organise the Dauphine Libere 10 km in Grenoble.
In terms of the FIT we can also count on 60 or so volunteers from the team that puts on the TIGRE. Or the Triathlon International de Grenoble. They can act as local project managers or race directors.
What do you expect this year in terms of media coverage and public awareness?
We have an agreement with the TV stations France 2 and France 3 to televise Stage 1 in Strasbourg on the 20th August. Then there’ll be a daily stage summary on the programme Tout Le Sport at 8PM every evening.
On Saturday 26th August Samedi Passion will also show a look-back at the first 5 stages. And on Sunday Sport Dimanche and Stade 2 (France’s most famous sports show) will show highlights of the final stage.
We can also count on the radio stations France Info and Radio France to cover the race. As well as local and national newspapers.
Subheading: Marceau Absent
This year two big French clubs won’t be taking part. Poissy and Le Racing. Does this worry you?
I can’t say it doesn’t. Concerning Le Racing. They told me they have financial problems. Poissy however was concerned that 3 of their best athletes would be involved in the World Military Championships. They therefore don’t want to do the FIT just to make up the numbers.
If Poissy toes the line it's with a strong team. Not only are they interested in the image of the club but doing the FIT is also an expensive undertaking. About 100,000FF (€15,000). If Olivier Marceau and Serge Lecrique were available. That would change everything. For them. But unfortunately they’re not.
Is La Coupe De France Des Clubs on 17th September a little close to the FIT to allow clubs to field their best teams in both events?
No. The reason Poissy is not coming is because they can’t bring Marceau. The calendar has nothing to do with it.
The FIT now has a solid budget. What is still needed to make an even bigger impact in the sport of triathlon?
Correct.
We have a total of 800,000FF (€120,000) available and a Peugeot 806 as first prize. I think we need a few more years of experience and ironing out small problems. As well as a tour that covers more of the country.
I think in terms of media coverage and attracting the best athletes. We’re already doing a great job. The FIT just needs a bit more time to mature.
Back to me now. Ross. So where and when were the six stages?
Stage One took place in Strasbourg (my old home town) on Sunday 20th August 1995. It was an Olympic Distance race that started at 11:00.
The two-lap swim was in a lake called the Bagersee. About 5km from the town centre. The bike was a flat two-laps to the town centre and back.
And the run was 3 laps in the lake-side and in the forest next to baggersee. I think the finish was on the beach.
Stage Two was in Besancon on Monday 21st August 1995. Besancon. By the way. Is 250 km from Strasbourg. The Sprint Distance race was planned to start at 18:15. So giving time for the teams to make the drive south.
The swim was 750m downstream in the fast-flowing Doubs river. The bike was 3 laps with the pretty-tough climb of La Voselle on each lap. And the run was two laps along the river and through town.
The race moved to Vichy for Stage Three on Wednesday 23rd August 1995. Therefore the athletes had a rest day on Tuesday. To train, to chill and to make the 300 km drive from Besancon.
Note. Vichy hosted Stage One of the 1994 FIT.
Again. The format was a Team Time Trial. Swim together. Bike together. As much as possible. To maximise drafting and speed.
The clock is stopped when the first three athletes from a team cross the line. Race start was at 15:00 and the distances were 900m / 24 km / 5.6 km. With teams leaving every 45 seconds.
Stage Four was an Olympic Distance triathlon in St. Etienne on Thursday 24th August 1995. With the race start planned for 15:00.
The swim was at the Saint Victor Dam. 12 km from St. Etienne town centre. The bike was then 2 laps between Saint Victor and the village of Roche La Moliere. And was described in the preview as vallonee. Or rolling. The run was 3 laps back at Saint Victor. Around the Base Nautique and the village.
Now let's look at Stage Five. 150 km away from St. Etienne. In Grenoble. Again. A town that had a stage in 1994. A sprint triathlon starting at 19:00 in the evening was planned.
The swim was again supposed to take place in the Isere river. Listen to TSP8 to hear Scott Molina talking about how fast the flow was. In fact, the race preview even states that the river has strong currents.
However, there was a big change to this stage due to the river conditions. More details when I go through the race in a future podcast.
The bike was due to be two laps. With therefore 2 laps of Le Col de Vence. Which is a pretty steep, semi-urban climb. With a tight, technical descent. Then a two lap river-side run.
The final stage. Stage Six. Starting at 10:45 on Sunday 27th August. So the athletes had another rest day between stages 5 and 6. Although it was only a 50km drive between Grenoble and the race start in Vaujany.
The race was another Olympic Distance race from the EDF Lac Du Verney to the top of Alpe D’Huez. Which is listed as 1100m of positive denivele. The pre-race guide says the swim was 500m. But I think that’s a typo. The run was again 2 laps in and around the village at 1850m of altitude.
I’m pretty sure it was the same route as the 4th and final stage in 1994. However, in 1994, if you remember, they used a time trial start based on general classification times after the first 3 stages.
So. Who planned to take part? Let’s take a look at the teams together.
Note. There were changes. Which I’ll go through in the race reports and results in that future episode. Here’s the 10 teams.
St. Quentin en Yvelines. A triathlon club from the suburbs of Paris. And a regular season FGP team.
Simon Lessing (GB). Last year's FIT winner.
Todd Voss. An Australian pioneer of racing in France. In fact, he’s still living and racing in France.
Thierry Henry. 48th in 1994. Not the footballer. But Brittany’s big hope. He was and maybe still is a neighbour of my wife’s uncle. In Saint Marine. Just outside of Quimper.
Alain Vigne (FR). 20th in 1994.
Emmanuel Dubreuil (FR). 44th in 1994.
Stephane Jansoone (FR).
Assystem. A company that would later sponsor Simon Lessing’s Tricastin FGP team. But here just funding a composite team for FIT.
Mike Pigg (USA). 2nd at the FIT last year.
Jimmy Riccitelo (USA). 9th at the FIT in 1994.
Scott Molina(USA). 1988 Hawaii Ironman winner. 8th at the 1994 FIT.
Nate Llerandi (USA). Former age group sensation.
Jason Metters (AUS). He raced the GP in 1996 when I was there.
Simon Knowles (AUS).
Point-P Triathlon Aix En Provence. Another FGP team.
Stephen Foster (AUS). 5th at the FIT in 1994.
Jean-Luc Capogna. One of France's best athletes from the mid-80s onwards. And. The inventor of the FIT. 21st at the FIT in 1994.
Frank Clark (CAN). 2nd at the FIT in 1994.
Laurent Jeanselme. Very fast swimmer. 11th at the FIT in 1994.
Patrick Charles (FR).
Either Francois Chabaud or Vincent Bavay (FR). Both established French athletes. Chabaud was 43rd at the FIT in 1994.
Athlon. A sports drink. That sponsored Mike Pigg’s team in 1993.
Ben Bright (AUS). 4th at the FIT in 1994. Also see TSP14.
Glynde Mangum (USA). Although I think he was based out of Japan for most of his pro triathlon career. Great swimmer.
Hamish Carter (NZ). Not yet 2004 Olympic Champion. But already 3rd at the 1993 World Championships in Manchester.
Darren Carnel (AUS). A regular on the French circuit at the time.
Greg Bennett (AUS). Podcaster.
Miles Stewart. Former teenage phenom and 1991 World Champion.
Arena-Bell. With six Dutch athletes.
Richard Van Diesen. Early-days triathlete. Who I’d end up running a lot of the 30 km at Nice with just a month after the FIT.
Eimert Van Der Bosch. 1993 Ironbridge Triathlon winner.
Dennis Looze. Future 2000 Olympian.
Ron Van Der Pol.
Peter Johan Dillo.
Guido Savenkoul. 29th at the FIT in 1994.
Fit For Fun. Had six Germans. But. No Hellriegel!
Ralph Eggert.
Holger Lorenz.
Lothar Leder. Who was to become the first athlete under 8 hours for the ironman distance at Roth in 1996.
Stefan Vuckovic. Future 2000 Olympic Bronze medallist.
Rainer Muller.
Arnd Schomburg.
Montpellier Triathlon. Another French club team. Boosted here by the addition of some international athletes.
Rick Wells (NZ). 3rd in Avignon in 1989. 1987 Nice winner. 2nd at the Gold Coast Worlds in 1991. And 1st in Perth. The most competitive short-course race of 1987.
Luc Annonier (FR).
Stephane Cuenca (FR).
Conrad Stoltz (SA).
Sigfried Rouanet (FR).
Pierre Marion (FR).
Andrezieux Boutheon. A suburb of Lyon. And also a regular season FGP team.
Stephane Sansorgne. 42nd at the FIT in 1994.
Remi Lancha.
Craig Watson (NZ). Founder of the Kiwami clothing brand.
Stephane Bignet. 2000 Olympian.
Marc Clough (AUS).
Sylvain Lebris (FR).
Reunion Ocean Indien. Reunion obviously being a French department. And a part of France. Albeit. Over 9000 km from Paris. I’m guessing with 4 Reunion-ites. Boosted by two South Africans.
Andre Lebeau.
Manuel Bornot.
David Hubert.
Michel Bachelier.
Glen Gore (SA). He’s on Instagram.
Harald Zumpt (SA). Met him at the 1996 World University Championships.
The 10th team is simply called Australia! They announced some strong athletes with home and away experience.
Tim Bentley. Fast runner. raced a lot in France.
Craig Redman.
Shane Smith.
Future 2000 GB Olympian Andrew Johns.
Nick Croft. Raced loads in France. Australian team in Avignon.
Andrew Carlson (USA). Part of France-Info super-team in 1994.
Finally let’s look at the jerseys available. That will be worn by the leaders of the various classifications everyday.
There are 9. Too many? We’ll find out when we deep-dive into the race reports and results. In fact, they’re not really jerseys like those awarded in cycling. They’re triathlon crop tops. That we all wore back then.
SNCF Iron Jersey. Overall GC leader.
Arena Blue Jersey. Swim leader.
Mavic White Jersey. Best cyclist.
Geant Supermarkets Red Jersey. Best runner.
Tricolore Jersey. Highest French athlete on GC.
Hertz Yellow and Black Jersey. Best daily GC progression..
Maillot Etape. Daily stage winner.
Green Jersey. Hot spots leader.
Black Jersey. Leading team.
I’m still planning to do one of the Iron Tour routes as a bike trip. Probably in the summer of 2025. Riding between stage towns. Not driving like the athletes did. And also re-creating the stages.
I’ve already punched the 1994 and 1995 routes into google maps to see how much riding would be involved with the stages and the transfers. The 1994 tour would be about 500 km. And this 1995 one is nearer 1100 km.
Note also for 1995 there was still no women’s FIT planned.
Links:
1996 France Iron Tour
1995 FIT Race Report in 220 (UK) October 1995
1995 FIT Race Report in Triathlete (FR) Octobre 1995
Simon Lessing’s 1996 Cannondale
In TSP18 I spoke about the 1980s tri-bike that I’ll be racing on this year. It’s roughly based on Mike Pigg’s 1987 Basso. IMO, technological advancements could have stopped right there.
Since I started triathloning in 1989, I’ve never really been seduced by bike-tech or convinced of it’s impact on your performance.
My priortity is always to have something solid and easy to maintain. I then use what I’ve got to juggle the comfort, power and aero equation.
Image: 220 (UK) April 1996
But here’s a more modern bike that I do really like. It’s Simon Lessing’s Cannondale from the 1996 season. I got to see a lot of it in transition areas as 1996 was my first full-season in France.
What do I like? I love the suspension idea. That could be locked out. I guess it could be useful on some bumpy road courses. Like in the UK! Although Leonard Zinn (below) wasn’t a fan. Too much power loss.
There’s also the drop-bars, clip-ons and Mavic Comete disc wheel vibe. Lessing was racing draft-free and draft-legal at the time. So he could mix and match wheel and cockpit set-ups as needed.
Image: Inside Triathlon (USA) November 1996.
My 2024 Race Bike
When I decided to race the whole 2024 triathlon season on the Peugeot, I knew I wanted to do a resto-mod. The beauty and simplicity of the 1980s. With some modern touches for speed and comfort.
I’m the world’s biggest Scott DH fan. I wrote 4000 words about them. But they’re not super-practical for everyday riding. And I find the bars too short to feel really fast in the hands-forward position.
So these aero bars are Profile Subsonics. The saddle is a Fizik Arione. And the pedals are Shimano Ultegra with 4mm extra spindle. The front chainring is a 52T Wolftooth Drop-Stop.
The front wheel I built myself. I love wheel building. And should do more. It’s a Mavic MA2 rim on a Shimano 1050 hub. With 32 black DT Swiss spokes.
I’ll put on some race tyres in May. Continental GP5000. Pleasingly, the Peugeot has enough clearance for 32s.
I’ve had to reacquaint myself with stripping, servicing and setting up rim brakes. And after a few longer training rides I’ll cut the brake cables to a more aesthetic length.
Thanks @oldtriathlonstuff for the 1980s bottle-cage bike-jumble find.
I’ve got 12 short triathlons planned. Here’s the schedule.
Aero-Bars in 1988
I’ve already done a podcast about the first aero-bars in triathlon. And my brother wrote about us getting our first pairs in Florida in 1989.
In 1987 Scott DH or something homemade were your only aero-bar choices. Although Mike Pigg and Scott Tinley used Aerolites at Hawaii in 1987. Were these prototypes? Aerolite didn’t run an ad in Triathlete until July 1988.
And then there were MB bars. Also talked about in TSP3. And the Australian clip-ons. See Hawaii video. Which as far as I know became the generation 1 Scott clip-ons. The Greg Lemond ones. After Scott bought the idea.
For the 1988 season Mark Allen, Scott Tinley, Mike Pigg and Dave Scott were all on Profiles one-piece bar. The Aero 1. Profile almost certainly had a bigger sponsorship and marketing budget than Scott.
In 1988 Scott didn’t run a single advertisement in Triathlete (USA) magazine. But they’ll bounce back in 1989 due to the Lemond Effect.
You also had a few other choices in 1988. See the articles below. But I’m guessing that all the brands except Profile hadn’t bought into Scott’s patent. And will probably soon get shut down. I like the Sark Bars. With the stem mount. Convenient yet somewhat sketchy.
The Absolute Must For Triathletes
Back when this magazine came out I probably wanted everything. I have it in English somewhere. Will post below when I find it.
But now I’d love to get hold of a Winning Club sleeveless wetsuit, the Campagnolo disc wheel and the Le Coq Sportif bag.
Image: Triathlet (DE) Nov-Dez 1988
1987 AeroLite Pedals Ad
I like this advertisement. But not really for the ahead-of-their-time pedals. I’m more interested in the photo of Scott Tinley.
It’s taken at the 1986 Avignon Triathlon. And shows that for a few years Tinley and Mark Allen were probably travelling to France without bikes.
It seems they’d either borrow something from a local athlete or pick up a temporary local sponsor’s bike.
Image: Tri-Athlete (FR) Octobre 1987
At Avignon in 1985, Allen was on a blue, un-badged bike. While Tinley’s bike was covered in Mercier stickers. But was it actually a Mercier? 5th that day was Mercier sponsored-athlete Jean-Luc Capogna.
In Nice in 1985, Allen, Scott Molina and Tinley were on brown Peugeots. With chrome forks. Maybe the carbon-bonded PY-10-FCs.
At Nice in 1986, Allen was again on the Peugeot. Maybe the same one. Stored somewhere in France. Had he bought it? I’ll ask him via Instagram. In Hawaii, two weeks later, he’d switched to his grey Schwinn. Proof. Maybe. That the brown Peugeot had stayed in France.
When Scott Tinley won Hawaii in 1985. Just two weeks after Nice. He was also on a Peugeot. Was it the same one as in Nice and Avignon? Although he’d swapped out the drop bars for the AeroLite Delta Wings.
Just updated my list of vintage triathlon projects.
Re-create the 1994 France Iron Tour. Riding between the stage towns.
Be in Embrun during race week. And do the course over several days.
Explore Avignon. Find out where the course went. Do as much of it as possible. Ride Avignon - Mont Ventoux - Avignon. Like Pigg and Allen did the day after the race in 1989.
Organise an annual non-competitive vintage triathlon.
What are your vintage triathlon projects? Comment below. And I’m happy to be corrected on the bike identifications above. or other facts.
The 220 Triathlon Series: 1993
This edition didn’t really capture my imagination. Probably because it involved a mandatory duathlon. I was never much of a double fitness fan.
The first counting event in the series was therefore the Fairford Duathlon. I didn’t attend but Steve Ovett and Allan Peiper did.
Swindon was again the national championships and a qualifier for the ITU World Championships in Manchester. I was definitely there.
My local race, Windsor, had been relegated to an emergencey scorer only if other events in the series were full. AND you did Fairford!
Ironbridge was now part of the ITPT (International Pro Triathlon Tour). A competition designed to rival the ITU World Cup Series.
The ITU World Cup Series was started in 1991. But many of the best athletes of the day (Scott Molina, Erin Baker, Mike Pigg, Michellie Jones, Karen Smyers, Glenn Cook etc.) hadn’t really got fully involved.
The ITPT grouped together ten of the world’s classic events (St. Croix, Chicago, Nice, Gold Coast World Cup etc). And it really was now or never. As drafting was on the way in 1994. More on all that later.
Bath was again live on the BBC. And 220 caused a bit of a kerfuffle by making it a handicapped race. I think I was there.
BTW1: Tim Stewart was my hero at this time.
BTW2: Most of these blog posts are just research for future podcast episodes. Let me know if you were racing back then or just don’t mind chatting about anything that I’ve covered.
BTW3: It’s a Brick Session because Matt said so.
Images: 220 (April 1993, July 1993, August 1993, November 1993)
The 1987 Triathlon International de Paris
Image: Tri-Athlete (FR) Septembre 1987
The 2nd edition of this race took place on 13th September 1987. I’ve already looked at 1986 here. It seems the sponsor-issue tri-suits were not compulsory anymore. Although some athletes still wore them.
Athletes were bused about 2.5km upstream along the Cours Albert 1 to the start at La Pont de la Concorde. It was hot inside with a wetsuit on. The dive start was chaotic and rough. You then needed to be vigilant to avoid hitting a bridge during the fast, downstream swim.
Wolfgang Dittrich, Phil Gable and the pure-swimmer Christophe Mourier were first out. The bike course was out and back to Versailles. Through the Bois de Meudon, Chaville and Viroflay. The roads were narrow and pot-holed.
The swim didn’t break up the race and bunches soon formed on the bike. Although the top 10 seemed to be able to ride clean.
Who was there? Dittirch. Blondeel. Hofmann. And Methion. Making up over 30 seconds in the first half. However, at 27 km he hits a pothole, rolls his tub and falls. A friend glued it on he said.
Dittrich hits the run 1st. He doesn’t look back but Blondeel is only 11 seconds down. And he’s a much better runner. Benefitting from a long straight section, he passes Wolfie at speed. And wins. The Italian Palmucci runs into 2nd. Shaking off Fabrice Trousset late in the race.
British athlete, Sarah Coope, was 2nd off the bike behind Anne-Marie Rouchon. But. She’d raced and won the day before in Geneva. Results below. Yes. This was a time when people did that.
However, her baggage was lost on route. Sent to Nice! And she only got the essentials at the last minute. I’m guessing her partner, Glenn Cook, was also planning to race Paris. He’d finished 3rd in Geneva. Behind Yves Cordier and Rob Barel. Yes. This was also a time when the best athletes used to race each other nearly every week.
Coope was riding a beautiful bike in 1987. A yellow and blue Rossin. With Scott DH and a Campagnolo disc-wheel. See photo. She wins her second race in two days. Catherine Jay is second and Anne-Marie third.
The athletes are happy at the finish. But they agree that the bike course needs to be improved. It’s too narrow and too dangerous.
Now to find the 1988. And plan the logistics for a Paris triathlon history trip. Lots to explore. Les Mureaux. Hauts de Seine.
The 220 Triathlon Series: 1992
I’ve already looked at 1991 here. In 1992 there were only four events in the series. I did three and was ranked 47th at the end of the season. I missed Bath because I was on a student exchange in Canada.
Swindon was nationals. And a selection race for the European Short Course Championships in Lommel. Lessing, Smith and Cook medalled for the men. Spoiler alert. All 3 did well in Lommel too.
Windsor was back. And had 3 qualifying sports in every age group for the Worlds in Canada. The AG thing was getting bigger in UK triathlon. Apparently Saturday night had a Hawaiian shirt pool party. I don’t remember this. On Sunday, Alison Hamilton and Spencer Smith won.
Ironbridge became Middle Distance. And was ace. The first middle distance where I felt I went gun to tape. At a solid pace. No blow-ups.
18 year old Ben Bright cycled away from Britain’s best. On a steel bike with training wheels. And Bianca Van Woesik beat Sarah Coope.
Bath moved fully into town. And stole the BBC slot from Portsmouth. More on Portsmouth in a future blog post. Hamilton ran down Neilsen. Barel ran down Bright. Ben looked knackered after a long French season.
Swindon and Ironbridge also had some TV coverage. And Alison Hamilton and Matthew Belfield were overall series winners.
1993 Worlds in Manchester
Posting this reminds me that I need to finish the work I started about Ben Bright and the summer of 1992. Here’s Part One.
I tried to qualify for these worlds in the 20-24 age-group. It was a team of 6 back then. I didn’t make it. But I can’t remember how close I got. I was going to go and watch. But I raced locally on the same day instead.
The thinking back then. One year before draft-legal racing came to the World Cup Series. Was that if you put some hills in the first few kilometres it would break up the pack and create a fair race.
It kind of worked on this occasion. The podiums included all the big bikers. Ritchie, Smyers, Jones, Carter, Lessing and Smith.
Karen Smyers is definitely in my top-5 female triathletes of all time. When ranking athletes I consider winnability, longevity, history making and competitive range. That’s 4th (1989), 1st (1990), 9th (1991), 6th (1992) and 2nd (1993) for her in Worlds so far.
And as Triathlete (FR) states (below). Smith was Simply The Beast.
My main take-away from this race in the end was sartorial. I ended up dumping the Speedo for Hamish Carter’s cycling shorts-look. I still dress like that for any gun-to-taping today.
Take another look at the Carter photo. There’s the famous 220 / Human Race tabs-on-table wrist-band. Cut-off drops. And a bike that looks like it has been doing battle around Europe for a few months.
Sign Me Up!
Although I’m pretty sure the bus thing never happened. The race series did go ahead. Here are all the results. Although they called it the ETU European Cup rather than a Grand Prix Circus.
I’m pretty sure the athletes intending to travel were the members of Bedford Harriers. This was an elite composite team formed by prolific triathlon promoter Bill Steel in late-88 or early-89. As a triathlon arm of the Bedford Harriers Athletics Club, established in 1985.
I’m pretty sure the concept was to compete for team prizes in France, Germany, the Netherlands or Belgium. With the big clubs in Europe. So making sure race licenses with club mentioned were all in order.
Honestly, it was cool and exciting to see the black and yellow kits and Dave Russell bikes at the races and in the magazines. As they pretty much dominated the Grand Prix in 1989. Podcast episode here.
But they also caused a kerfuffle at the National Relays in Nottingham in August 1989. When their male team consisting of Rick Kiddle, Glenn Cook, Richard Hobson and Jon Ashby won quite easily. But was the formation of elite composite teams really in the spirt of club racing?
The First Copy Of Triathlete (USA) I Ever Bought
Yesterday I covered the 1988 America’s Paradise Triathlon in St. Croix. So today I was going to look at the 1989 race. There was a report in the August 1989 issue of Triathlete (USA).
But then I realised this was the first copy of a US triathlon magazine that I bought. From a triathlon shop in Florida. I think @oldtriathlonstuff and I also got our Profile Aero 2s there.
Erin Baker and Mark Allen won St. Croix in 1989. And inside there’s also a report of the Gold Coast World Cup. The history of this race needs to be covered separately. And Bermuda. I’ll start work.
The other stand-out article is about Mark Allen and Julie Moss’s trip to New Zealand. In January 1989. To train with Erin Baker and Scott Molina.
Allen credits this trip with setting up his excellent 1989 season. I’ve already covered that here. Best male triathlon season ever?
Here’s a selection of my favourite pages:
The cover. Beautiful. Mark Allen in Australia.
Profile For Speed advertisement. Their 1989 range.
Gold Coast World Cup race report.
Grip Shift advertisement.
St. Croix race report.
Lyttleton.
Images: Triathlete (USA) August 1989