70.3 IRONMAN Austria: Race Sunday was all Andi Boecherer’s

Almost 2 years Andi had to manage without any competition and even without training, not only for the body but also for the mind a hardship. Finally, in late autumn he was ready for workouts again. Physically and mentally he had overcome all lesions from his bike accident and the Achilles tendon showed him gratitude as well. The long break gave it time to heal.

After his first win after such a long time at the IRONMAN 70.3 in Pays d’Aix Andi decided to travel to Austria and race IRONMAN 70.3 Austria in St. Poelten. For me it was a question of honor to drive there and collect some footage of Andi’s comeback as the race was but in front of my doorstep.

I have to admit that St. Poelten is not the town of my dreams and that round about 70k in the early morning are a considerable distance, especially if you went to bed late. There was the huge gala of the Lifeball in Vienna where I went as an onlookers. Bedtime was only after midnight. With a sleepless night in the body I left with dear friend Ralf for St. Poelten. On time we arrived at the swim start by softly pushing ourselves through the crowds who were still a bit sluggish moving to the little lake. After a short hello to Andi and Yvonne with a tight but brief hug I began to focus on my filming job.

First out of the water, first off the bike first crossing the finish line. That was it. Andi won this race without the slightest struggling. It was a very happy moment for me to see him cross the finish line in first place and to see him in the limelight after so many months of suffering physically and mentally. 
I think it means a lot that he was able to reiterate his success in St. Poelten. It was very important for his self-esteem sending out strong signals of a comeback before the real big races like Frankfurt.

Yvonne was unhappy on this Sunday. Her legs were simply not following her mind. She came in 4th, not a bad place either.

Now we are working on the footage and will hopefully have a nice outcome that gives an idea what this victory meant for Andi Boecherer.