Quotes from the pre-race press conference at TriStar Cannes
Manuela Garelli, Race Director
“This is a unique format, in a unique place, for a unique race. TriStar111 Cannes offers all athletes its traditional triathlon: 1 km of swimming in the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, followed by breathtaking cycling through picturesque villages and on top of all, a running course of 10 km in the center of Cannes arriving at the steps of the Festival Hall. Welcome to Cannes to all the athletes and organizers and thanks in advance for a great day tomorrow.”
Laurent Gauthier, President of Star Events (organizer)
“We are so glad to organize this great race in one of the best destinations in France. Cannes, Deauville and Lyon are three of the TriStar events with most participants. Local and international triathletes definitely know what TriStar stands for and that they will have a high quality event organized for them. Everyone will feel like a pro athlete.”
Olivier Marceau (SWI), World Champion, olympic and three times TriStar winner
"I’m looking forward to racing ‘at home’ tomorrow. I perfectly know these roads, these streets and I would like to ride and run fast to try to keep the victory at home. It’s going to be very tough as the bike course is demanding and the start list is full of great athletes.”
Daniel Fontana (ITA), Olympic and 8:18:00 Ironman competitor
“My background is similar to the one of Marceau as I also came from the Olympic distance and I feel that this format suits me perfectly. I don’t know the bike course, I only saw the maps on the internet and it looks very tough. The bike is going to be the key factor for sure to fight for the podium tomorrow.”
Adeline Rausis (SUI), pro triathlete
“I have planned to participate in some other TriStar races this year (Lyon, Deauville and Monaco). I really like the format and these races are perfect to compete, to train and to get an extra motivation to keep practicing triathlon.”
Paul Belmondo, former pro athlete, professional driver and TriStar Ambassador
“As an official TriStar Ambassador I can’t wait to start racing tomorrow in Cannes. I train here a lot, and I will try to finish under 5 hours… Hope the forecast is wrong and we will see the sun tomorrow and enjoy Cannes this international triathlon”.
Lucas Di Grassi (BRA), F1 driver
“I have already participated in a TriStar race in Monaco in 2010, and then triathlon became my hobby. I love the way TriStar is organizing sport events this is why we merged forces and we started up Star Events South America, based in Brazil. Together we created a good team which will announce a TriStar111 in Brazil for 2012 this season very shortly. I cannot compete with the PRO athletes I’m just here to have fun, to practice a lovely sport as a good way to stay fit for the Formula 1 and to share this experience and great moments with some friends.”
Stéphane Diagana (FRA) former pro athlete and Olympic gold medallist:
“I’m part of a Relay Team, I will swim 1 km –my first time in the sea!– and then my mates will finish the race. We will cross the finish line together. I’m so excited, and I will try to do my best and have a really nice day!”
Live Rankings and full results, Leaderboards, Updates and images on www.TriStarLive.com
TheTriStar label is presented by Star Events, a Monaco based company specializing in organizing high quality sports events that are focused on fun, social responsibility and environmental protection. The TriStar Series has grown to 27 races in these 14 destinations in less than three years: Nevis (St.Kitts and Nevis), Mallorca and Madrid (Spain), Lyon, Deauville and Cannes (France), Split (Croatia), Worms-Germany (Germany), Salzkammergut and Kufstein (Austria), Milton Keynes (United Kingdom), Estonia-Otepää (Estonia), Minnesota (USA), Monaco (Monaco). TriStar has introduced new distances to the sport of triathlon (A/N: 111km and 222km), officially recognized by ITU, as well as a brand new Team Racing ConceptT5. More Info: www.tristarseries.com and www.star-events.cc
