“We expected Greg Bennett, but its the South African, Conrad Stoltz, who wins the only ITU leg in France” 1999

[“I’ll bet this is the strangest interview you’ve ever done,” says Conrad Stoltz as he locks his Specialized road bike to a lamp post outside a Stellenbosch coffee shop.

Thirty minutes earlier, he had to duck out from our conversation to visit his physiotherapist for a good working over: a couple of niggling injuries needed some soothing.

The “Caveman” has certainly been through his fair share of ups and downs over a career dating back to 1991. In fact, he may just be the longest serving professional sportsman in South Africa (if one thinks back to the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Conrad was already a “veteran” of the French triathlon circuit).

CRANK was fortunate enough to sit down with Conrad recently and talk about his early days as a professional triathlete in South Africa and continental Europe.

CRANK: Conrad, you had your “breakthrough” race aged 17 at the SA Champs in Langebaan way back in 1991. Could you talk us through your build up, expectations and the race itself?

CONRAD STOLTZ: That was indeed a “milestone” race for me – something just “happened” that day and I moved up the next level.

It was the first year that we had a heated pool in Pretoria – they built a Health and Raquet Club in Pretoria in 1990; I bought a life membership costing something like R700. So that was the first year that we were able to swim right through the winter, which had always hampered us in the years before.

My aspirations then were to win the junior category – there was great depth within the junior ranks with Greg Lunderstedt, Bryan Mellville, Cameron Jones, Dave Hyam; to name but a few.

On race day, there was a “more than” gale force southeaster which resulted in huge waves in the swim- very intimidating for us “Vaalies”. Back then we swam out the marina out to sea – or so it felt.  – Kevin Richards had a huge lead out of the water, which he extended on the bike to over four minutes.

I was a complete “tri geek” and rode… ]

Click here for the rest of the classic interview on www.crank.co.za

France Iron Tour- the 10 stage one- in 95 or 96? Stage 2 start in Marseilles. That’s me in the middle, (silver sleeveless suit) hogging the start line. Back in the days I could still swim…

What a story.  Madiba, as he is fondly called, spent 27 years in prison for his political beliefs. When he was released, he changed a country and gave hope…

I’m proud to have been able to live the experience.

Pretty well documented in the new movie Invictus by Clint Eastwood.

People seem obsessed with “what the pros eat.”  With Ice Cream and Beer season a thing of the past, here is what the Caveman had yesterday:

Breakfast:

Scrambled eggs with onions and Melissa’s Meat Rub, baked potatoes and lightly steamed cabbage.

Eggs: Protein. The yolks are nutrient rich. Eggs are easy to make and goes with anything.

Potatoes: Good, slow carbs, with lots of fiber and potassium. Very filling. Caveman staple food.

Cabbage: Turbo boost on group rides…

Lunch:

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Meet TriathlonTeam.org team mate, Igor Nastic.

I was born in 1978 in Bellinzona, Switzerland and my origins are serbian.  I work as a teacher, but i also do some journalism,  art consulting and coaching. I love to mix travelling, art, good food, good wine and super though training… unfortunately the day has only 24hrs

Include a picture of your choice.

[I think it says “Artist’s shit”]

How you feel about your season so far?

i’m very happy even if i broke my arm few weeks ago. i enjoy very much training in my region, and i had the chance to train by bike in palma del mallorca, which i consider a great place for many reason: culture, food, lifestyle and bike roads.

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For those who dont read Afrikaans so well- shame on you! Just kidding. It says here: Gert Stoltz won the Grand Masters (60+) agegroup at the recent 40km Sabie Classic mountain bike race. He beat the 2nd placed guy by 6 minutes!

Obviously he rides the fastest bike out there, (one of my old S works Specialized Epics) but mostly his amazing performance comes from some serious genes. I think I got the diluted version, because my dad only trains on Saturdays, and I have to train a full 6 days a week to win.

If I could just get him to do an XTERRA, but he says swimming is for frogs and running is for criminals…

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