Dubai: The Tri-Dubai team made a huge impact at the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championships held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Athletes from the Tri-Dubai team were placed first overall in the men's section, and second and third in the women's pro division to end a highly satisfying day.
After a slow swim, the five Tri-Dubai members gained ground in the cycling and the marathon, to clinch three spots on the podium.
There was further success for the UAE as Al Ain-based Sultan Al Faris, representing Germany, took the third place in the men's competition.
Leading the Tri-Dubai charge was defending champion Normann Stadler of Germany as he took over as the leader in the cycling stage, never to look behind till the end.
In the women's competition, Tri-Dubai's Desiree Ficker and Lisa Bentley were placed second and third respectively to complete the team's domination.
"No team has ever had this type of success in the sport of triathlon," said Tri-Dubai team founder, Franko Vatterott.
Tri-Dubai is a triathlon super team consisting of 10 triathletes from across the globe.
Managed by Boulder, Colorado-based The Human Interest Group, Inc. (HIG), Tri-Dubai works to promote the city of Dubai as a great sports, business and tourist destination while also supporting charities around the world.
Tri-Dubai has the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
"We're immensely proud of all of our athletes," said Tri-Dubai Director Sportif, Tony DeBoom.
In the course of winning his second straight title, Stadler set a new bike course record. "Winning is always good. Winning twice is always better," said Stadler. "Only a few guys have won twice, and I am happy to be one of them."
On the women's side, the female athletes of Tri-Dubai surpassed the great field of past winners, including Natasha Badmann and Lori Bowden, to power into second and third places.
Desiree Ficker, a relative newcomer, and racing for the second time in Hawaii, pulled out an impressive second-place podium win while Lisa Bentley motored up to third place.
