Yes, people raced on aluminum bikes and Faris Al-Sultan won Kona in 2005 aboard this shiny machine from Cannondale.

Third the year before and now the title in 2005 with the Bavarian flag hoisted over his head. Faris Al-Sultan then enjoyed some Taco Bell food to celebrate his big win.

A big hug for the 2005 Ironman World Champion.

Rain did not slow down the fast German in 2006, but in the end he had to settle for the final podium spot.

Fellow German Normann Stadler won in 2006 and acknowledged the champion of the year before, and third place getter this time.

At home in Munich before an interview with Timothy Carlson.

Surrounded by his parents Talib and Lydia Al-Sultan in his parental home.

Hard on the throttle in 2008.

A new start for Faris Al-Sultan as the leader of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team meant several new sponsors including Storck as the new bike provider.

10th place for the 2005 champion in 2009, a placing that he would earn 4 times.

The famous Inside The Briefs bottle position also showed up in 2010 where he ended up 10th.

Very calm and relaxed before the 2012 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

Al-Sultan who spent a lot of time in the UAE, this race in Abu Dhabi was likely like a home race for him.

Rasmus Hdnning proved to be too strong, but here is Faris Al-Sultan with a beautiful stride on the way to a very fine second place.

Cool, calm and collected during the bike check-in at the 2013 Ironman World Championships, now with new sponsor Pewag.

Just as he had done three times prior, Al-Sultan also finished 10th in 2013.

On the way back to Kona in 2013.

Exiting the Natural Energy Lab in 2013 and fighting hard for every place.

In 2014 a poor swim meant a very late departure for Faris Al-Sultan and an eventual DNF.

Al-Sultan in action during the 2015 Ironman Texas, the race that has triggered his decision to retire sooner than initially said.