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Yes, people raced on aluminum bikes and Faris Al-Sultan won Kona in 2005 aboard this shiny machine from Cannondale.
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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.
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A big hug for the 2005 Ironman World Champion.
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Rain did not slow down the fast German in 2006, but in the end he had to settle for the final podium spot.
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Fellow German Normann Stadler won in 2006 and acknowledged the champion of the year before, and third place getter this time.
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At home in Munich before an interview with Timothy Carlson.
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Surrounded by his parents Talib and Lydia Al-Sultan in his parental home.
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Hard on the throttle in 2008.
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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.
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10th place for the 2005 champion in 2009, a placing that he would earn 4 times.
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The famous Inside The Briefs bottle position also showed up in 2010 where he ended up 10th.
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Very calm and relaxed before the 2012 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
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Al-Sultan who spent a lot of time in the UAE, this race in Abu Dhabi was likely like a home race for him.
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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.
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Cool, calm and collected during the bike check-in at the 2013 Ironman World Championships, now with new sponsor Pewag.
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Just as he had done three times prior, Al-Sultan also finished 10th in 2013.
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On the way back to Kona in 2013.
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Exiting the Natural Energy Lab in 2013 and fighting hard for every place.
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In 2014 a poor swim meant a very late departure for Faris Al-Sultan and an eventual DNF.
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Al-Sultan in action during the 2015 Ironman Texas, the race that has triggered his decision to retire sooner than initially said.