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Swiss star Caroline Steffen wins women's Ironman title; Geelong Advertiser News

Third age group at Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in 2006, the Swiss Caroline Steffen has since continued its very strong growth by stages on Ironman and 70.3, and a very nice fourth place in Clearwater last November. Coached by Brett Sutton, she has won the first victory of her career on an international race. We did not resist any longer to ask her some questions.

Xtriathlon : It's your first win on 70.3... What do you think of this win?
Caroline Steffen : Yes it is my first win and it felt very good to cross the finish line as first. I guess it was a very important win for my. Last year I`ve changed my whole life just to be a pro triathlete and this win show me, I'm on the right way.

Xtriathlon : This first place after the second place in Tauranga will give to your season a boost... Are you happy to be first after this "re match" with Sam Warriner?
Caroline Steffen : It was never a "re match" for me. She had a good day in Tauranga and I had my one in Geelong. Every Race is new and always a new situation. I've tried to do my own race, I don't have to impress/conquer some other girls. Yes it will give me a boost for the coming season. I know now, I can win a race!

Xtriathlon : Your goal in 2010? Clearwater?
Caroline Steffen : My goal 2010: stay healthy, improve a lot and give your best in Clearwater or... Hawaii???

Xtriathlon : Oh Hawaii ? More “sexy” than Clearwater no? A true experience…
Caroline Steffen : Hawaii is a myth. After my 3th place in 2006 as an age grouper, I've carry out in my mind to return to Kona as a PRO. So, it is definitely a goal for me but it don't has to be in 2010. I just want to start if I`m ready for this course.

Xtriathlon : Your coach is Brett Sutton… we know how he is working. Do you think he is a big part of your win in Geelong ?
Caroline Steffen : I'm in Team TBB since the 1st of Jan 2010 and yes, he was a big part already in Tauranga. We did not turn everything upside down that close before the race but we did some small changes with big effect.

Xtriathlon : Working with other pro athletes is not evident… When you’re in a camp, is it a true work of an entire team, or is it an individual performance?
Caroline Steffen : Every athlete is different, some need a little more of this, some need a little more of that ... Brett know how he can bring out the best of each. We stay and train as a team but some sessions are individual performance to.

Xtriathlon : How many months do you train with Brett in a year ?
Caroline Steffen : The whole year. If I`m not in a camp, we still working close together. He don't have to watch me in every session, communication is the key to success.

Xtriathlon : Your future races?
Caroline Steffen : 13. march 2010 Abu Dhabi International, VAE
21. march 2010 IRONMAN 70.3 Singapore, SIN
28. April 2010 IRONMAN South Africa, SA

http://www.xtriathlon.com/articles/2773-Caroline_Steffen_:_I_know_I_can_win_a_race_!.html?lang=en

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