Normann Stadler

Normann Stadler, Hawaii 2004

Normann ("The Norminator") Stadler (born February 25, 1973 in Wertheim) is a professional triathlete from Germany. He is the winner of the 2004 and 2006 Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. Many believe these victories show that the world championship can still be won based on a strong bike but weaker marathon run.

Normann Stadler was a member of the Tri Dubai triathlon team and his major sponsors include PowerBar (nutrition) and Kuota (bike) until it disbanded at the end of the 2006 Triathlon season.

Although he was expected to do well in the 2005 Ironman, he withdrew from the race after suffering multiple tire punctures. Frustration regarding the second flat of the day and a bleeding bee sting on the thigh prompted him to throw his bike off the road. It is not entirely uncommon for elite Ironman athletes to withdraw from a race upon losing mental focus.

In 2006, Normann returned to Kona to compete in the Ironman World Championships. Normann swam fast enough to exit the water only moments behind the race leaders. Once on the bike course, Normann managed to gain over 10 minutes on the chase pack, setting a bike course record at 4:18:23 (26 mph). Australian Chris McCormack came within 71 seconds of Normann but was unable to get any closer.

When racing in the 2007 World Championship Stadler was forced to withdraw due to illness before the midpoint of the bike ride and was unable to defend the title.