Triathlon

On the ejector seat: Tjebbe trembles for the Olympics

(Bild: ZVG)

As things stand, one Tyrolean triathlon duo will be competing at the Olympic Games in Paris. Alois Knabl has his ticket as good as secured and has nothing to worry about. Tjebbe Kaindl still has to tremble. A flu-like infection cost her important qualifying points in Australia.

Tjebbe Kaindl had been on the road for three months. Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Australia again. He returned home on Tuesday. "I need a bit of rest. Traveling was exhausting," said the man from Bad Häring.

Started out exhausted
The 25-year-old had to retire from the World Cup last Saturday in Wollongong, Australia, as he was not yet fit enough to push himself to the limit following a flu-like infection. As a result, important points for the Olympic qualification were lost.

"I'm still in the race, but in the hot seat. I have two competitors breathing down my neck," explained Kaindl: "It's going to be exciting, but I didn't want it that way. The plan didn't work out. I've already completed around 20 long-haul flights this year. That makes you susceptible to catching an infection."

Next start in Mexico
There are still four chances to secure the Paris ticket. Tjebbe will miss out on China and Yokohama (Japan). At the World Cup in Mexico (May 19) and the World Championship series in Cagliari, Italy (May 25), he wants to go all out.