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Lance Armstrong and Jan Frodeno were two of the most famous athletes to take on the XTERRA challenge in Hawaii at the weekend. Marco Göckus was another of the 550 selected and approved professionals and amateurs to join the starting line-up. The 42-year-old only joined the triathlon scene 10 years ago and celebrated his greatest success in 2009 when, aged 40, he became European champion over the ITU long course in Prague.

Yet this race was a completely different number. In many ways, XTERRA is comparable with the better-known IRONMAN competition. The most spectacular and indeed toughest versions of both take place every autumn in Hawaii. Since 1996, the cross triathlon world championships have been held two weeks after the Ironman triathlon on the island of Maui. But that is where the similarities end. Marcus experienced the difference for himself on Sunday 23 October 2011 at the very latest when, after swimming a mile, he exited the water and leapt onto his FOCUS Raven. The athletes are subjected to even greater forces of nature during the XTRERRA. The 18.3 mile mountain bike route features the most extreme climbs – more than 1000 m uphill – and the wildest of descents. The third race section was a 6.1 mile trail run. The use of words such as energy, concentration, strength, courage and determination is inevitable when describing this race, where a good race strategy is just as important as skilfulness.

"I just want to do my best", was the stated goal of the FOCUS man. It was only later, and with a wink of the eye, that he admitted to wanting to finish amongst the top places. He ultimately came in 9 place (40-45). In order to achieve such a result, this amateur athlete, who works in customer service, has been putting in 20 hours a week. 20 hours of training, that is! For Göckus, the coming week will be all about regeneration and relaxation.

FOCUS would like to congratulate Marco on this dedication and fighting spirit, as well as on his great result.

Race facts:

What: XTERRA = cross triathlon = 1.5 km (1 mile) swimming + 29.4 km (18.3 miles) mountain bike + 9.8 km (6.1 miles) trail run

When: Sunday, 23 October 2011, 9:00

Where: Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii, USA

FOCUS sportsman facts:

Name: Marco Göckus

Year of birth: 1969

Personal details: Married, 1 son aged 18

Profession: Customer service

Triathlon: Soigneur for the 1st German League team EJOT Team TV Buschhütten Organisation of the German League EJOT Teams Active triathlon athlete for 10 years

Bike facts:Focus Raven