As in any sport, the athletes pedigrees are one thing; their differing quirks, idiosyncrasies and personalities being but another. Duathlon in South Africa may well have had some world-class talent, but it sure did have some characters and personalities. And while Ian Cocker certainly lived up to this assessment, what did he make of his fellow competitors of the day?
"There were only so many sponsors on the market and we all wanted to be in on the deals," he says. "So, as you could imagine, it got a bit bitchy sometimes. But this aspect aside. I met and hung out with some colorful characters, some of whom I have stayed in contact with."
While Ian says that commenting on fellow competitors was/is a touchy subject, he nevertheless offers the following insightful critique of his fellow 'run-bike-run' exponents:
- Greg Von Holdt: 'The Kid' and I spent quite a few hours on long rides together and travelled to numerous Powerman events. I don't think he knows how talented he was as an athlete. Great form both running and riding, and that was very rare. He was some 10 years my junior, but man did we have some laughs. Never a dull moment with that guy!"
- Nick Bester: "As hard as nails and didn't know the word quit. Unfortunately (or fortunately) he didn't specialize in duathlon and raced infrequently, which made my job a bit easier."
- Ben Jansen Van Vuuren: "A very funny bloke and popular character in Zofingen. He was our highest placer in 1993. Fifteenth place, I think; an awesome effort."
- Mike Cronje: "Great runner. If he'd had a bike leg to match we'd have watched him from the minor placings."
- Herman Mulder: "A wonderfully stylish runner, great national champion, but unfortunately very injury prone."
- Raynard Tissink: "Got stronger every week and was destined to go places. And he did.
- Athol Murray: "Shared a room with him at 1992 Worlds in Frankfurt, Germany and had some good laughs. He is a very seriously talented runner and blew us all away at high school cross-country, but didn't realise his full potential in duathlon due to injury.
- Pauline Cound: "A very proficient competitor, quiet achiever and lovely person. Pauline competed at numerous Powerman events."
Ian's travels also saw him get acquainted with several of the sport's superstars. Despite their near-mythical status, he adds that most of them were very approachable and, in light of those turbulent political days, very interested in South Africa.
"As a pro you can only survive by being on top," he says "It really is 'dog eat dog.' But most of the overseas guys were very easy going.
"I spent some time with Kenny Souza at Powerman Germany," he continues. "Race day was wet and really cold. Kenny was right up there but baled on the second lap of the 120km hilly bike leg. He rode back to our home-stay, raided the fridge, caught up with me at the finish and said: "9th in these conditions is a great day's work." That meant a lot to me.
"Greg Welch was also a great guy. He saw Von Holdt and I at the 1995 Chicago Powerman pre-race function. The Rugby World Cup was on and there we were discussing scores and giving each other endless shit over who was going to win the final.
"Then there was Greg Watson and Michael Tobin; both great guys. Tobin was an interesting guy, riding his bike between events in Europe with a change of clothes and a credit card!"
