Martina Dogana (women’s winner and record-holder of the event): Everything was good for me on Sunday. It was a beautiful day. It’s simply wonderful. On the bike, I kept my pace. I stayed calm even when the other women passed me. After a hundred kilometers, I caught up with them. On the Promenade des Anglais, I ran as I know how. I’m very happy. I want to thank the crowd who encouraged us.
Katja Schumacher (second place): When I started the marathon, I wanted to keep Martina’s pace to win the competition. But I quickly realized it was impossible. She was too strong. So I managed my race by focusing on Alexandra Louison to maintain my second place.
Alexandra Louison (third place): I lost six minutes after a flat tire. I’m not used to getting a flat. Even though I had a spare tire under my saddle, I was afraid of panicking while changing it and losing more time. So, I rode with a flat tire. Many women passed me. I couldn’t go faster. I started the marathon demotivated. I told myself I shouldn’t have this mindset for 42 kilometers. The crowd motivated me, gave me courage. I regained my drive thanks to the supporters. But Martina was too strong to beat.
Marcel Zamora (men’s winner): “I thank the organizers. It was even better than last year. Mike wasn’t my main rival (editor’s note: Mike Aigroz was eight minutes ahead before the marathon). I was afraid of not making it because I had issues this year. The victory was a revenge. It has a special taste and time wasn’t the most important thing. I was in a motorcycle accident. I thought about it a lot until the last moment. I entered the race thinking I would see how my body responded, not knowing if I could continue the IronMan until the end. Now, I’ll see how I recover. If I feel good, I’ll do the IronMan 70.3 in Monaco to try to make the Nice/Monaco double a third time.”
Hervé Faure (second place): “I want to congratulate Marcel and the organization. I’m always very well received here. I always have a lot of fun. I would have liked to win but Marcel was too strong. The race was tough. The weather conditions too. I had stomach issues on the bike. The marathon started very fast. I couldn’t keep up. I was afraid of burning out. I increased my pace and overtook my opponents one by one. I even gained some time on Marcel. I weakened towards the end. The race brought me experience. The year 2008 continues with the goal of the world championship and the IronMan in Hawaii.”
Patrick Bringer (third place): “My third place is a confirmation. It’s my ninth triathlon and my fifth podium. I’ve acquired a certain consistency. I enjoyed this race a lot. There was a lot of atmosphere. It was a big party for everyone. Since October 15 and the resumption of training, I’ve been thinking about this race. I came out in the top five in swimming. I hesitated to attack on the bike but I had confidence in my marathon. I tried to follow Marcel. I passed a half marathon ahead of Hervé Faure. It’s a great performance and a great satisfaction to have put strong opponents behind me. There’s a very strong top 10. I was hesitating to come back next year. It was my third IronMan in Nice. I like changing programs. But there, as soon as I arrived, I said to myself: I’m very keen to be back again next year.”
