Bobby Behan

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Sports Marketing Manager, Mountain Bike and Triathlon

Specialized Global Marketing

I am an Irishman, come from a farming family and have five younger brothers, which meant I had to stand my ground from a young age! In my early years I was a competitive swimmer and runner while been a fan of cycling mainly due to the successes of Irishmen Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche in the pro peleton.

It was only at the age of 21 that I discovered triathlon via a university friend. I pursued triathlon through to 2001, where I was North American Age Group Champion and then raced at Elite Level. It was in 1999 that I discovered Stellenbosch, South Africa and met long-term friends and Specialized Athletes Conrad Stoltz and Christoph Sauser.

In 2001 my career took a swing after being offered the position of Sales and Sports Marketing Manager for Oakley in Ireland, which I held through to 2005. During this period I raced both mtb and road bikes. In 2004 I reignited my triathlon passion, returned to racing, won a national title and in 2005 left Oakley to focus solely on triathlon.

Once again my career took a spin, with Specialized offering me the position of team manager for their global factory MTB team in 2006. There have been so many memorable moments: 2006 with Susi and Liam Killeen 1-2 at Mont Sainte Anne, Susi’s World Title in 2009, however, most cherished for me has been the opportunity to work with so many great people first and foremost. A great athlete is awesome, but a humble attitude raises the bar for me.

In February 2009, I commenced with the position of Sports Marketing Manager for Mountain Bike and Triathlon at Specialized. The position is so challenging, so rewarding and exciting. Rock on ……!

Stats

Height 5' 4"
Born January 12th, 1968

Cool Facts

2nd overall tour of virginia
7th overall tour 1998
8th stage of best tour
stage of tour 2005 winner best year

One World Championships over and now another one.

September 8, 2009

I arrived in The Gold Coast on Monday at lunchtime, tired, hungry, drained and hoarse! I craved food and SLEEP! I raced in 20 million directions over the weekend, but it was worth it!

Burry Stander was dominate winning The Under 23 XC MTB World Championship Title. “The Kid” looked strong from start to finish was always in control and crossed the line with a big smile and a huge sense of relief. Burry was the favorite and sometimes being the favorite creates unwanted pressure and expectation. Burry did not disappointed though.

Lene looked sensational and rode so confidently. I was so proud of Lene and the way she has developed both on and off the bike. Leading for much of the race, only in the last half lap was she caught, by Irina. It was a very hard way for Lene to loose, but in the aftermath a silver medal is something to be very proud of.

Rafa did well to make the final and a crash relegated him to fourth. I realized afterwards, unless my facts are wrong, that not one World Champion managed to defend his or her title. Susi was unfortunately in the same boat, but going in we knew the cards were stacked against Susi. He has had a tough season, but 10th was still a great result. Todd Wells did very well to finish a career best 8th with the 3rd fastest lap in what was arguably one of the greatest MTB races seen in recent years.

On the final day all eyes were on downhill. The nature and design of the course was stacked against Sam Hill. It does not suit his racing style, but he did very well to finish fifth. Both Kyle Strait and Cody Warren also impressed, by finishing in the teens. Brendan was disappointed with his run.

It was great to see everybody again, but as I said I was shattered leaving Canberra. The Gold Coast has been cool so far, although I am only here a day. I spent most of yesterday afternoon with Jan Frodeno catching up, then last night met up with my old Coach Libby Burrell who is now ITU Development Director. Libby introduced me to the ITU Development Team, which is a really impressive story. The team are just off a 10 day training camp. I had breakfast this morning with Jan and then did a three hour ride. Damn the roads here are busy. I spent a lot of time scratching my head at the thoughts of The Gold Coast being one of the triathlon's meccas. Give me Stellenbosch any day! On the way back from my spin I bumped into the one and only Tim Don. Great seeing Tim again too.

I will keep you posted as The World Cup Series Final gets closer.

Stats for Bobby Behan are coming soon.
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