Welcome to the Parcours team Dan Stein - pro triathlete

Today we're welcoming pro triathlete Dan Stein to the Parcours team.  For the past couple of years Dan has been really making waves on the Australian middle distance scene, including a recent stunning 2nd place at the Australian Elite Long Course Championships in Queensland.

We join Dan mid-season, with some impressive Ironman 70.3 results already in the bag.  As the race calendar continues, Dan will be looking to seal qualification for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Chattanooga later this year.

Dan will be riding and racing on a Parcours Chrono and Disc combination to maximise his impressive bike leg speed.  You can follow Dan's results at www.danielstein.com.au or on Twitter (@its_danstein) and Instagram (@its_danstein).  We'd steer clear of his Strava though unless you're after a serious ego check!

60 second intro:

What first got you into triathlon?

I have been around the sport most of my life. My parents were involved in triathlon when I was growing up so my brother and I did the occasional kids triathlon as youngsters. I always kept fit during my universities days and as with most people who start out, I raced as part of a team at one of the largest triathlons in the world, the Noosa Triathlon. I was blown away by the atmosphere and immediately signed up to compete individually the next year. From there it has been a steady progression (bordering obsession!) in the sport.

What the best part of a race for you?

This answer changes every few weeks! I seem to go through phases of loving a particular leg, which means I am generally performing well in that discipline.  I would say that the run leg generally is my preferred or better discipline, especially on those days when you feel as though it is effortless. To glide over the ground and bound past other athletes gives you great satisfaction!

What’s the long-term goal for you & your racing?

My current goal is to qualify and compete at the IM 70.3 World Championships as a professional. I love racing around Asia in the heat so to travel to a race over there and do well (maybe even snatch a win!) would be a great achievement. Traveling to new places and racing in different locations also excites me and adds to the enjoyment of the sport. Longer term I have not ruled out stepping up in distance and racing a full Ironman, however the time commitment is something I have not completely got my head around!  Away from the sport, my fiancee and I have welcomed out first child, Lucy, into the world last year so spending as much time with these two is top of the list.

What’s the best moment of your career (so far)?

Both my fiancee, Aimee, and I raced at the World Age Group Championships in Auckland NZ back in 2012. It was my result at this race that allowed me to obtain my professional license and also confirmed to myself that I have the potential to go further in the sport. This was a pivotal point in my triathlon career to date and also lit a spark that fuelled me to push myself on the journey of competing professionally. More recently, at the Australian Elite Long Course Championships, I placed second and split the podium between Tim Reed and Luke Mckenzie, two modern day icons of the sport. To be standing in the company of such talented athletes was a special moment.

Career highlights:

Professional

 Age group