 For triathletes racing in the 90's, he's a legend. At this time his opponents were Simon Lessing (Eng), Philippe Fattori (Fra), Miles Stewart (Aus) and Greg Welch (Aus). "The Croc" (his nickname, the crocodile, for its ability to grip and to win his races by crushing his opponents) Brad Beven came twice to Gerardmer for the ITU World Cup in 1994 and 1995. The Australian has won these both 2 editions. A great champion who remembers his venue to Vosgesen.
What about your victories in Gerardmer (1994 & 1995) ?
The victories were important to me back then as I think they were part of the ITU series. I was living in the South of France at that time which was a great time in my career.It was all about training and racing in amazing places such as Gerardmer. The best memories were of the close racing on a hilly course. Both victories were getting off the bike after a hard ride and going head to head with those two guys. There wasn't many courses that had challenging rides and so scenic. I have some great memories from those races, onewas with Phillippe Fattori (who I was good friends with) and the other was with Andrew McMartin (Can).
 What do you remember from Gerardmer ?
I would have to say the hills on the ride again and also running around the lake. I did a bit of paddleing those water bike on the lake as well which was great. It was very cold as well on one of the days but that just added to the challenge. Also the presentation was always great as the French do it well with the champagne and the flowers
How do you see the evolution of triathlon compared to the time you raced ?
 The racing has changed with more importance on the run and the rides not as much. Hills always help break up groups but most courses don't have variety. It is a shame that is has gone this way and I always thought a truer test with a lot more tactics involved would be two 1/2 Olympic distances races back to back continuous to break up the groups and make the runners work harder.
What's your job now ?
I am a coach of other triathletes and I also do online coaching for many athletes www.bradbeven.com but it doesn't compare to those days.
Are you coming back to Europe to follow some of your athletes ?
I am planning on coming as soon as I can but i have a 2 year old baby and another on the way in July. One of my athletes did race a couple years ago and loved it.
Is the race missing you ?
Very much so, like I said the Gerardmer races were head to head down to the line and they are the most satisfying to do. I miss that part of it. I still train but look after the athletes first and my training comes second. I'd like to do a bit more myself. Someday you will find me back there racing !
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