Bobby Behan
 Team Manager.jpg "Behan Bobby (Head Shot) Team Manager.jpg")
Bobby Behan
Specialized Factory Racing Team Manager
Name: Bobby Behan
Age: 31
Nationality: Irish
Height: 1m 97cm
Weight: 93 Kilos
Favourite Movies: Very varied from Jaws, to The Godfather to Scent Of A Woman (for Jaws note Ryan’s nickname!!!)
Favourite Music: Mood Dependent
Bikes: For 2008 I am awaiting the following:
- Road: W Works Tarmac SL2
- MTB: Stumpjumper 29er
- Cross / mix: S Works Tricross
Nicknames: They are long and endless!
How long are you working with Specialized and how did you end up working for the company? I started working for Specialized in April 2006 after retiring from pro triathlon in March. Christoph Sauser and I have been great friends since 1999, when we started to train together in Stellenbosch, South Africa. I received a call from Susi in April 2006 after the Specialized Team Manager had resigned. He reckoned I should interview for the job, which I did and here I am!
How did you end up working in this industry and as one of the key players in The Specialized MTB Team? I suppose I have always had a love for sport and competed a high level in triathlon. For four years (01-04) I worked as the sales and sports marketing manager for Oakley in Ireland, so the direction of my career was always along these lines. When I received that call from Susi, I knew this was the job for me!
How was your first season (2006) with Specialized? I enjoyed it, but given that I started with the season already started I had to really think on my feet and learn quickly. In 07 the team unit in my opinion was much better organised, because I had more time to prepare.
What is your outlook on the team for 2008? You know I am really excited about the 2008 season on a personal level, but also for the team. I am confident that all our riders are ready for a successful year, culminating in the Olympics.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy sport and still swim and bike, but not so much running anymore. My swimming training now is a lot less that before but I enjoy hammering out 2.5km in the pool a few days per week. I absolutely love MTB and cannot wait to get my 2008 Stumpjumer 29er. I used Conrad Stoltz’s in South Africa and was so impressed. After many years devoted to triathlon at a high level, I now do some coaching which I really enjoy – check out www.bobbybehan.com. It’s been a good way to stay involved in sport. Maybe I am getting old but I also like the simple things in life, like going for a coffee and reading the paper. Some other favourites are hanging with the breakfast group in Stellenbosch, South Africa. One of the year’s highlights are my visits to Stellenbosch, South Africa – it’s my home away from home. I am a bit of a car fanatic too, like my BMW’s but hope one day to own a Ferrari! Time will tell.
How about family? I come from an Irish farming family, I have five younger brothers, the youngest being 18 and my home is a typical Irish home, where the door is always open, everybody is made feel welcome, whiskey will be offered / force fed and there is always fun to be had :)!!
Love life? Single right now!
Other Interests? I have an interest in property and am renovating some property in Italy right now. Italy is a great country. Big fan of the cinema and can never get tired of a good movie.
If you were not where you are not what would you be doing? Too many answers!
How many times a year do you travel? About 110-130 days per year are spent on the road. A lot of my work is completed off the road, behind closed doors, where I do all of the planning and logistical preparations for the team such as booking flights, accommodation, organising staff, preparing orders for team equipment etc., dealing with suppliers of the team, overseeing the marketing of the team and of course creating a link between Specialized HQ in San Francisco and the team. I have an office at home in County Laois, which is a really nice country area located in the centre of Ireland.
