Polar and LOOK, the inventor and leader in clipless pedals, have merged their expertise to introduce the first clipless pedal that measures power output and cadence. Kéo Power is a must-have novelty for the ambitious cyclists who want to reach their maximum potential.
Polar P5 power transmitters and Look Kéo Power pedals comprise together the first-ever power measurement system integrated in the pedals. Easy to attach to cranks and switch between the bikes, each pedal comes with eight embedded gauges for extreme precision in power measurement. The two power transmitters relay the data from the sensors directly to a compatible Polar cycling computer on the bike’s handlebars.
Kéo Power gives instant feedback by measuring accurate power output in watts from both the left and the right pedal separately. By revealing the cyclist’s left/right balance between the legs, the system helps perfect cycling technique. In addition, current and average cadence is essential for those willing to optimize their cycling economy.
The system is compatible with Polar CS600X and CS500 cycling computers and works with any crankset on the market. The CS500 displays power output and cadence, whereas the CS600X reveals the left/right balance and Cycling Efficiency Index as well. The Polar LOOK Kéo Power system will become available in spring 2011.
After what has seemed like an eternity for many of us die-hard Newton Running fans, the much heralded trail shoe has finally landed in the Newton store for pre-order! I spoke with Sir Isaac a tiny bit today and got some of the skinny on the shoes:
“Closed mesh, PU frame above the EVA for additional support and
protection, gusseted tongue, more supportive strapping, reinforced toe
cap.”
I can’t WAIT to try out these new shoes and get them nice and dirty on any trail I can find! When I do get some on my feet, you can be certain that I will give those of you on the fence about buying some for yourself a detailed rundown. For those of you that can’t wait, click the picture below!
After many months of waiting, those awesomely vented, Swiss-cheese looking helmets you’ve seen by Catlike are finally available in the U.S.! According to the Serotta Bikes Facebook page (Serotta is the official U.S. distributor of Catlike), the first helmets just arrived and are making their way to your local Serotta dealer, competitivecyclist.com or the official Serotta website! I haven’t had the opportunity to slap one on my noggin just yet, but you can be sure that when/if I do, I’ll give you the detailed rundown!
Jens Voigt descends the Peyresourde Pass on a loaner bike after a crash shattered his own (Robin Wilmott)
You may remember Jens Voigt from his terrible crash [Video Here] in the 2009 Tour de France which forced him out of the race. Well, on yesterday’s stage it almost happened again. However, broken and bleeding, Voigt pulled it together to stay in the race…on a bike 3 sizes too small!!!
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Riedy
mark@trueoverdrive.com
415.302.2923
Lance Armstrong Starts 2010 Tour de France In Specially Designed Giro TT Helmet
New ‘LAX’ helmet designed around Armstrong’s unique body, riding position and 2010 Tour courses by Giro’s Advanced Concepts Group
(Scotts Valley, Calif., July 3rd, 2010)–Giro, the worldwide leader in high-performance protective gear and
equipment for action sports and trusted sponsor to Lance Armstrong for all seven of his record Tour de France
victories, has announced that Armstrong rode today’s Tour de France prologue in a new time trial helmet that was
custom designed around Armstrong’s specific morphology, riding position and the 8.9-kilometer course in
Rotterdam. Code named ‘LAX’, the new helmet will not be sold at retail, but elements of the design will certainly
trickle down to future production time trial helmets.
“Lance always puts 100-percent into the Tour and for this, his last go at it, he asked us to create something ultra special,” said Giro’s Senior Sports Marketing Manager, Chuck Platt. “The LAX was the first major project for our new Advanced Concepts Group and the challenge pushed our team to use new technology and methods in the hope that we could help Lance win his 8th Tour de France.”
Giro went to extreme measures to prepare project LAX for this year’s Tour. Considering the six month development time and Lance’s busy schedule, the Advanced Concepts Group made a laser scan of Armstrong’s torso while tucked in his time trial position, and separately, scanned his head. The data acquired was used to make precision headform and torso models that Giro’s Advanced Concepts Group used to aid development in Armstrong’s absence. The torso model was used in a number of sessions to test as many as 100 prototypes in a variety of wind tunnels.
Giro’s Advanced Concepts Group is based not far from Silicon Valley in the company’s Scotts Valley, California headquarters and includes industrial designers, helmet engineers, product development specialists and test lab staff. The Advanced Concept Group is housed in a new, state of the art facility that encourages innovative design practices and allows for rapid prototyping and on-site testing. The LAX is the first product to come out of the group.
Riding in what he has called his final Tour de France, Armstrong is pursuing a record setting 8th victory and rides for a team sponsored by American electronics retailer RadioShack. The 2,234-mile 2010 Tour de France begins on Saturday, July 3rd in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and ends on Sunday, July 25th in Paris, France. In addition to the race’s Prologue in Rotterdam, the custom LAX helmet will benefit Armstrong in the 52-kilometer individual time trial on the race’s penultimate stage in Bordeaux that many Tour watchers feel could decide the winner of the 93rd running of the lap of France.
Contact Mark Riedy at TRUE Communications for additional information and images of the LAX helmets at
415.302.2923; mark@trueoverdrive.com
About Giro Sport Design
Giro®, based in Scotts Valley, CA, is a worldwide leader in the design, development and marketing of premium,
high-performance protective gear and accessories for action sports and active lifestyles. We are an innovative and
consumer-focused brand, with a mission to create products on the leading edge of inspired design that help you to
look and feel your best.
This coming Monday, July 5th, will mark the 100th episode of IronBrandon’s Podcast! to celebrate, I would like to invite any and all those who can make it to join me for a short run in Central Park followed by a drink. It won’t go terribly long due to the fact that I need to get home and actually record the 100th show! Here are the details:
Who: Me and all of you! Bring a friend!
What: Short-ish run in New York’s Central Park
When: Monday, July 5, 2010 at 4:00 PM EST
Where: For the Run: Meeting at the entrance to the parking lot of the (former) Tavern on the Green (where the lot meets West Drive). [MAP] For Drink(s): Dive 75 (75th & Columbus) [MAP]
I certainly hope to see many of you there! Please don’t worry about pace as we will be taking it easy so as to include everyone who comes!
To me, about three years ago, the Tour de Francewas just this bike race that took place in France. Lance Armstrong was really the only cyclist I could name off hand. Then I started getting increasingly involved in endurance events, along the way falling in love with Le Tour (and other races as well).
This coming Saturday, July 3, 2010 marks the beginning of this year’s Tour which promises to be one of the most intensely contested races in a long time. One of the main reasons for this is the intense rivalry that developed last year as then Astana teammates Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador exchanged words, looks and mental gamesmanship. Since that time, Lance has walked away from Team Astana to form Team Radio Shack, taking along with him eight out of the nine members of the 2009 Team Astana (the same team that won the team title in the 2009 Tour).
Apart from the most watched rivalry is the the vast field of strong riders with widespread talent and teams that hope to guide their leaders to the podium on the Champs-Élysées. Perhaps the most watched among these riders is the second place finisher in the 2009 Tour, Saxo Bank rider, Andy Schleck who, along with his brother Frank, gave an amazing performance in last year’s Tour and promised to be at the front of the cycling world for many years to come.
If you’re not a fan of cycling because you find it boring or tedious, this year promises to be an incredible race to watch. Whether the Armstrong/Contador rivalry truly plays out or if the real challenge come from one of the new teams hitting the road in this year’s Tour, such as Team BMC or Team Sky, you can be sure that cycling’s best will be throwing down the gauntlet every single day between July 3rd and July25.
You can follow Tour coverage online at: http://letour.fr as well as on Versus. Additionally, Versus will be playing each and every stage live on it’s television channels and replaying it throughout each day. The Tour begins with the Prologue in Rotterdam tomorrow.
The much anticipated (though not covered here) Timex Global Trainer GPS is now available for order, exclusively from REI. The people who brought us the Ironman watch have quite a bit of catching up to do in the GPS arena to make any headway in a market dominated by the likes of Garmin, Suunto and Polar.
Press release – Second day of the UCI Management Committee meeting
Date:
18.06.2010
Description:
The Management Committee of the International Cycling Union (UCI) met on 17 and 18 June in Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
On the second day of the meeting, the Management Committee awarded the 2011 UCI Cyclo-Cross Masters World Championships to the town of Mol in Belgium. The 2011 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup calendar was also approved.
The members of the Management Committee discussed issues concerning equipment used in road competitions and decided that it was necessary to bolster measures that have already been put in place (in particular the visual inspection of bicycles, a procedure that was recently reinforced). As a result, a scanner will be used from the time of the Tour de France. This instrument, recently tested with a successful outcome, will allow an official to detect any illegal devices that may be concealed, for example, in the bicycle frame.
Furthermore, a close collaboration with Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a Swiss technical institute of international renown, is being studied. The objective of this cooperation would be to examine ways to control, in an optimal manner, the influence of technology over the equipment used in cycling, such that this could offer a beneficial contribution to the sport and avoid any future deviations.
Finally, from now on race service will be subject to stricter regulation in order to ensure that only equipment that has been checked at the start or finish can be used during competitions.
The Management Committee also defined the regulations for participation in the 2011 UCI World Calendar events.
The UCI ProTeams – of which there will be a maximum of 18 – will be obliged to participate in UCI ProTour races. The top 17 UCI Professional Continental Teams of the 2010 UCI World Ranking will also have the right to participate.
As for the Monument events, these shall invite the 17 best teams of the 2010 UCI World Ranking.
This formula represents a compromise with the organisers of Monument events. The UCI sincerely regrets that these organisers ultimately rejected the principle of the automatic participation of UCI ProTeams in their events. However, negotiations with the organisers led to an agreement, reached in particular as a result of an increased consideration of teams’ sporting values, one of the organisers’ main requests. The UCI has nevertheless decided to retain the principle it has adopted for its system of awarding UCI ProTour licences.
In terms of scheduling, the UCI announces that the list of Professional Continental Teams that have been registered will be published on 20 November each year. If this list leaves some team places yet to be announced, the names of the final teams registered will be communicated on 10 December. The definitive list of teams registered in the second division will be published on this date.
UCI Press Service
I won’t say too much about it, but I read the brief response that Outside Magazine put out. For the whole ten seconds it took to read, I kept looking for a, “Hey, we didn’t mean anything by that. Sorry.” But it isn’t there. Oh well.
What’s wrong with this picture? Well, apparently, the saying on the t-shirt is what’s wrong. Yes Lance is 38 years old, and yes, BFD. However, when this photo was taken, that saying was not on Lance’s shirt. In fact, there was nothing on Lance’s shirt. It was just a plain, blue t-shirt.
Up to now, Lance’s history with Outside Magazine seems to have been a very good one with the seven time Tour de France winner appearing on the cover over ten times. But is this possibly the last time? Yesterday afternoon, Lance addressed the photo on his Twitter with the following:
On top of the falsified photo, perhaps Lance is a little less than thrilled about the blurb on his right: “His Age, New Rival, the Latest Scandal. Is This End For Lance?”
Personally, I think it’s not cool to make it appear as though Lance approved of the saying on the shirt (his historically colorful language notwithstanding). I’m also not a huge fan of Photoshopping in general in publishing, but I understand that it’s a part of the game.
Hey there guys! I am so excited to share some news with you all. Much has been made over the past year of what exactly defines ‘good’ running for and/or technique. Many, like myself, believe in allowing your body to do what it is meant to do naturally rather than allowing an overbuilt, over-cushioned shoe get in the way. With all that said, there is an awesome clinic on natural running form coming to New York City on June 15! See you there! Here are the details:
Why: Join Newton Running for a free, open to the public event featuring
Newton’s co-founder and running form expert Danny Abshire, as well as
Newton’s R&D/Education Director and adventure racing world champ Ian
Adamson. Danny and Ian will lead a clinic to demonstrate how proper running
form can improve speed and efficiency, and decrease the risk of injury.
*NOTE* Do not feel any pressure to be a Newton wearer in coming to this clinic! This is for ALLrunners who want to improve their form and efficiency.
I am so excited about my upcoming interview with the one and only Craig Alexander! The reigning King of Kona, defending his 2008 win on the big island in 2009, Crowie has been an inspiration to me and to many. His poise during grueling races, overcoming what he has called a “bad day” to win his second world championship, drives me to become a more complete racer.
My interview with Crowie will take place this coming Monday night at 9:30 PM EST, after I record my regular weekly show. I will do my best to broadcast the interview live HERE, but it will also appear on an upcoming episode of my show.
If you have any questions you would like me to ask Crowie, please send them to me at: info@ironbrandon.com and I will do my best to get them on the air.
Sports Illustrated is reporting that Haile Gebrselassie, the marathon world record holder, will likely be announcing his U.S. Marathon debut this coming November in the New York City Marathon. Celebrating National Running Day with 1,200 school children today at Icahn Stadium, the fastest marathoner ever will be aking an announcement about his plans at about 12:30 PM, EST.
Since the World Triathlon Corporation, the owner of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 brands, announced their rules limiting prize purses and cranking up license fees, much has been made by many people around the sport. Recently, Chrissie Wellington , who had kept mum until now, weighed in in the U.K.’s 220 Magazine:
As a professional athlete I feel the need to voice my opinion on the new policy changes that have recently been instigated by the company with the monopoly over long-distance triathlon – the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). While the new policies are focused on professional athletes I think it’s important for me, as World Champion, to articulate my views and encourage everyone involved in triathlon to take an interest in how our sport is being run.
The WTC’s new polices and rules can be found at www.ironmanusa.com, but briefly are as follows: pros wishing to do Ironman or 70.3 races must register with the WTC’s Professional Membership Program. The cost is US$750. This provides free entry to all of the WTC’s Ironman and 70.3 races (aside from the Ironman and 70.3 World Champs where athletes still have to pay the entry fee), as well as membership to the new WTC anti-doping programme. In addition, significant changes have been made to prize money payment and the distribution of pro slots for the World Championships.
The new ruling states that athletes must now finish within 8% of the winner’s time to win money (not 10% of second place as before), with any ‘un-won’ prize money being redistributed between the prize-winning men and women. So, for example, say the third to 10th place women don’t win anything then the rest of the women’s money will go to…
05.28.2010 – Catlike, the Spanish manufacturer of cutting edge cycling helmets, has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Serotta Sport. Starting this July, two Catlike helmet models, which fully comply with US helmet safety standards, will be available at specialty cycling retailers across the country.
“Catlike helmets are widely recognized as the most technologically advanced in the world and they’re worn by some of the biggest names in cycling,” states Serotta Sport president Stan Mavis. “We created Serotta Sport to be a collection of premium cycling brands, which are run by their original founders with a focus on quality and service—Catlike fits the bill perfectly.”
Catlike helmets will be distributed through the existing Serotta dealer network, and online at CompetitiveCyclist.com. The initial Catlike offering in the US will include the Whisper Plus and the Chrono Aero Plus, which are approved by European safety standards and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Serotta Sport plans to expand its Catlike product distribution to include the brand’s premium eyewear and footwear in the near future.
“Here at Catlike we are aware of the demand of our products in the US. We are now stronger than ever to land in such a demanding market,” states Catlike President, Pepe del Ramo. “The Catlike technology and design will be distributed by Serotta Sport, a company that shares our philosophy and dedication to quality.”
Whisper Plus
The Whisper Plus is Catlike’s top-of-the line helmet featuring the latest innovations in lightweight materials, ventilation and safety. Ventilation is efficiently delivered by 39 strategically positioned holes and Dual Flow technology, which links the frontal air intakes to large rear exit vents to create a constant airflow above the rider’s head. Safety is provided via Catlike’s Crash Energy Splitter technology, which effectively distributes crash energy across the entire helmet and allows for a compact, lightweight design. The distinctive look of the Whisper Plus helmet is easily recognizable atop pro riders on the Cervélo Test Team and Euskaltel-Euskadi. MSRP $275
Chrono Aero
The Chrono Aero features an aerodynamic shape and design perfected in wind tunnel testing and proven on the racecourse. The Chrono offers a minimal weight without sacrificing safety, and a shape that dramatically decreases turbulence behind the head of the rider. The Chrono Aero helped deliver Ignatas Konovalovas (Cervélo Test Team) to victory in the final time trial of the Giro d’Italia in 2009. MSPR $300
About Catlike
Catlike was founded 1998 by Spanish pro cyclist Pepe “El Gato” del Ramo, with a focus on quality, innovation and safety. The development team utilizes the latest design technologies to create visually aggressive and functionally designed, world-class performance helmets. Catlike is the official helmet of Team Euskatel Euskadi and the Cervelo Test Team. For more information, visit www.catlike.es.
Nestlé Performance Nutrition and its PowerBar brand, and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner of the Ironman and Iron Girl brands, today announced an exclusive product sponsorship and licensing partnership to develop a line of premium Ironman-branded sports drinks. The deal is an extension of PowerBar’s longstanding global partnership with Ironman and its role as the official global energy bar and energy gel supplier of all Ironman and 70.3 events.
Through the agreement, the companies will introduce new Ironman Perform ready-to-drink sports beverage in June 2010. New Ironman Perform sports drink features PowerBar’s state-of-the-art C2max carbohydrate blend, found to deliver 20 to 50 percent more energy to muscles and improve endurance performance by 8 percent.
“We have a fundamental goal and shared mission with Ironman, which is to help athletes perform at their best,” said Phil Annett, Global Business Head at Nestlé Performance Nutrition. “Applying the latest sports science to get the right balance of performance benefits, taste and stomach comfort in the new Ironman Perform sports drink was a long yet essential development process designed to help athletes achieve optimum performance.”
C2max, the unique, high-octane carbohydrate formulation found in new Ironman Perform sports drink, was developed based on groundbreaking research published in the February 2008 issue of Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. The study showed that consuming an optimized blend of glucose and fructose carbohydrates allowed athletes to perform better, increase fluid delivery and experience less perceived exertion following exercise.2 PowerBar, through the Nestlé Research Center, continues to support a series of follow-up carbohydrate performance field trials with lead research author Dr. Asker Jeukendrup and his team at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Birmingham. The aim of these trials is to apply this breakthrough science to the development of new sports nutrition tools, such as new Ironman Perform sports drink, for endurance athletes.
President and CEO of Ironman, Ben Fertic commented, “Ironman is the pinnacle of endurance sports and we believe in having the latest tools available for our athletes. As Ironman celebrates its 32nd anniversary, we are excited to offer the world’s top athletes a new product that is designed to enhance their training and race day experience.”
Designed for athletes who take part in intense workouts or who exercise in the heat or humidity and experience significant fluid and electrolyte loss, new Ironman Perform sports drink also enhances performance by delivering essential electrolytes, including 190 mg of sodium per serving, to replenish what athletes lose in sweat and to help avoid skeletal muscle cramps and dehydration. The convenient ready-to-drink beverage is also made with natural flavors and without the use of high fructose corn syrup.
Through the new agreement, Ironman Perform will be the official sports drink for the following events in 2010: Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island, Ironman 70.3 Racine, Rohto Ironman 70.3 Miami, Ford Ironman Lake Placid, Ford Ironman Louisville, Ford Ironman Wisconsin, Ford Ironman Florida and Ford Ironman Arizona. Additionally, both the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship and Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 events will include Ironman Perform on-course, and the product will be on course at upcoming Aflac Iron Girl events throughout the 2010 season.
“I have been testing out the new Ironman Perform sports drink in training and it has a light taste and was easy on my stomach,” said Samantha McGlone, Ironman Champion. Ironman Perform is the most convenient way to meet all my hydration and nutrition needs during hard racing and training. It will be key for me to now have its performance-enhancing formula on course when it counts this season.”
PowerBar’s heritage with the sport of triathlon traces back to the company’s beginning, and triathletes worldwide have come to rely on PowerBar’s sports nutrition products for top-level training and competition. Through the company’s Team Elite™ ambassador program, Ironman and 70.3 athletes have contributed to PowerBar’s product development programs for elite athletes, and this new sponsorship and licensing agreement is a natural extension of the long-standing relationship.
New Ironman Perform ready-to-drink sports beverage will be available on June 8, 2010 in three flavors—Lemon Lime, Orange Mango and Mixed Berry—via powerbar.com, shopironman.com for a suggested retail price of $1.49 per 20-fluid-ounce bottle.
Arguably one of the most prestigious events in running, the 2010 version of Comrades Marathon starts this Sunday, May 30, 2010. The event, now in it’s 85th year is one of the most sought after titles in ultra-distance running. The race this year will come in at 89.28 km (55.58 mi.), which makes it 110 meters longer than last year’s version of the event. Runners from all over the world, including the 50 km American record holder, Josh Cox. Best of luck to all those running!
Seven time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, was confirmed by Team Radio Shack to be one of the riders the team will field at this year’s Tour of Luxembourg. From Lance’s official twitter:
Floyd Landis’s accusations: clarifications from the UCI
Due to the controversy following the statements made by Floyd Landis, the International Cycling Union wishes to stress that none of the tests revealed the presence of EPO in the samples taken from riders at the 2001 Tour of Switzerland. The UCI has all the documentation to prove this fact.
Between 2001 and 2003, only the Paris, Lausanne, Cologne, Barcelona and Madrid laboratories, commissioned by the UCI, detected the presence of EPO in the samples that had been entrusted to them for analysis. During this period, the first laboratory carried out three positive analyses for EPO, the second 18 and the three last laboratories one each. None of the samples concerned had been taken at the 2001 Tour of Switzerland.
The International Olympic Committee received a copy of all the reports for the positive analyses mentioned above. Furthermore, in 2001, all the analysis reports carried out at the Tour of Switzerland were sent to Swiss Olympic.
Since 1st January 2004, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) receives a copy of any analysis reports which show an abnormal result. WADA has not reported any abnormal analyses from any of its accredited laboratories that have not been duly dealt with by the UCI.
The UCI wishes to reassert the total transparency of its anti-doping testing and categorically rejects any suspicion in relation to the concealment of results from parties involved in this field.
I just ran across this list from the popular Men’s Health feature, Eat This, Not That. Not only does this list break down the calories, fats and sugars in each “drink”, but it goes on to give you an analogy to each beverage. For example, one (1) twenty (20) ounce bottle of Sobe Green Tea contains 240 calories and 61 grams of sugar. That is equivalent to eating 4 slices of Sara Lee Cherry Pie! HOLY CRAP!
Well known Australian triathlete, Greg Bennett , has decided to don a different flag to show his support for his wife, American triathlete Laura [Reback] Bennett, as she aims to qualify for the 2012 Olympic triathlon team.
Bennett, who possesses a dual citizenship in both Australia and the United States, made a request of Triathlon Australia to be freed of duties representing that country.
“Until a test says otherwise, I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt,”…”There’s always going to be talk about people using, but it’s just a lot of talk. I don’t get into the speculation.”…“Some people think that 90% of the (running) competition is dirty. To me, that’s basically like throwing in the towel because when you start thinking that, you start thinking they are superhumans.”
On Monday’s show, I reported on a triathlete named Doug McCard being attacked by an alligator while out for a training swim in Lake Mary Jane (insert joke here) in East Orange County, Florida. After the attack, authorities were on the lookout for the animal in an attempt to capture it. Well, fortunately for those who may also enjoy a dip in Lake Mary Jane, the rogue gator has been captured. Click the link below for the full story.
Oy to the vey! On the Versus website, Neil Browne writes that he spoke to disgraced cyclist, Floyd Landis this morning. This comes on the heels of an article in the Wall Street Journal which points to several high profile cyclists, including Lance Armstrong, as well as team managers as dopers. The article also reveals Landis’s new admission that he was indeed doping during his reign in the upper echelons of professional cycling.
I am re-posting this to give a shout and any help I can to fellow blogger, runner and wonderful person, TK. If you are in NYC and want to have a fantastic time this Sunday while helping to make a difference, please check out this event!Also, if you are tired of my mediocre writing and lack of editorial perfection, you really should check out her site!
Dear Readers, today I am posting about something that has very little to do with running and an awful lot to do with something else that is near and dear to my heart–finding a cure to Parkinsons Disease, so that my friend Dan and millions others no longer have to suffer this debilitating disease. It is heartbreaking to watch my friend suffer under the effects of PD, and the only thing I can do, really, is fundraise to support research that is trying to find a cure. The first time I fundraised, I ran the London Marathon wand was able to pull in $10,000 of donations in one year. This time, I am part of the Team Fox Young Professionals, and we have pulled together a cool event whose proceeds will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.
and to buy tickets ($80 for open bar & buffet/$50 for open buffet & one drink)
Also, we are raffling off a $250 gift card to Saks Fifth Avenue, and we have pulled together some excellent packages for the silent auction, for example:
Triathlon Starter Kit: V02Max test, Garmin 310XT, $50 gift card to RUN by Foot Locker, and a goody basket full of cycling gear
A Taste of the Upper East Side: gift cards for meals at Luke’s, t-Bar Steakhouse, and Fratelli’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
Makeover You: Sarah Mills haircut, teeth whitening, and two sessions witha personal trainer
Comedy Central: 2 tickets to each The Daily Show and The Colbert Report
New York Sports Fan: tickets to games to see the Yankees, the Mets and the Red Bulls
I really hope all my New York area readers can make it. So far we’ve sold 100 tickets but we are aiming to sell at least 200. I would love to see you there–some of my running buddies have already committed, as have a couple of colleagues! If my coworkers can drag themselves, so can you!
In these emails, not only does Landis admit to being guilty of doping, but he also points fingers at several of the sport’s stars, including George Hincapie, Dave Zabriskie, Levi Leipheimer and Lance Armstrong. Landis also alleges that team officials, including Team Radio Shack‘s team manager, Johan Bruyneel, tolerated and in some cases encouraged doping.
Here is the link to the original WSJ article: [LINK]
Michael Raelert of Germany and Julie Dibens of Great Britain, both the reigning World Champions at the half Ironman distance, dominated strong professional fields at the classic 28th Avia Wildflower long course triathlon Saturday.
Raelert, 30, who dominated the 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater Florida with a record 1:09 closing half marathon, set the second-fastest winning time at Wildflower’s 1.2-mile swim in 61-degree waters, a punishing hilly 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run over rugged dirt trails. Raelert ‘s winning time of 3:55:57 gave him a 6-minute, one-second margin of victory over runner-up Joe Gambles of Australia and was 2 minutes 14 second back of Terenzo Bozzone’s course record win in 2006.
“There were a lot of great guys in the field and I was quite happy to beat then,” said Raelert of competitors who included former long course World Champion, Ironman Hawaii second place finisher and two-time Wildflower runner-up Eneko Llanos of Spain and former ITU long course medalist and two-time $200,000 winner of the Hy-Vee Triathlon Rasmus Henning of Denmark. Llanos finished third in 4:03:34, Great Britain’s 21-year-old phenom Philip Graves finished fourth in 4:03:54 and Henning fought off a sore back to finish 5th in 4:05:42.
Julie Dibens of Great Britain, led start to finish in 4:27:53, which gave her a 7:09 margin of victory over runner-up Desiree Ficker of Austin, Texas and broke the course record set by Samantha McGlone in 2006 by 3 minutes, 9 seconds.
Dibens started her day with a 25:26 swim that gave her a 1:46 lead over defending champion Virginia Berasategui of Spain then really poured it on the field. Dibens’ race-best 2:30:57 bike gave her an 8:41 lead over Berasategui, 10:32 over off road specialist and three-time XTERRA World Champion Melanie McQuaid of Canada and 10:59 over Ficker, whose career high point was a second place finish at Ironman Hawaii in 2006.
While Ficker,. who finished 10th at the 2009 New York City Marathon, ran the women’s-best 1:24:47 half marathon run and passed Berasategui and McQuaid, that only whittled Dibens’ lead by 3:41.
“It was awesome — one of the best and hardest races at the half Ironman distance in the world,” said Dibens. “There are a lot of hills out there and the field was one of the best of the year, so I never felt I could let up at all. It’s definitely a special race and quite possibly my favorite race to do.”
Dibens’ win comes on a career hot streak that started with her win at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship last November, where she became the first woman to break the 4-hour barrier at the half Ironman distance. The streak continued with a $50,000 win at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon in March.
The professionals were joined by 2,600 amateurs who also tackled the long course event . In addition, 1,200 amateurs tackled an off-road, mountain bike triathlon which included a 1/4 mile swim, 9.7-mile bike and 2-mile run held at Monterey County Parks and Recreation grounds at Lake San Antonio.
The 2010 May1-2 Avia Wildflower Triathlon Festival concludes Sunday morning with an Olympic distance triathlon field of 3,280 that includes a collegiate teams division, a triathlon clubs division and amateur age groups.
The Avia Wildflower Triathlon Festival, known popularly as the Woodstock of Triathlon, attracts 30,000 spectators annually and is produced by Tri-California.
28th Avia Wildflower long course
Lake San Antonio, California
May 1, 2010
Swim 1.2 miles/ Bike 56 miles/ Run 13.1 miles
Pro results
Men
1. Michael Raelert (Germany) 3:55:57
2. Joe Gambles (Australia) 4:01:58
3. Eneko Llanos (Spain) 4:03:34
4. Philip Graves (Great Britain) 4:03:54
5. Rasmus Henning (Denmark) 4:05:42
6. Martin Jensen (Denmark) 4:06:43
7. Joe Umphenour (Colorado Springs CO) 4:09:22
8. Maik Twelsiek (Germany) 4:09:57
9. Kevin Everett (Boise ID) 4:10:50
10. Conrad Stoltz (Republic of South Africa) 4:13:14
Women
1. Julie Dibens (Great Britain) 4:27:53
2. Desiree Ficker (Austin TX) 4:35:02
3. Virginia Berasategui (Spain) 4:39:46
4. Magali Tisseyre (Victoria BC, Canada) 4:40:04
5. Melanie McQuaid (Victoria BC Canada) 4:43:28
6. Haley Cooper (Spokane WA) 4:47:24
7. Linsey Corbin (Missoula MT) 4:48:32
8. Julia Grant (Ashburton USA) 4:49:32
9. Amy Marsh (Austin TX) 4:50:06
10. Lesley Paterson (Scotland) 4:50:31
I wanted to mention a new race coming up in California that is an absolutely perfect place for a weekend getaway with an awesome half marathon thrown in for good measure! The Salinas Valley Half Marathon takes you through the vineyards and near Monterey Bay with a scenic point-to-point course.
I’ll be posting more this race soon, but I wanted to tell you NOW that I’ve got a $5 discount code for registration right now! Click the link below to the registration page and use the discount code: “IronBrandon” and sign up now!
My daughter Sydney came home from the hospital on Friday, April 2, 2010. The following day was the Santa Anita Derby which was being broadcast on NBC. My dad and stepmother were in town to see Sydney for the weekend and we were all sitting around watching Sydney with rapt attention only taking brief glimpses at the television (it’s amazing how a sleeping baby can grab your attention).
The coverage of the horse race on TV began to give the background of the horses, jockeys, trainers and the usual commentary leading up to the start of a major race (the Santa Anita Derby is a major run-up race to the Triple Crown). As it happened, one of the horses was named “Sidney’s Candy“, and he was going off at 7-2 odds. We all got so excited at the happy coincidence and my dad decided to place a bet (online) on Sidney’s Candy to win. At this point, he was not the favorite in the race, but was still in good standing. So, we placed a $20 bet and got ready for the race.
I’ll save you my novice commentary on the race, but suffice it to say that Sidney’s Candy went wire to wire to win the 2010 Santa Anita Derby! On top of that, my dad turned his $20 bet in $98.60 (some odd bonus thing)!
Tomorrow will be the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby. As of this writing, Sidney’s Candy is one of the favorites at 6-1. The race is expected to be quite the mud-fest with torrential rains coming in tomorrow and we have placed all $98.60 on our horse to win! So here’s hoping!!
Escape from Alcatraz™ Triathlon Three-time Winner Andy Potts, from Colorado Springs, Colo. is set to compete on Sunday, May 2, in this year’s race going for a fourth straight win. Potts will join more than 1,800 amateur and professional athletes to conquer the 1.5-mile icy cold swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, the 18-mile hilly bike ride and grueling 8-mile run through San Francisco for the 30th Annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.
“I look forward to participating in this, the 30th year of this amazing race and being a part of its ongoing history,” said Potts. “This is a first class race that attracts top athletes from around the world and takes place on a truly unique course only made possible in a great city like San Francisco.”
A handful of professional triathletes are returning to participate in this year’s Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon including: 2005 Champion Hunter Kemper from Colorado Springs, Colo.; four time winner Chris “Macca” McCormack, from Australia; two-time winner Leanda Cave, from Tucson, AZ; and seven-time champion Michellie Jones, from Carlsbad, Calif.
Several physically challenged athletes including U.S. Marine Corporal Evan Morgan – double leg amputee, U.S. Army Combat Engineer Ben Crowley – single leg amputee and U.S. Army Battalion Sergeant Major John Blue – single leg amputee will also compete in this arduous race alongside thousands of able-bodied athletes. All three soldiers suffered a permanent disability while serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan and take part in Operation Rebound which helps injured veterans “get back in the game.” These amputees will compete in this difficult race to demonstrate to other challenged athletes and injured soldiers that sports can be a powerful force for recovery.
The race will take place on Sunday, May 2, at 8 a.m. on the Marina Green, in San Francisco. The public is invited to watch the race and attend the free all day Fitness Festival & Expo. The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is owned and produced by IMG Worldwide with race direction provided by Premier Event Management. For more information visit www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com.
The Nation’s Triathlon™ to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is sold out, but you can still participate by joining LLS’s Team In Training® program.
Taking place on September 12, 2010 in the nation’s capital, The Nation’s Tri will mark its third year of bringing together triathletes for the common cause of helping raise funds to support blood cancer research while taking on one of the country’s premiere athletic events.
TNT participants benefit from four to five months of weekly training sessions with certified coaches to help them meet their personal goals, and the camaraderie of a supportive team. In return, participants have the satisfaction of knowing they are raising money to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and support services to help improve patients’ lives.
“The Nation’s Triathlon to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers a magnificent setting on a world-class course filled with historic sights, and Team In Training will help get you to the finish line, while also giving you the satisfaction of helping other people,” said Nancy L. Klein, LLS chief marketing and revenue officer.
Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees centerfielder, is making his charitable mark on New York City with the Grand Kids Foundation and the 2010 ING New York City Marathon.
Granderson’s charitable team, Team Granderson, will raise funds for the Grand Kids Foundation in conjunction with the 2010 ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 7. A limited number of spaces are available on Team Granderson. Registration is available to runners already registered for the Marathon and those who did not receive entry into the event. Granderson will not be running in the race itself.
“The ING New York City Marathon is one of the premier road races in the world today. I am honored that the Grand Kids Foundation will be given charity spots for runners to help raise money and awareness for the need for stronger educational programs for our nation’s youth,” says team founder Curtis Granderson. “Millions of dollars are raised each year for a variety of charitable causes through this event, and I am excited to see how much money the runners of Team Granderson can raise as well. I look forward to having a strong team of runners.”
Fundraising minimums on Team Granderson range from $1,000 for those already registered for
Curtis Granderson
the Marathon to $2,500 for those who were not awarded a spot in the race. To participate as a member of Team Granderson each runner needs to complete an online application found at www.grandkidsfoundation.org/nymarathon.
Each member of Team Granderson will receive access to online training programs, their marathon registration fee paid, Team Granderson running shirt and shorts, transportation to the starting line the morning of the marathon and team building events hosted by Granderson. Also available are discounted hotel rates and shoes provided by Spira if needed.
The Grand Kids Foundation began in 2008 while Granderson was a member of the Detroit Tigers. The Foundation’s mission is to enforce educational initiatives to youth and to help bring the sport of baseball back to the nation’s inner cities.
The Foundation has a unique opportunity to donate every dollar raised to fund the educational programs and initiatives to help students because it has zero operating costs. All donations fund school supplies and books for needy families and under-funded schools. It also establishes baseball programs that include equipment, facilities and scholarships.
Along with the Grand Kids Foundation, Granderson is an ambassador for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative to fight obesity. He has also served as an ambassador for Major League Baseball in Europe, South Africa and China. Granderson was acquired by the New York Yankees through a trade before the 2010 season.
Team Granderson is forming now for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 7. For more information or to submit questions runners can contact the Grand Kids Foundation by email at grandkidsfoundation@gmail.com
Honey Stinger, the manufacturer of honey-based nutritional foods, announces a partnership with professional cyclist Lance Armstrong. In addition to future product development and endorsement of Honey Stinger energy gels, bars and organic chews, Armstrong becomes part of the ownership team in the Steamboat Springs-based company.
“I first tried Honey Stinger products during a mountain bike race in Colorado,” says Armstrong. “I was impressed with the great taste and energy they provided. Honey Stinger works for me in training and racing because you want to eat them and they work. I like the whole team – they understand what athletes need and they’re great to work with. I’m excited to be part of the Stinger team and work with them on expanding the products and business.
Armstrong first met Len Zanni, Honey Stinger’s marketing director, when they teamed up to race the 12 Hours of Snowmass mountain bike race outside Aspen in 2008. The foundation for a new business partnership was hatched over the course of long bike rides and get-togethers with company leaders.
Bill Gamber, an athlete/ entrepreneur, teamed up with his father William, a honey industry veteran, Bob Stahl, a food product developer, and John Miller, a professional beekeeper, to found Honey Stinger in 2002. Today, the company produces over 20 honey-based energy products that are distributed internationally at specialty sporting goods retailers and natural food grocers.
“We’re thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to work with an athlete of Lance’s stature. Beyond his athletic achievements, Lance is an inspiration and a leader in the fight against cancer,” states Bill Gamber. “Our relationship with Lance comes at a time when Honey Stinger is riding a wave of momentum and this partnership is a major step for our brand.”
About Honey Stinger Located in Steamboat Springs, Colo., Honey Stinger makes convenient, nutritious and great tasting honey-based foods including energy bars, gels and organic chews. Honey Stinger fuels some of the county’s top cyclists, runners, triathletes and teams including Tinker Juarez, Jeremiah Bishop, Katie Compton, the Giant Mountain Bike team and the Trek Livestrong U23 cycling team. The Colorado Office of Economic Development recently honored Honey Stinger as one of 50 “Colorado Companies to Watch.” Honey Stinger products are available at specialty sporting goods retailers, natural food grocers and www.honeystinger.com.
For more information, contact:
Mike McCormack, Backbone Media mikemac@backbonemedia.net
970.963.4873 ext. 123
Polar (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, today announced the launch of the CS500 – a new cycling computer that is the first in the market to offer rocker switch operation and a sleek, extra-large display screen. The CS500 is also compatible with the wireless Polar Power Output Sensor W.I.N.D., which provides the rider with cycling power, enabling the highest level of professional training.
Event riders have long desired cycling computers with simpler button-pushing and a display screen with large, easy-to read digits – especially at high speeds. The CS500 meets these demands with two exclusive design features. First, with an extra-large and aerodynamic display – the CS500 offers outstanding visibility, and allows more information to be viewed on the screen, creating a data-rich, cycling computer. Second, the diamond-shaped handlebar unit sits on a pivoting, two-way rocker switch. When cyclists want to change the screen to view different data, they no longer have to take their hands off the bars – they simply use their thumb to lightly tap the left or right side of the CS500, and the screen instantly flips to reveal a different set of performance data. With this unique design, cyclists can better concentrate on their ride.
“With the CS500, Polar is revolutionizing the way cyclists view, track and monitor their data,” said Jeff Padovan, President of Polar USA. “From design to functionality, cyclists can train at a higher level with features including the industry’s first two-way rocker switch that allows users to easily view data and rich feedback such as speed, cadence and power. Additionally, the option to add accessories separately gives the cyclist the flexibility to customize their training based on their changing needs.”
Designed with competitive riders in mind, the CS500 combines the precise and leading Polar heart rate technology with advanced cycling features. The CS500 tracks speed, distance, cadence, heart rate, calories burned, incline, altitude, ascent and descent and temperature. Up to four different data points can be displayed on the extra-large screen and using the auto-lap splits feature, miles automatically roll-over and cyclists can see a snapshot of their data per lap. To simplify training at the right level and help cyclists get a better workout, the exclusive Polar OwnZone® feature provides a personalized, target heart rate recommendation on how hard to ride.
When paired with the Polar Power Output Sensor W.I.N.D., a separate accessory, the CS500 can track high-level cycling data such as power output. With power meter compatibility – available at an affordable price – the CS500 can evolve with a cyclist, as they become more advanced and their training needs expand.
The CS500 syncs with polarpersonaltrainer.com, which is a free, online training journal, where cyclists can easily set goals, track progress, analyze results and challenge friends to a common goal. After a workout, data is uploaded to the site via the DataLink, a new wireless communication device from Polar, which includes Mac compatibility. The DataLink plugs into the USB port on a computer, and automatically detects the CS500 in the room, instantly uploading new workout files to a user’s personal profile. In conjunction with the CS500, polarpersonaltrainer.com has been redesigned with new, cycling-specific features, such as “Training Load,” which helps cyclists make smarter decisions by interpreting how hard a specific workout was, and advising when you have recovered from the previous workouts.
Utilizing Polar W.I.N.D. technology, the CS500 eliminates the issue of data drop-outs or cross-talk between cycling computers, as the powerful, 2.4 GHz transmission signal ensures disturbance-free training. The new Dual Lock Bike Mount, made of reinforced composite metal, guarantees sturdy, rock-solid attachment to the bike, making it ideal for both road and mountain biking. The CS500 can easily be customized and used on up to three different bikes, and also features a “Drink Reminder,” prompting cyclists when hydration is needed during a ride.
To see a video of the CS500 in action and its unique functionalities, visit the Polar USA YouTube Channel.
The CS500 is available as a base set, or bundled with a cadence sensor. The base set includes the handlebar unit, WearLink W.I.N.D. fabric chest strap, CS speed sensor W.I.N.D., and Dual Lock Bike Mount, and is available for a suggested price of $319.95. The CS500 cadence set is available for a suggested price of $359.95. The Power Output Sensor W.I.N.D. is available as a separate accessory for a suggested price of $359.95. The DataLink is also available as an accessory, for a suggested price of $54.95. All products are available online or at specialty stores.
Today, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Series, announces modifications to several rules and regulations relating to the swim at U.S. races. Effective September 1, 2010, which is the start of Ironman’s 2011 competition season, new rules for apparel and wetsuits will apply at all Ironman and 70.3 events in the U.S., including both World Championships. The amendments were made to further standardize rules in the Ironman/70.3 Series and ensure a fair playing field at events around the globe.
The changes will include the following:
Swimwear and swim apparel must be comprised of 100 percent textile material, such as nylon or lycra, and may not include rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene. Swimwear may not cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or knees. Swimwear may contain a zipper. A race kit or trisuit may be worn underneath swimwear.
Wetsuits cannot measure more than 5 millimeters thick.
Wetsuits may be worn in water temperatures up to and including 24.5 degrees Celsius/76.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures exceeding 24.5 degrees C /76.1 degrees F will not be eligible for awards, including World Championship slots. Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 28.8 degrees C/84 degrees F.
“Ironman recognizes the importance of showcasing the competitive element at all events. We believe these amendments place more emphasis on performance and function and less on technology, therefore staying true with the Ironman spirit,” says Ironman’s Head of Officials, Jimmy Riccitello.
Ironman’s rule changes are consistent with rule changes adopted by swimming and triathlon’s international governing bodies, FINA and ITU, respectively.
Running America (www.runningamerica08.com) is premiering in Pittsburgh on Monday, April 12, 7pm at Showcase Cinemas West (here’s the event link – http://store.nehst.com/rascr41210pa.html) This is the first time the film will premiere and Producer / Ultra Marathoner Charlie Engle will be there for a post film Q&A session, so it’s a pretty exciting. It’s also sponsored by Elite Runners and Walkers
Thanks so much for visiting my site! My name is Brandon Wood and I am an opera singer living and trying to make it in New York City. This site and podcast follow my adventures on the way to competing in and training for all kinds of endurance events, especially triathlon and running. Click the "About Me" tab for more info!
When: Starting NOW! This is an ongoing contest that will be every month, or until every person on the planet has nice, fresh smelling shoes!
Why: Because Stuffitts are awesome! The folks at Stuffitts are being SUPER generous and I also want to give you guys something that I think is a great addition to any athletes arsenal!
How: On the last podcast episode post of each month (example: Episode 99 on June 28 HERE) entrants should leave a comment (however long you'd like). On the following week's show (the first show of each month) I will draw, by random number generator, one winner! That's it!
