The Fresh Air Fund NEEDS Host Families For Summer 2010

In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund‘s Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.

The Fresh Air Fund relies on donations to provide memorable summers to NYC children.

The Fresh Air Fund needs hosts for the summer of 2010.

More than 65% of all Fresh Air children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.

Thanks to host families who open up their homes for a few weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air experiences.

Fresh Air Fund Host Families

“It is rewarding to see the smile on our Fresh Air child’s face as she enjoys the simple things we take for granted…”

Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size, ethnicity and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget. Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children. There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host. Stories about real Fresh Air host families and their New York City visitors are just a click away!

Click here to learn more about becoming a host or call (800) 367-0003!

Masters Cyclist’s Comeback After Broken Neck

SEMINOLE, Fla. (MMD Newswire) February 10, 2010 — From Broken Neck to Broken Records: A Masters Cyclist’s Guide to Winning by authors Rose Marie Ray and Sandy Scott follows a masters cyclist’s journey after breaking his C1 vertebra which is a rare and nearly always fatal break. The book focuses on determination and a “can do” attitude towards athletics, illustrating the authors’ belief that anyone can be a winner if they want it badly enough and work hard enough to achieve their goals.

From Broken Neck to Broken Records provides an in-depth look at Scott, an outstanding cyclist, and the mental and physical strength it took to go from a near death experience to winning 11 gold medals, and breaking records in time trials and road race competitions. These accomplishments were achieved 13 months after being told by a spinal surgeon that he would never ride a bike again.

In From Broken Neck to Broken Records, the authors tell the story of how Scott overcame his life-threatening injury through hard work and perseverance. Ray and Scott also explain how Sandy went from spending five months in a hard neck brace to moving on with his life, by getting back on his bike.

From Broken Neck to Broken Records also includes a “How to Win” section, meant to inspire and instruct athletes. This is a guide for masters cyclists over 35 years of age and other athletes of all ages. It includes motivational coaching and helpful information on how to win races and break records. Written to be both practical and easy-to-read, this guide explores everything from buying your bike, setting and achieving goals, training, bike maintenance, racing, and ultimately winning gold medals.

From Broken Neck to Broken Records: A Masters Cyclist’s Guide to Winning is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.

Merrell(R) and MESP, Inc. Get ‘Down & Dirty’

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ — Merrell® and Michael Epstein Sports Productions, Inc. (MESP) are proud to announce a multi-year partnership of Merrell as title sponsor of the Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series. As title sponsor, Merrell has exclusive rights to apparel and footwear for the national series.

MESP, a leader in lifestyle sports marketing is thrilled to partner with Merrell on this exciting venture. “Merrell is a perfect fit for the Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series,” said Michael Epstein, President of MESP, Inc. “They are a leader in outdoor performance apparel and footwear and understand the needs of our athletes. We are ecstatic to be teaming up with them on this fun and unique event!”

Merrell, who has been providing high-performance footwear and apparel to outdoor enthusiasts for the past 26 years, echoes the sentiment, “At Merrell, we encourage everyone to get outside and get moving,” says Rachael Martinelli, Marketing Specialist for Merrell. “People inspire the products that we make and Down & Dirty provides the perfect vehicle for everyone from beginners to the elite athlete to get active. We are excited to be a part of it!”

The inaugural year of the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series will take the running world by storm calling all recruits to challenge themselves to one of the most exciting off-road races to hit the muddy trails! Racers will compete on either a 5k or 10k course that includes military-style obstacles, commanding cargo climbs, wild water crossings and above all: mud, mud, and more mud, all while supporting our troops!

The premiere season of the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series will hit the muddy trails of Castaic Lake State Recreation Area in Los Angeles, California on April 25th before continuing its trek cross-country to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 18th, New York, NY on October 3rd and wrapping up the tour in Sacramento, California on October 31st.

For more information on the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series and to register for the event, visit www.downanddirtymudrun.com.

Craig Alexander Signs on With Trigger Point

From the Trigger Point website

We are excited to announce that we have officially inked a deal with Craig Alexander, world champion triathlete!  He’s been a longtime user of our products and is now going to reach out to the public and let everyone know the benefits of self massage with Trigger Point Performance Products!

Cassidy Phillips and Craig Alexander met in 2004 at the Olympic Trials in Bellingham, Washington.  At the time, Alexander was pretty banged up and needed a way to take care of himself.  Phillips gave Alexander some biomechanical education and taught him how to use our products, after which Alexander was empowered to care for himself through self massage using Trigger Point Therapy tools.  The reality was that Alexander didn’t have the funds to get body work every day, so our products allowed him to care for himself on a daily basis, thus providing both empowerment and performance enhancement.

Alexander began to use Trigger Point Performance tools for self massage and injury prevention, twice a day every day, and he went on to have one of the best race seasons ever in 2004.  Today, after being the Ironman World Champion 2 years in a row, Alexander has the resources for body work on a daily basis, but he can still care for himself using Trigger Point products when he’s on the road and when he can’t make it to his therapist.

2010 Trakkers Elite and Age Group Teams

Boulder, CO— TRAKKERS, The world’s first real-time GPS racing device, announces the inception of its Elite and Age Group Triathlon Team for the 2010 season.

“It is with great pleasure that I present the brand new Trakkers Triathlon Team,” says Trakkers head honcho, Charlie Patten. “In order to enhance the way family and friends track their athletes on race day, we created the Trakkers GPS devices. And in order to better promote the product we have created, we are now establishing a top-notch team of individuals racing in the Trakkers colors.”

To coincide with the highly anticipated spring release of the Trakkers athlete-tracking device, a group of world-class professionals has been assembled. The 2010 pro roster is as follows:

Richie Cunningham: 2x 70.3 Champion; 3x Top-Five at 70.3 World Championships

Dede Griesbsauer: 2x Ironman Champion; 3x Top-Ten Ironman World Champs

Mary Beth Ellis: 2009 Escape from Alcatraz Champion; 2x 2nd place at 70.3 World Champs

Amanda Lovato: 2010 Pucón 70.3 Champion; Multiple Half Ironman Champion

Michael Lovato: 2x Ironman Champion; 3x Top-Ten Kona; 3x National Champion

Brian Fleischmann: 1st World Team Champs; 2x 2nd place at USAT National Champs

Jacqui Gordon: Multiple Ironman and 70.3 Top-Ten finisher

Carole Sharpless: 2006 IM Florida 2nd place; 2007, broken back; 2010, comeback year.

To complement the Elite Team, a squad of 36 Age Group athletes is also on board for 2010. Headlining the amateurs is Kathleen Calkins, the top AG athlete at the 2009 Hawaii Ironman World Championships. Additionally, the Trakkers Team is broadly represented in the tri ranks, from the pointy end of the races proudly to the back of the pack.

Partnering with this unique and cutting edge Team, are three triathlon industry powerhouses: Saucony shoes and apparel, First Endurance nutrition, and Kestrel bicycles.

Robert Kunz from First Endurance stated: “This is a perfect partnership for us, not only because of the high caliber of athletes, but also because of the management and philosophy of the team.”

Carrie Bartlett of Saucony added: “This partnership allows Saucony the opportunity to connect with more triathletes and build the Saucony brand within the sport. We are excited to be the official footwear and apparel of the team in 2010.”

Steven Harad of Kestrel commented, “I look forward to a successful season; to have the entire team riding Kestrels and providing feedback will help us continue to grow.”

Team member Michael Lovato added, “I’m so proud to be a part of this innovative team. What really makes the Trakkers Team unique is that our partners are three of the strongest players within our industry. For decades Saucony has been a loyal sponsor of triathlon, and over the years they have remained committed to creating the best running shoes around. Kestrel has such a rich history within our sport as well: it introduced triathletes to carbon fiber bikes, and it is returning to the forefront of the bicycle world with its cutting edge developments. And in First Endurance, we have aligned with a company who cares first and foremost about creating clean, safe and effective nutritional products that work for elites as well as beginners. While each sponsor is very powerful independently, under the banner of a bold company like Trakkers, our team has the ability to truly set trends and change the way we participate in and view our sport.”

The 2010 season started out with a victory for the Trakkers Team, with Amanda Lovato’s win at Ironman 70.3 Pucón on January 24th. The Elite Team continues its racing next at the Miami International Triathlon on March 14th, where Richie Cunningham, Mary Beth Ellis, and Brian Fleischmann will be competing.

Keep up with the progress of the pro squad by tuning into www.twitter.com/TrakkersElite, and checking www.trakkersgps.com for regular BLOG updates.

International Cycling Event Launched In Ireland

Feb 09, 2010 – IMG today, in partnership with Sky, Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Clare County Council, announced details of the country’s first closed road cycle event.

The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia will take place over an 80-mile (approx) course in scenic County Clare on Sunday, August 22nd 2010.

The event organisers expect to attract 2000 entrants from throughout Ireland and abroad this year, bringing significant economic benefit into the local economy, with numbers increasing considerably over the next five years.  The mass participation event, which is being marketed internationally and nationally, is open to all standards of cyclists, aged 18-80.  The cycle will start and finish in Ennis and travel through County Clare, taking in part of West Clare’s spectacular coastline.

Sky, the UK and Ireland’s leading entertainment company behind the Sky Ride series of events, is the title sponsor of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. The sponsorship supports Sky’s aim to encourage one million more people of all ages and abilities to get cycling by 2013.  Sky Ride consists of a range of initiatives to get people back on their bikes, with activities like mass city cycling events on traffic-free streets through to local group rides.

As well as Sky Ride Etape Hibernia, IMG have extensive experience organising mass participation events including the internationally renowned events the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia, Tour de Suisse, Melbourne Marathon, The London Triathlon, Triathlon de Alpe d’Huez and UK Challenge

Speaking at today’s event launch in Spanish Point, County Clare, Jo Dytch of IMG said: “The popularity and growth in road cycling is very exciting. Along with our partners we are looking to lead the way in providing a prestige event for cycling in Ireland and to establish a major fixture on the Irish sporting calendar delivering a significant boost to the local economy.  This event will bring a welcome boost to the tourism in Clare annually and will see the most scenic parts of the County and its coastline exposed to the world’s cycling enthusiasts and media.”

Ms. Dytch continued: “Sky Ride Etape Hibernia is Ireland’s first closed road cycle event and is open to the general public. It affords cyclists with the unique opportunity to cycle safely on closed roads, whilst rising to the physical challenge at the same time. We expect to draw enthusiasts, the health conscious, challenge-seekers, charity fund-raisers and lapsed cyclists. For the inaugural Etape Hibernia, we hope to attract as many as 2000 entrants and plan to grow this number considerably by 2014. IMG are grateful for the support of the title sponsor Sky, and regional sponsors Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, Clare County Council, and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, without whom staging this event in Ireland would not be possible and we look forward to making it a legacy event for the region”.

Mark Deering, Director, Sky Ireland said, “We are proud to be the main sponsor for the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. Our Sky Ride initiatives last year encouraged thousands of people to get on their bikes. We hope, through events and sponsorships such as this, that 2010 will provide more opportunities and inspiration for people to get cycling.”

Speaking about today’s announcement Keith McCormack, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Business and Sports Tourism, emphasised: “As a national tourism authority, we are glad to be ‘in the saddle’ for the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia.  This event is a perfect fit for Fáilte Ireland’s sports strategy and our commitment to promoting all of Ireland’s regions as tourism destinations. This event allows us to harness the growing popularity of cycling to the natural charms and allure of County Clare and the Mid West. As well as bringing visitors and revenue to the area, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Shannon Region as both a cycling destination, in particular, and a tourism ‘must see’ in general.”

Welcoming the event John King, Assistant Chief Executive of Shannon Development said, “Shannon Development, along with its partners, is delighted to have helped secure this very prestigious event for the Shannon Region for the next five years. Winning this event helps us build on our campaign to promote the Region’s growing reputation as a leading sports and events destination. Etape Hibernia  is one of a number of international events we are working on this year to bring additional visitors to the Shannon Region which have the potential to generate 10 million euro in new revenue for the Region. This new cycling event complements our strategy to secure more mass participation events, in particular sports events, which can be firmly rooted in the Shannon Region for many years to come.”

Mr. King noted that the Lonely Planet ‘Best in Travel 2010’ guide’s inclusion of Clare in its top 10 list of ‘Super Cycling Routes in the World’ was a great endorsement of the County’s cycling product.  “This endorsement is a testament to the amount of work that has gone into the development of the tourism cycling product in Clare in recent times. We look forward to working with IMG and our partners to ensure the success of this event in terms of delivering additional visitors and revenue”, concluded Mr. King.

Karen Brosnahan of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau noted: “Sports Tourism generates approximately 60 million euro for the Shannon Region annually. We, along with Shannon Development and Failte Ireland, have recently launched a Sports Ambassador Programme to capitalise on this lucrative market even further by getting local people involved in sport to help bid for events like Etape Hibernia that can become legacy events for the entire Shannon Region.”

Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy said the economic and tourist benefits associated with the event for County Clare and the wider region were significant.  “I have no doubt that the people of Clare will support the event by joining Clare County Council in welcoming thousands of cyclists to the County, which will allow us to showcase all we have to offer.  I especially welcome IMG’s commitment to working with local people to maximise the economic return of the event for all local people”, stated Mayor Mulcahy.

The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia was launched today at an event in The Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co Clare, which was attended by media outlets from throughout Ireland the United Kingdom.  A number of attending journalists also took part in an arranged cycle of a 10-mile stretch of the proposed event route.

Details of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia are available from www.etapehibernia.com or info@etapehibernia.com.

Nineteen Wetsuits Heads Into U.K. Triathlon

Toronto, Ontario (February 8, 2010). Nineteen wetsuits is pleased to announce that they have formalized a deal for distribution of the Nineteen wetsuit line in the U.K, with Multisport Distribution. Multisport Distribution will handle all sales and marketing in the U.K, for the Toronto, Canada, based Nineteen. The distribution deal is effective immediately, and will kick-off in grand fashion this weekend (Feb. 13 & 14), at the annual TCR Show at Sandown Park, UK – the biggest triathlon and multisport show in England.

According to Nineteen’s Sales & Marketing Manager, Steve Fleck, working with Multisport Distribution is a great fit: “We are very keen to get things going in the U.K with the folks at Multisport Distribution. They are very professional; know the UK triathlon market well, and have a stable of high quality and well known brands that we are very happy to be part of.”

Fleck concludes, “It’s the perfect fit for us, and fit is everything for Nineteen!”

Multisport Distribution for their part but have made a name for themselves already, by being the exclusive and successful distributors in the U.K. for high profile brands such as Blue Competition Cycles and Fusion Apparel.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring Nineteen Wetsuits to the UK. Nineteen share the same ethos as our other brands with their focus on using only the highest quality materials combined with an attention to design-detail that ensures a market leading product”, says Multisport Distribution principal, Vivion Cox.

Cox goes on to add, “We feel the products stand out due to their fit and functionality and by the fact that all wetsuits throughout the range come with the market’s only 5 year warranty. We are excited by the opportunity to replicate Nineteen’s North American success here in the UK.”

Stradalli Partners with HED to Produce the HED 4 Stradalli Wheel Set

February 8, 2010 (FPRC) — Stradalli Cycle, the high performance carbon bicycle manufacturer, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a partnership with HED Cycling to use HED’s wheel designs and technology on their 2010 Milano Strada-PRO carbon road bikes.

The fruit of this partnership is the HED 4 Stradalli 60mm or 90mm front and 90mm rear full carbon clincher wheel set. The front wheel has 18 spokes and weighs an incredible 774g, while the rear wheel uses 24 spokes and weighs just 1025g. The wheels, which are made for 23mm tires, are natural carbon fiber black with white and red lettering.

HED Cycling, which has over twenty years of manufacturing experience in making aerodynamically efficient wheels, designs and manufactures sixteen different models of composite wheels, exported worldwide and used in events from the Tour de France to the Hawaii Ironman to the prestigious North Oaks triathlon championship. Every single wheel HED wheel, including the new HED 4 Stradalli wheel, is handmade.

“We are very proud to have an exclusive model of wheels designed specifically for our bike by such a reputable wheel maker as HED” said Thomas Steinbacher, CEO Stradalli Cycle. “The quality of the Milano Strada-PRO road bike demands we make compromises.”

The HED 4 Stradalli wheel set is the perfect solution for the Stradalli’s Milano Strada-PRO carbon road bike. Using ultra-light carbon fiber components its frame weight is just 997g while the fork weight comes in at under 400g. The Milano Strada-PRO is the bike of champions.

About The Stradalli Cycle Company
Based in Florida, Stradalli is an official SRAM OEM and fits SRAM Red or SRAM Force to all of its 2010 bicycles. The Stradalli Cycle Company sells worldwide to the keen athlete who demands the best equipment. With years of experience in both high tech manufacturing and design as well as a passion for cycling, Stradalli brings dedication and innovation to the road racing bicycle market.

Contact

http://www.stradalli.com

sales@stradalli.com

Edmonton Triathlete Killed in Bicycle Accident

February 08, 2010

EDMONTON–A freak accident on an island off of the coast of Africa has cost an Edmonton triathlon athlete her life.

Laura MacKay lost control of the bicycle she was riding Thursday on the Canary Islands and crashed into a rock face.

The 37-year-old was training alongside her husband, who works as an Edmonton police officer.”It’s not just the loss of a person, (she was) a special person,” said Bert MacKay, father of the Ironman racer.

MacKay headed to the islands two weeks ago for a bit of training, some relaxation and to celebrate her birthday.

She crashed after losing control of her bike on a winding mountain road that was lined by a wall of rock on one side. MacKay died before she could be reached by paramedics, who had to fly in because a rainstorm washed mudslides onto the road.

She died the day after her birthday.

Laura MacKay participated in as many as nine Ironman competitions, said her father. Competitors swim about four kilometres, bike 180 km, then run a marathon.

Based on all that experience, she always wore safety gear while riding, her father said. He remembered Laura for her gentle personality.

“She was most unique because she was non-judgmental. If you met her in a room, in five minutes you’d be impressed.”

Laura worked as a counsellor at the Strathcona County Health Centre’s mental health unit in Sherwood Park, Alta. Her husband, Travis Eltom, was to arrive home Sunday with his wife’s ashes.

The Canadian Press

Craig Alexander Wins Ironman 70.3 Geelong Triathlon

Craig Alexander has won the Geelong Ironman 70.3 for the second year running. Clayton Fettell exited the swim in first place closely followed by Michael Murphy, Paul Ambrose and Jan Rehula. The swim proved to be slower than the 2009 Geelong 70.3 swim leg with all swimmers approximately 1-2 minutes slower out of the water.

Leon Griffin finished in second place 1:20 behind Alexander with the run proving to be the deciding factor. Alexander set a blinding pace to finish the run in 1:11:57. A further two minutes back were Tim Berkel, Peter Schokman and Clayton Fettell. After posting the fastest swim and second fastest bike leg of the day, Fettell was 7:31 behind Alexander on the run.

Peter Schokman put in a stunning race with only 22 seconds in the swim and 3 minutes in the run seperateing him and Alexander.

2009 Accenture Paratriathletes of the Year Announced

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon is pleased to announce the 2009 Accenture Paratriathletes of the Year. Sarah Reinertsen and J.P. Theberge were selected for this honor by USA Triathlon’s Age Group Commission.

Paratriathlete of the Year – Women

Sarah Reinertsen, 34, Mission Viejo, Calif.

Top Performances:
2^nd at USAT/Accenture Paratriathlon National Championships (TRI-2)
1^st at ITU Triathlon World Championship (TRI-2)

“I am honored to be selected as the 2009 Paratriathlete of the Year, especially amongst such an incredible group of athletes on the team.  I have been racing in triathlon for the past six years, and the paratriathlete division has grown tremendously.  We have the most competitive field of women to date, so it’s a true delight to receive this distinction.”

Honorable Mention: Robin Caruso (43, Ridgefield, Conn.), Megan Fisher (26, Missoula, Mont.), Ivonne Mosquera (32, New York, N.Y.)

Paratriathlete of the Year – Men

J.P. Theberge, 37, Carlsbad, Calif.

Top Performances:
1^st at USAT/Accenture Paratriathlon National Championships (TRI-5)
1^st at ITU Triathlon World Championship (TRI-5)

“It is a great honor to be voted Paratriathlete of the Year by USAT.  It is a honor to me but also a tribute to the burgeoning paratriathlon movement which is making great strides around the world featuring talented disabled athletes around the U.S. and internationally who work hard to promote and to increase awareness of the movement in countries such as Morocco, Hungary, the UK, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Spain, Austria, New Zealand among the many other countries involved.  We all thank you so much for the honor.”

Honorable Mention: Paul Martin (42, Boulder, Colo.), Matt Perkins (35, Boise, Idaho), Aaron Scheidies (27, Seattle, Wash.)

The sponsorship of the 2009 Paratriathlete of the Year Award showcases Accenture’s ongoing commitment to the sport of Paratriathlon. “What we are all about is high performance, so we always look for opportunities to work with others that exemplify that,” said Cathinka Wahlstrom, Accenture’s N.Y. Metro managing director. “We love Paratriathletes because absolutely everyone involved is exhibiting high performance.”

Accenture is committed to helping enhance Paratriathlon competitions and grow the Paratriathlete base. They have sponsored the Accenture USAT Paratriathlon National Championships in New York City for the past four years and will do so again in 2010.  “Part of the reason Paratriathlon is now considered an elite sport and is on the verge of Paralympic inclusion is the great support of Cathinka, Justin Model and everyone at Accenture.” said Jon Beeson, co-chair of the USAT Paratriathlon Committee.  And there is a real side benefit to its involvement.  Along with Accenture’s partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), it’s support of high-performing, non-profit organizations like USAT also promotes an environment of healthy living and lifestyles for their employees and clients. Many of them have taken up the sport after helping out as ParaTri handlers at the NYC race.

Ironman Announces 70.3 U.S. Pro Championship and Title Sponsor

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 3, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of the global Ironman Triathlon and 70.3 Event Series, announces its Ironman 70.3 U.S. Pro Championship, an event open to all professional athletes within the sport. For the first time, pros will have the opportunity to earn a coveted title, while competing for a prize purse of $75,000. Houston’s Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in Texas, will serve as title sponsor and official sports medicine provider for the inaugural event.

“Memorial Hermann and Ironman share a common interest in helping athletes achieve their personal and professional goals. We are looking forward to joining them for this world-class event,” said David Bradshaw, chief marketing officer, Memorial Hermann.

Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas, formerly known as Ironman 70.3 Lone Star, will take place on Sunday, April 25, 2010 on historic Galveston Island, along the Texas gulf coast. Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center, situated among 242 lush, tropical acres, will play host to athletes from around the world. The saltwater swim will be in the protected waters of the Offats Bayou, while the bike course will lead athletes on a flat and scenic ride along the coastline. Athletes will also see a flat run course, as it meanders through tropical gardens and towering glass pyramids. A total of 50 slots for the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 will be awarded to top age group and pro finishers.

“Ironman brings together the best athletes in the world, and physicians, trainers and other experts from the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute will be there throughout the weekend to offer education and provide medical services,” said Walter R. Lowe, M.D. Lowe is co-medical director of the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute, chief of Orthopedics at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

During the event, the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute will demonstrate VO2 Max analysis for both running and cycling, as well as gait assessments.  Additionally, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, nutritionists and strength and conditioning experts will be on site to answer questions. Massage therapy and medical care will be provided for participants.

“We are very excited to provide professionals with an enhanced prize purse and the chance to sport the title of Ironman 70.3 U.S. Pro Champion.  The launch of this event allows us to further highlight our professional field, offering greater visibility and recognition for these athletes. In addition, the timing is ideal as it provides pros with an event to test their early season fitness among a world-class field,” said Heather Fuhr, WTC’s Pro Athlete Liaison and former Ironman World Champion.

The weekend will also include the Lone Star Sprint and Olympic-distance events on Saturday, April 24. For more information on event weekend, visit www.ironmanlonestar.com. All Ironman-related media inquiries can be directed to Blair LaHaye at Blair@ironman.com or Jessica Weidensall at Jessica@ironman.com. Inquiries about Memorial Hermman can be directed to Alejandra Rodriguez at Alejandra.Rodriguez@memorialhermann.org.

LeMond and Trek Settle…FINALLY

Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong

For two years now, three time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond and Trek Bicycles have been locked in what has been a public and, at times, a rather bitter battle.

Trek began a licensing partnership in 1995 with LeMond that was terminated on January 30, 2010 thus giving LeMond the rights to the bicycle brand bearing his name. The original dispute began when Trek sued to end their partnership with LeMond after he made comments pointing directly at the brand in relation to doping in the sport of cycling. For his part, LeMond was displeased with Trek due to his belief that Trek was not promoting the LeMond brand.

The settlement comes in the form of two payments of $100,000 by Trek to a charity Lemond is involved with, 1in6.org.