One foot in front of the other.
LEXINGTON, MA (March 10, 2010) – Saucony, Inc, a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, today announced the signing of Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker, ranked 10th in the world and top American in 2009, and Sarah Groff, a member of the USA Triathlon National Team, to multi-year endorsement contracts. Shoemaker is the winner of the 2009 Hamburg World Championship Series Race and the ITU Duathlon World Championships, while Groff, who competed in her first World Cup race in 2005, vaulted to the #4 World Cup ranking and top American in 2008.
“Saucony has such a rich history in the sport of triathlon, and I’m thrilled to have a partner with the experience, knowledge and products to compete at the highest levels,” said Jarrod Shoemaker. “The brand’s focus on innovation is really apparent in their training and racing gear. Their AMP PRO2 training and recovery apparel is allowing me to train harder and recover faster. I look forward to proudly representing Saucony as I continue in my quest for the 2012 Olympics.”
Shoemaker qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team by finishing as the top American 11th overall at the 2007 ITU Beijing World Cup. He earned his first world cup podium finish with second at Edmonton in 2006 and in 2004 he was the Under 23 National Champion and the 2005 Under 23 World Champion. In 2009 Shoemaker was named USAT Elite Triathlete of the year. Shoemaker is a graduate of Dartmouth College.
“I’m honored to represent a brand that is both motivating and authentic,” said Sarah Groff. “Saucony truly appreciates the technical needs of the triathlete and they really work hard to provide every advantage possible when designing footwear and apparel. I’m thrilled that Saucony is now part of my Olympic focus.”
Groff’s other accomplishments include winning the 2007 ITU Aquathlon World Championships, finishing 2nd at ITU World Team Championships, finishing 4th at Edmonton World Cup in 2007 and earning All-NESCAC and All-American honors as a freestyle swimmer at Middlebury College.
“Jarrod and Sarah are an exciting addition to our Saucony triathlon roster,” said Richie Woodworth, president of Saucony. “Both embody the competitive spirit of the brand and their passion for winning is an inspiration to the whole Saucony team. We look forward to their input as we continue to develop the finest performance footwear and apparel for runners and triathletes everywhere.”
Both Shoemaker’s and Groff’s race schedules for 2010 include:
· ITU World Championship Series – Sydney, Australia
· Hy-Vee ITU Elite Cup – Des Moines, Iowa
· ITU World Championship Series – Hamburg, Germany
· ITU World Championship Series – London, England
· ITU World Championship Series – Kitzbuehl, Austria
· ITU World Championship Finale – Budapest, Hungry
Shoemaker and Groff join other Saucony triathletes, including: Ironman World Champion Kate Major; 11-time Ironman champion Lisa Bentley; 2-time Ironman champions Dede Griesbauer and Michael Lovato; Longhorn 70.3 champion Richie Cunningham; and top U.S. triathlete Linsey Corbin, among others.
Shoemaker lives and trains in Maynard, MA and Groff in Hanover, NH.
About Saucony, Inc.: Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc., is a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel with its widely recognized brands Saucony and Saucony Originals. For more information, go to www.saucony.com.
Tampa, FL (Vocus) March 11, 2010 –Magnetic, a full-service web design and development company based in Tampa, Florida, today announced the launch of the new e-commerce web site aimed towards triathletes and endurance sport athletes of all abilities. Triathletes from around the world will now be able to purchase their favorite swim, bike, and run products online at the new Ironman360.com (http://www.ironman360.com) web site.
“We investigated several custom website development companies (http://www.magnetic.com/web-development/) before we contracted with Magnetic,” said Hunter Jewett, Vice President and General Manager of World Endurance Sports, LLC. “We knew that we wanted a sophisticated and professional site, but it also had to incorporate the latest flash development, social networking and ease of use functionality. Magnetic’s marketing team led us through a site development plan with a look and feel that epitomized what we were after.”
The new site contains a fully-functioning shopping cart system which will allow customers to browse and then purchase triathlon-related products from an inventory of several hundred products from the most well-known brands for Ironman (http://ironman.com/) triathletes. While shopping on the site, customers can navigate through the inventory by category, brand, or even by products that their favorite professional triathlete uses.
“As a company that encourages fitness and a healthy lifestyle for our employees, we are extremely proud to be partnering with Ironman360,” says Jennifer Bakunas, President and CEO of Magnetic. “We have a number of employees who compete in triathlons and running races (http://www.magnetic.com/recent-news/Magnetic-Places-1st-In-Gasparilla-15K-Race-Mixed-Team-Division), so our enthusiasm for fitness mixed with our web development services have allowed us to create a site that will grow into an exciting online resource for endurance sport enthusiasts.”
In addition to the new web site, Ironman360.com recently opened a physical store in Tampa. The 4,000 sq. ft. store is outfitted with a full complement of the latest triathlon products and also includes a service center where customers’ bicycles can be upgraded and fixed.
“Their developers and project manager created a fantastic site that would allow a user to identify products quickly, with easy navigation and thoughtful controls. The whole experience in dealing with Magnetic was a pleasure and I cannot say enough good things about them,” Jewett continued. “For 31 years, Ironman® has been recognized for excellence, performance and quality products. With Magnetic’s help, we can now offer the best multi-sport products available to endurance athletes around the world!”
March 2, 2010 (Tampa, Fla.) — World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of the portfolio that includes Ironman, 70.3, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, announces its partnership with John Duke for the launch of a new magazine. With plans to appear in late summer, the magazine will feature content for the serious and committed triathlete. Initial subscribers will be participants of domestic events within the 2010 Ironman and 70.3 Series. Digital subscriptions are planned for international participants.
The new magazine called LAVA, which takes its name from the chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean where Ironman and the sport began, will take readers into the fiery center of triathlon. While the Ironman World Championship hails as the pinnacle of the sport, athletes who value the regular and hard-core multisport experience will be the target for the magazine.
John Duke will oversee content for the brand and will serve as the magazine’s publisher and advertising director. Duke spent 14 years as publisher of Triathlete Magazine and most recently was Senior Vice President of the Print Media Division for Competitor Group.
“I could not imagine a better team to create the world’s leading triathlon publication,” says Duke. “Our team is excited to build a magazine for people who feel triathlon is not just a hobby, but rather a lifestyle. We are all looking forward to utilizing our first-hand racing experience, journalistic backgrounds and passion within the pages of LAVA.”
The team will consist of Susan Grant-Legacki, former editor of Inside Triathlon, along with Jay Prasuhn, who served as tech editor at Triathlete Magazine for 10 years. Creative will be led by Erica Krystek, the former art director of Inside Triathlon, who was responsible for the redesign of Inside Triathlon’s re-branding in 2008. The sales and advertising effort will be led by 11-time winner of the national track cycling championships, Sean Watkins, who was also the vice president of sales and event marketing for Triathlete Magazine. Heather Gordon, who started at Triathlete Magazine 11 years ago and rose to the position of associate publisher rounds out the team.
For advertising information about LAVA, contact Sean Watkins at Seanwatkins@ironman.com or John Duke at Johnduke@ironman.com. All media-related inquiries can be directed to Blair LaHaye at Blair@ironman.com. Event details about Ironman and 70.3 can be located at www.ironman.com.
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Nytro Complete Triathlon Package
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Moment Sporting Events has just announced the date–September 18, 2010—for the San Diego Triathlon Classic. The race, San Diego’s original USAT sanctioned Olympic triathlon, is now open for registration (www.sandiegotriathlonclassic.com).
“The San Diego Triathlon Classic has gained recognition for its spectator-friendly course that winds through some of San Diego’s most precious historic landmarks,” said JT Lyons, president of Moment Sporting Events. “The scenic, yet challenging nature of this premier event has attracted those that simply enjoy the fun and purity of the sport as well as numerous top age groupers and elite triathletes.”
Lyons added that the company moved the event from its original mid-October date to mid-September to allow those competing at the Ford Ironman World Championships to have one more race option “a final tune-up” before heading off to Hawaii.
The San Diego Triathlon Classic will begin and end on the water’s edge at Liberty Station in the newly renovated historic NTC Park. The 1.5K calm water swim is in a protected estuary of San Diego bay. The bike course (40k) travels through Cabrillo National Park, enjoying spectacular views of Mexico, downtown San Diego and the Pacific. The two-loop, fast and flat, 10k run winds along the waterfront in NTC Park, passing the USS recruit.
“We created the San Diego Triathlon Classic course with both the athlete and the spectator in mind,” said Lyons. “All can enjoy the beautiful views of the downtown skyline, historic landmarks and the San Diego Bay. There is a children’s playground, additional park space and shopping just steps away from the start/finish area.”
Race features include participant t-shirts, a unique finisher medal, goodie bags, five-split timing, gourmet post-race food and a microbrew garden. The travel friendly San Diego Triathlon Classic is minutes from the San Diego International Airport. Many restaurants are within walking distance and hotels are just a step away from the start/finish line.
The public is encouraged to watch the race and attend the free two-day Fitness expo Friday, September 17th and Saturday September 18th. The expo will showcase the finest in triathlon-related coaching, nutrition, bicycles, wheels, apparel, and more.
Interested race participants are encouraged to register early as space is limited. To register online, or for more information, including photos and accolades from last year’s race, visit: www.sandiegotriathlonclassic.com.
From the Sydney Morning Herald
Triathlete Belinda Granger has won her 12th Ironman-distance race, taking out Ironman Malaysia for the third-straight year.
Granger dominated the race, taking the lead on the bike and winning by more than 12 minutes.
She finished in nine hours 23 minutes and 33 seconds, well clear of the 9:35:02 from Italian Edith Niederfriniger.
It was a good day for the Sydney-based Grangers, with Belinda’s husband Justin finishing fourth in the men’s race and the first Australian male across the line.
The win represents an impressive return to form for Granger, who needed major surgery last year to repair an artery in her leg.
She is a regular top-10 finisher at the Hawaiian Ironman world championships but had to pull out during that race last October because of illness.
“It was definitely my intention to come back here and get three in a row,” Granger told the Ironman website.
“Now I can tick that off my list – the No.1 goal was to get to the finish line after being sick in Hawaii.”
Belgian Marino Vanhoenacker smashed the men’s field to win by more than 28 minutes, clocking 8:22:31, while Granger finished 9:01:08.
The race was held in hot, humid conditions and was the standard Ironman triathlon distances of a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon run.
From BBC Sport
Britain’s triathlon world champion Alistair Brownlee will miss the start of the season with a stress fracture.
The injury to his femur will keep the Yorkshire 21-year-old out of the first two rounds of the World Championship Series in Sydney and Seoul.
Brownlee hopes to return in time for the third race in Madrid on 5 June.
“Getting the best out of myself means pushing myself to the edge of my limits. Sometimes you cross the line and injury is inevitable,” he said.
“While the worst part is not being able to do what I love every day, I am pleased with my rehab to date.
“My primary focus is to get fit and healthy.”
Brownlee, a former junior and under-23 world champion, clinched the 2009 World Championship Series with victory on Australia’s Gold Coast in September.
Missing two of the six rounds in this year’s championship will dent his hopes of retaining the crown, although Brownlee will be able to pick up points at smaller World Cup events.
The Leeds star is seen as one of Britain’s best medal prospects for the London 2012 Olympics.
Each year, Ironman has a lottery for entry into the Ironman World Championship held in Kona, Hawaii. This year’s race will be held on Saturday, October 9.
The lottery entry will set you back $40, orif you prefer $50 to be entered via the “Passport Club” which gets you some additional bells and whistles which include and increased chance at hitting the lottery!
There are only three ways to get to race in Kona! You can qualify via another Ironman event, you can win the charitable Ebay auction, or this way, which seems to be the easiest way to go!
From Xtri.com
VALENCIA, CA (BRAIN)—H3 Publications has decided to sit on the sidelines right now and not publish Tri magazine as they intended to originally do in May.
“I pulled the plug,” said Dave House, owner of H3 Publications. “It just got way too political.”
Tri was to roll out with four issues this year. H3 was going to deliver 30,000 copies to newstands and 30,000 as giveaways at events and such.
House didn’t rule out possibly doing the magazine sometime in the future.
—Jason Norman
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Some people warm up by stretching while sitting in one place. Some people warm up by doing short sprints. Some people warm up by doing short, relaxed runs.
Personally, I warm up best by running for somewhere in between on to two miles. My body, on the other hand, sometimes has different things in mind. Yesterday, for instance, it took me about five miles to get warm and into a comfortable place. Part of it was that odd dizziness I was dealing with, but a lot of it was that my body just was simply not feeling it.
Ho do you war m up before a workout? Is it different than before a race? Is your warm up for cycling or swimming different than for running?
Massive congratulations to Crowie for his repeat win at the Australian Long Course Championship!!! Here is a quick video of Crowie post race:
NORTH BEACH, Md., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Tri-Forces Triathlon (www.triforcestriathlon.org) launched its new website today, bringing to the public its vision to support Veterans, Service Members and their families.
Co-founded by Charles Eggleston, US Army (Ret.) OIF wounded warrior and Elizabeth N. Lawton, US Navy (Ret.), the Tri-Forces Triathlon will be an eco-friendly event serving to raise visibility for non-profit organizations which support uniformed personnel and their families. By focusing on two of our Nation’s top priorities — Our Warriors and Our Environment — the intention is to ignite and sustain a consciousness of the eternal connections between the mutual well-being of our people and our planet.
In its inaugural year, the Tri-Forces Team has set its sights on raising awareness and funding for organizations engaging in progressive and proven holistic integrative medical solutions toward healing Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Mr. Eggleston, Chairman and President, commented that he trusts this event will raise awareness for the stigmas surrounding PTS and TBI, “I have seen how these ‘invisible wounds’ of war can tear apart the soldier and the family. I have experienced it first-hand.” Ms. Lawton adds, “Our goal here is to bring a comprehensive awareness to the concerns surrounding PTS and TBI as an imperative to explore all avenues of healing available through all modalities of care. I am very excited to be a part of something that will definitely make a difference — for our troops and for our communities.”
The first Tri-Forces Triathlon will be hosted by the Town of North Beach, in Calvert County, Maryland on June 19th, 2010. The Town has embraced this effort in collaboration with its own Well-Weekend and Fitness Exposition to be held on June 19th and 20th. This is one of the many exciting events Mayor Michael Bojokles has planned as The Town celebrates its 100th year as a municipality.
About the Tri-Forces Triathlon:
Tri-Forces Triathlon’s purpose is to raise awareness, visibility and funding benefiting non-profit organizations which provide specific assistance to those service members and their families who made personal sacrifices in defense of our country – at home and abroad; by land, air or sea.
SOURCE Tri-Forces Triathlon
RELATED LINKS
http://www.triforcestriathlon.com
USA Triathlon February 14, 2010
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon inducted five of multisport’s most influential persons into its Hall of Fame on Saturday in a memorable banquet at The Broadmoor resort.
Nearly 200 family members, friends, coaches, race directors and USAT staff came out to honor inductees Jim Curl, Carl Thomas, Barb Lindquist, Valerie Silk and Paula Newby-Fraser as they shared stories, laughs and their love of triathlon.
The expansion of triathlon from its Southern California roots in the early 1980s to its position today as one nation’s fastest-growing sports was evident in the remarks of each inductee.
Following dinner, the “Jim Curl Show” kicked off the program, as Curl and Thomas reflected on their days as two of the most influential race directors triathlon has even seen.
“It’s a great honor. It scares the heck out of you, because you’ve gotta get up and give a speech in front of 200 people in the industry, of which 40 of them are the most important people around for the last 30 years,” said Curl, who also introduced Thomas just minutes after his own induction speech.
“There were people in that room that I knew 25 years ago, people that started things as great as anything that’s been started. So I was tense, I was honored. The strongest feeling was gratitude and the ability to be with all these people again, which doesn’t happen very often.”
Lindquist, who was introduced by her husband, coach and manager, Loren, was quick to credit all her successes, which included a trip to the 2004 Olympic Games, to the people she worked with throughout her career.
Currently USAT’s collegiate recruitment coordinator, Lindquist said her “passion was still afire” for triathlon despite ending her competitive days to raise her young twin sons.
Silk was unable to attend the ceremony, but Mike Reilly shared her heartfelt comments and offered words of congratulations to each her fellow inductees.
Newby-Fraser “changed the perceptions of what a female athlete can accomplish,” according to Bob Babbitt, who introduced the eight-time Ironman champion. She encouraged triathlon’s “new faces to keep pushing the sport forward.”
“It’s huge. It’s hard to put into words, just because I’ve had – and still have – such a long and varied experience with triathlon and USAT … This is the culmination of a lot of different things, so it’s extremely special,” Newby-Fraser said after the ceremony.
The inductees began their memorable day Saturday at an intimate luncheon at The Broadmoor’s Donald Ross Room. This event gave some of the biggest names in triathlon an opportunity to reminisce about the early days of the sport and tell a few tall tales before the evening’s formal ceremony.
With USAT’s Art & Science Symposium and Race Director Symposium also in full swing, the day got off to a running start long before the Hall of Fame activities.
After scores of brave runners ventured out for the 6:30 a.m. start of The Broadmoor Classic Fun Run/Walk, famed adventurer Erik Weihenmayer, who was the first blind man to reach the summit of Mount Everest and went on to reach the highest point of each of the seven continents, opened day two of the symposium with an inspirational talk.
“When we change our thinking and approach to life, we can climb to new heights,” says Weihenmayer, who enthralled the crowd with photos and videos from his varied expeditions and spread his message about reaching for summits as tangible goals.
Following Weihenmayer’s talk, he took time to sign copies of his book, “Touch the Top of the World,” and the symposium attendees took in wide-ranging presentations for the rest of the morning and afternoon.
First-year race director Patrick McGee of Tampa, Fla., has already seen the benefit of attending USAT’s symposium. “It’s been great. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “The best part is interacting with all the coaches and different race directors around here, learning from them, sharing knowledge, gaining knowledge and listening to all the great speakers.”
Highlights from each of this weekend’s presentations can be found at the Hall of Fame and Symposium page on usatriathlon.org.
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EIDSVOLL, Norway—Gunnison, Colo., product Rebecca Dussault became the first-ever non-European athlete to capture gold at the ITU Winter Triathlon World Championships Saturday when she outdistanced the women s elite field by nearly two minutes.
Dussault, who took bronze at last year s world championships, led from the start of the race and clocked a time of 1:19:47 in the run-bike-cross country ski event, bettering silver medalist Tatiana Charochkina of Russia and bronze medalist Hanne Tronnes of Norway.
I was really happy with today, as I’ve come over a couple of times and seemed to be plagued with bad luck, said Dussault after the race. Last week I had a flat tire, and last year at world championships I had a problem with my skis, but today I put I put it all together and I finally have the win. It’s wonderful.
Team USA s Emma Garrard (Park City, Utah) joined Dussault in the top 10 with a seventh-place finish in 1:24:47, and Heather Best (Fairbanks, Alaska) took 13th in 1:28:05.
On the men s side, Brian Smith (Gunnison, Colo.) placed 12th for the U.S. with a time of 1:14:14.
The American duo of Dussault and Garrard carried a 25-second lead into the first transition. Garrard had to overcome a flat tire on the second bike lap to post her seventh-place finish, but Dussault built a 50-meter lead heading into transition two.
Dussault extended her lead to a minute with a quick transition, and the American, who represented the U.S. at the 2006 Winter Olympics in cross country skiing, and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, entered the final leg in confident form.
Dussault, who was the first non-European winner in the event s 14-year history, had won back-to-back U.S. national titles entering Saturday s race.
Full Coverage from ITU
http://www.triathlon.org/news/article/2010_winter_triathlon_world_championships/
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.
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.
EMAIL THE LAMINATOR ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME!
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04-Feb-2010: Gord Pauls of Hamilton, Ontario is an Ironman athlete and Cervélo customer who will be undertaking a truly remarkable feat in an effort to raise money for the people of Haiti. Pauls has been an advocate for Haiti for many years, organizing charitable initiatives through his store, The Runner’s Den, to support initiatives to bring improved nutrition and education to the children of Haiti. This year, the need in Haiti is far greater, and Pauls has challenged himself to raise $250,000 by completing 3 Ironman distance challenges on 3 consecutive days. On Friday, August 27 and Saturday, August 28, Pauls will complete a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike, and 42.2 km run (2.4 miles, 112 miles and 26.2 miles, respectively). He will follow those up by competing in Ironman Canada on Sunday, August 29.
We wish Gord all the best in his training and fundraising, and look forward to reporting on his successful completion of the challenge. For more information on Gord Pauls, the triple Ironman, and his fundraising, please visit www.gordpauls.com.
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.
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.
|
Pos
|
First Name
|
Last Name
|
Gun Time
|
Category
|
Swim
|
Cycle
|
Run
|
|
1
|
Craig
|
ALEXANDER
|
3:53:15
|
0:23:01
|
2:15:39
|
1:11:57
|
|
|
2
|
Leon
|
GRIFFIN
|
3:54:35
|
0:23:13
|
2:15:29
|
1:13:21
|
|
|
3
|
Tim
|
BERKEL
|
3:56:10
|
0:23:24
|
2:15:06
|
1:14:51
|
|
|
4
|
Peter
|
SCHOKMAN
|
3:56:25
|
0:23:23
|
2:15:15
|
1:14:59
|
|
|
5
|
Clayton
|
FETTELL
|
3:56:39
|
0:21:54
|
2:12:37
|
1:19:28
|
|
|
6
|
Matty
|
WHITE
|
4:00:02
|
0:23:26
|
2:15:04
|
1:18:44
|
|
|
7
|
Paul
|
AMBROSE
|
4:00:39
|
0:22:56
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2:15:39
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1:19:25
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8
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Jason
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SHORTIS
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4:01:12
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0:25:07
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2:13:18
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1:19:42
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9
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Damien
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ANGUS
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4:01:51
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0:25:56
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2:15:50
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1:16:53
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10
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Jason
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CROWTHER
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4:02:42
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0:23:28
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2:15:12
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1:21:11
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11
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Richard
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THOMPSON
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4:03:15
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0:25:09
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2:13:18
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1:21:54
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12
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Adam
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HOLBOROW
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4:05:53
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0:24:53
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2:13:43
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1:24:19
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13
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Richard
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MUNRO
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4:06:36
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0:25:08
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2:13:22
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1:25:03
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14
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Michael
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MURPHY
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4:07:20
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0:22:54
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2:15:48
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1:25:57
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15
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Chris
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DMITRIEFF
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4:09:09
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0:24:43
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2:18:46
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1:22:27
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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:
2nd at USAT/Accenture Paratriathlon National Championships (TRI-2)
1st 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:
1st at USAT/Accenture Paratriathlon National Championships (TRI-5)
1st 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.
As you may know, I have been coaching recently with Jeff from PRS Fit and I have never been faster or stronger and I exceed myself almost daily. Well, for those of you who were didn’t think you could ever afford a coach, now you don’t have to! Jeff has given me the following announcement:
After a lot of thought and soul searching I have decided to release all my beginner training plans to the public for free. I get so many questions from first time runners and triathletes doing plans from books and magazines, that don’t answer critical training questions at critical times. It has always been my practice to stand behind my plans just like I stand behind my one on one clients. If you have a plan from PRS FIT, I will be there for you from start to finish. You can email me, the coach and plan designer with any question you may have, and you will receive an answer the same day.
To contact Jeff, please visit his website HERE. To see some of Jeff’s video insights into different aspects of training, click HERE!
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon is pleased to announce the 2009 Garmin Age Group Athletes of the Year and Accenture Paratriathletes of the Year, an honor awarded annually by the USAT Age Group Commission and the USAT Duathlon Committee.
Triathlon and duathlon athletes were selected in various categories, including overall, masters, grand masters and juniors.
“These talented athletes displayed fantastic results at various distance races which set them apart from others,” said Lee Zohlman, co-chair of the USAT Age Group Commission. “Each year, a panel of USAT member volunteers meet and look at a group of athletes and their results. Based on performances across various race distances, depth of fields and quality of races the panel chooses the AOY. We congratulate these athletes on their hard work and dedication and wish them the best in 2010.”
Overall Triathlete of the Year – Women
Cathy Yndestad, 31, Apple Valley, Minn.
Top Performances:
1st elite amateur at Lifetime Fitness Triathlon
1st AG / 3rd overall at USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship
“Wow! Considering all the other outstanding amateur triathletes in contention for this award, I am truly honored and grateful to be named Athlete of the Year. I owe a great deal of thanks to my fellow competitors for keeping each race challenging and more importantly, for keeping it fun!”
Honorable Mention: Mandy McLane (30, Windermere, Fla.), Lindsey Whalen (28, Chicago, Ill.), Kathleen Calkins (34, Gold River, Calif.), Bethany Handley (28, Oklahoma City, Okla.), Kaitlin Shiver (20, Satellite Beach, Fla.)
Overall Triathlete of the Year – Men
Chris Thomas, 37, Easton, Conn.
Top Performances:
1st overall at St. Anthony’s
2nd amateur at 70.3 World Championship
“I am truly honored to receive this award. I have been competing in triathlon events for 10 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I feel very fortunate to be able to participate in the sport. I would like to thank my father, who introduced me to endurance sport when I was six years old. My family has been my foundation throughout. My wife’s support has allowed me to chase my dreams. I have three little boys and they inspire me every day to do my best and have fun. I would also like to thank my coach, Paul Regensburg from Lifesport Coaching. His guidance has been invaluable over the past two years. Finally, it has been a privilege to be a member of the Timex Multi-sport team for the past seven years. ”
Honorable Mention: Brian Duffy, Jr. (21, West Chester, Pa.), Tim Hola (35, Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Doug Clark (41, Morristown, N.J.), Mark Harms (34, Madison, Calif.), Nathan White (26, Waukee, Iowa)
Masters Triathlete of the Year – Women
Linda Robb, 45, Juno Beach, Fla.
Top Performances:
1st AG at USAT Age Group National Championship
2nd AG at 70.3 World Championships
“I feel extremely honored to be chosen by USAT for this award. There are so many incredible masters athletes in our sport which makes this very special. As a long standing member of USAT, it is truly an honor to be recognized. I’d like to thank my husband, my coach and all of my training buddies for keeping it real and keeping it fun.”
Honorable Mention: Laura Sophiea (54, Atlanta, Ga.), Cassie McWilliam (43, Rye, N.Y.), Peggy Yetman (41, Beaumont, Texas), Ellen Hart (51, Denver, Colo.), Ann Davidson (46, Portland, Ore.)
Masters Triathlete of the Year – Men
Doug Clark, 41, Morristown, N.J.
Top Performances:
1st AG at Hawaii Ironman World Championship
2nd AG / 1st American overall at ITU Short Course World Championships
“It’s a real honor to win this title. Having at some point been a middle-of-the-packer in all three disciplines, I hope I can offer some inspiration to others that perseverance and smart training can get you a long way without doing huge hours. Also, being over 40 doesn’t stop you from recording PRs. Having a full time job, most of my training last season was carried out during my commute or at lunchtimes and my daughter’s nap times. If you get creative you can always find time.”
Honorable Mention: Dean Harper (56, Walnut Creek, Calif.), Kevin Moats (55, Atlanta, Ga.), Tim Sheeper (46, Menlo Park, Calif.), Kim McDonald (55, Del Mar, Calif.), Greg Taylor (55, Mankato, Minn.)
Grand Masters Triathlete of the Year – Women
Lauren Binder, 62, Portland, Ore.
Top Performances:
1st AG / 2nd overall grandmaster at USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship
1st AG at ITU World Championship in Gold Coast
“I am very excited and honored to have been chosen Grand Masters athlete of the year for 2009. It’s times like this when all the hard training and discipline pays off, but most of all, I have enjoyed every minute of it! I am so thankful for all the emotional support from my partner, family, friends and USAT.”
Honorable Mention: Cherie Gruenfeld (65, Cathedral City, Calif.), Diane Ridgway (61, Arvada, Colo.), Elizabeth Brackett (68, Chicago, Ill.)
Grand Masters Triathlete of the Year – Men
Steve Smith, 62, Granger, Ill.
Top Performances:
1st AG at USAT Age Group National Championship for the sixth consecutive year
2nd AG at 70.3 World Championship
“This really caught me off guard. Training with great friends, traveling to great places and competing with great athletes is the multisport lifestyle! I love every minute of it. 2010! Game on!”
Honorable Mention: Roger Brockenbrough (75, Pittsburg, Pa.), Jon Adamson (72, Alpharetta, Ga.), Bob Scott (79, Naperville, Ill.)
Junior Age Group Triathlete of the Year – Women
Kailand Cosgrove, 19, Tarpon Springs, Fla.
Top Performances:
1st AG at St. Anthony’s Triathlon
1st AG at the Longhorn 70.3
“For the past seven years I have had a blast racing triathlons from which I leave with unforgettable experiences; Alcatraz, Pan American Games in Mexico and Canada, Longhorn 70.3, and many more. For me, triathlon is not just a sport; it is a lifestyle that has shaped me as a person academically and athletically. I have made amazing friends and have met some outstanding people in the sport of triathlon. I am so honored and proud to be named USA Triathlon’s Junior Triathlete of the Year and without the support of my family, friends, and my dad (Dean Cosgrove) as my coach, I would not be where I am today.”
Junior Age Group Triathlete of the Year – Men
Joseph Welsh, 19, Cordova, Tenn.
Top Performances:
1st AG / 15th overall USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship
12th AG ITU World Championship in Gold Coast
“This past season, I’ve met some amazing people, enjoyed the hard work of brilliant race directors, and had fun every step of the way. I am honored to receive this award, and I would like to thank a number of people who helped me on my journey: my parents who have supported me emotionally and financially every step of the way; my sisters who have spent dozens of summer days sitting in the southern heat cheering for me; Bert Hull of Alpha Q for keeping me supplied; Walt Rider of Rider Bikes for planting my feet into such an exciting sport; my coaches Eddy Hilger, Brian Sheedy, Dave Smith and Dee Baker for always pushing me to the limit; Los Locos Triathlon Team; Marx and Bensdorf Cycling Team; Lees-McRae cycling team; all those who I have ever raced or trained with; and God, for whom is solely responsible for every step that I take.”
Overall Duathlete of the Year – Women
Suzanne Huelster, 35, Riverton, N.J.
Top Performances:
1st overall at USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championship
1st overall amateur at ITU World Duathlon Championship
“Receiving Duathlete of the Year is a delightful and humbling way to top off a whirlwind season. I want to thank everyone in the duathlon community for providing so much support and encouragement both on and off the course. I share this award with them.”
Honorable Mention: Gail Kattouf (36, Greenville, S.C.), Alicia Parr (39, Durham, N.C.), Kristine Kuss (41, Newark, Del.)
Overall Duathlete of the Year – Men
Kevin O’Connor, 38, Medina, Minn.
Top Performances:
1st amateur / 6th overall (world’s qualifier) at Apple Duathlon
1st amateur / 2nd AG / 9th overall at Duathlon World Championship
“I am not certain I deserve this award as there are a number of talented men who raced well, often, and hard. I am quite honored and humbled by this recognition. Thank you to USAT for honoring all of the athletes, both elite and amateur, who work very hard every year to reach their potential. After 20 years of racing this is my most prized athletic award and for that I thank USAT.”
Honorable Mention: Dirk Heinze (33, High Bridge, N.J.), Matthew Sheeks (26, Woodinville, Wash.), Todd Wiley (39, Pipersville, Pa.)
Masters Duathlete of the Year – Women
Kristine Kuss, 41, Newark, Del.
Top Performances:
1st AG / 7th overall female at USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championship (short course)
1st AG / 6th overall female at ITU Duathlon World Championship (short course)
“I’d like to thank USAT for the recognition, and also thank those who’ve made me realize how important it is to do what we love, while we can, in the time we’re given.”
Honorable Mention: Kristin Villopoto (49, Chapel Hill, N.C.), Janet Howard (48, Clackamas, Ore.), Stacy Creamer (50, New York, N.Y.), Julie Deery (44, Bala Cynwyd, Pa.)
Masters Duathlete of the Year – Men
Jeff Miller, 42, Lewistown, Pa.
Top Performances:
1st master / 12th overall at USA Triathlon National Duathlon Festival (short course)
2nd master / 8th American / 14th overall at ITU World Duathlon Championships (short course)
“It’s an honor to receive this award considering the level of competition in the masters duathlon field along with a season plagued with nagging injuries. I would like to thank 2008 Masters Duathlete of the Year Casey Williams for his positive encouragement throughout the season and his level of competition. He makes me strive to be the best that I can be. I would also like to thank my wife, Shari, and my son, Lance, for all their support and understanding.”
Honorable Mention: Chris Giordanelli (45, Simpsonville, S.C.), Casey Williams (41, Boiling Springs, Pa.), Shane Thread (46, Evansville, Ind.)
Grand Masters Duathlete of the Year – Women
Anne Mitchell, 55, Bala Cynwyd, Pa.
Top Performances:
1st AG at USAT Duathlon National Festival (short course)
1st AG at ITU Duathlon Worlds
“It is an absolute pleasure to be nominated and selected as a Duathlete of the Year! I am sure all will say that I love to play, and competition is just one big giant recess for me!”
Honorable Mention: Anne Viviani (60, Arlington, Va.), Ann Erickson (67, The Woodlands, Texas), Heysoon Lee (65, Stuart, Fla.), Sharon Roggenbuck (71, Hillsborough, N.C.)
Grand Masters Duathlete of the Year – Men
Steve Ruckert, 60, Woodbine, Md.
Top Performances:
1st AG at Duathlon National Championship
1st AG at ITU Duathlon World Championship
“I’ve just been informed by USAT that I am the recipient of the award Grandmaster Duathlete of the Year. In receiving this award I acknowledge that I represent the competivive spirits of thousands of duathletes from around the world. I am honored and have much to be thankful for. Thank you.”
Honorable Mention: Gordon Holt (61, Matthews, N.C.), Tony Marshall (65, Carlsbad, Calif.), Roger Brockenbrough (75, Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Junior Duathlete of the Year – Women
Katie June, 16, Roswell, Ga.
Top Performances:
Junior Duathlon National Champion
8th place at the Junior Duathlon World Championship
“I am really honored to be chosen for this award. Winning at nationals and then representing the United States at worlds have been the high points of my multisport experience, and I am grateful to many people for their support and guidance along the way. ”
Honorable Mention: Kate Buss (16, Blacksburg, Va.), Erika Gates (19, Vestal, N.Y.), Katherine Shields (16, Salisbury, N.C.)
Junior Duathlete of the Year – Men
Ryan Peterson, 16, Richmond, Va.
Top Performances:
1st overall at USA Triathlon Junior Duathlon National Championship
2nd U.S. finisher / 12th overall at the ITU Junior Duathlon World Championship
“It is a tremendous honor to have been named Junior Duathlete of the Year. I want to thank my family and coaches for all the encouragement and commitment they have provided in support of my multisport activities. It was a privilege to represent the U.S. at the 2009 World Junior Duathlon Championships, and I hope to have that opportunity again this year at the World Duathlon Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland.”
Honorable Mention: Lukas Verzbicas (16, New Lenox, Ill.), Josh Evans (18, Galt, Calif.), Kody McCracken (15, Wellsboro, Pa.)
Paratriathlete of the Year – Women
Sarah Reinertsen, 34, Mission Viejo, Calif.
Top Performances:
2nd at USAT/Accenture Paratriathlon National Championships (TRI-2)
1st 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:
1st at USAT/Accenture Paratriathlon National Championships (TRI-5)
1st 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.)
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.
Ironman 70.3 Centrair Tokoname Japan will take place on September 19, 2010. Situated near the city of Nagoya in the Aichi Prefecture, Japan’s fourth largest city, the race unfolds in the Tokoname City precinct surrounding the Centrair International Airport, a spacious and scenic area south of the city.
The Centrair International Airport will act as the hub of the race course that will traverse Tokoname City and surrounding environs. The event expo, race office and awards banquet will be located inside the airport terminal itself, offering a unique Ironman 70.3 experience for athletes and fans alike.
“We are thrilled about this race,” said Murphy Reinschreiber, Ironman’s Managing Director of Asia-Pacific. “An Ironman 70.3 event in Japan – especially at this venue – is a big deal. We expect that this race will introduce new athletes to the Ironman experience and energize Ironman racing in Japan and the region. This event is the result of effort and belief support from a number of Ironman enthusiasts in Japan. No doubt, their enthusiasm will shine through on race day.”
Travel to and from Ironman 70.3 Centrair Tokoname Japan is convenient, with the airport offering direct flights from ports such as Frankfurt, Detroit and Singapore. Domestic flights within Japan are also available, as well as a bullet train service from Tokyo.
Registration opens Monday, March 15 at ironman703.jp, with the entry fee set at JPY40,000.
The event is an addition to the 2010 series and features 25 qualifying slots to the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, held in Clearwater, FL., on Saturday, November 13.
Sarah Stanley’s Run Ride Inspire
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Huntington Beach, Calif. – January 29, 2010 – TYR continues to expand its elite roster of world-class athletes with the signing of triathlon “King of Swim” John Flanagan. The Hawaii native competed in the company’s Sayonara swimskin when leading out of the water at the 2009 Ironman World Championships. He will continue to race in TYR’s line of swimskins, apparel, and accessories, as well as the newest addition to the Triathlon line, the Hurricane wetsuit.
“All of us at TYR are thrilled to have John Flanagan as one of our flagship athletes,” said TYR Triathlon Sales and Promotions Director Ryan Dolan. “John has been a long time member of the TYR family. He coaches TYR teams and has represented the company in national and international open water swimming events. We look forward to him racing in our new premier wetsuit, the Hurricane.”
Flanagan proved his swimming strength at many national and international triathlon races in the past year. In addition to his 47:42 split at the world championships during the 2.4-mile swim leg, he set the swim course record at the 2009 Ironman Louisville race, averaging roughly 1:10 per 100 meters to clock in at 44:45. His success is rooted in over a decade of competitive swimming including a 2001 national title, an NCAA team title for Auburn University’s Men’s Swimming and Diving team, and four years as a Team USA swim member.
“I use TYR products everyday for either training or racing,” said Flanagan. “The Sayonara swimskin is the fastest suit I have ever swam in and helps me get out to a good start in my races. I also look forward to competing in cold water races this year so I can use the new Hurricane wetsuit!”
Flanagan joins the world’s greatest triathletes on Team TYR including Chrissie Wellington, Andy Potts, Sarah Haskins, and Julie Dibens.
“TYR is committed to the success of it’s athletes, and I want to continue to be a part of it,” Flanagan concluded.
WASHINGTON, DC — Race organizers announced today that the Inaugural Washington DC Triathlon will take place on Sunday, June 20, 2010 in the nation’s capital. Brought to you by the producers of The Nation’s Triathlon, the race will feature Sprint and Olympic distance courses that wind through DC’s monumental corridors with a spectacular finish along Pennsylvania Avenue – America’s Main Street – in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol Building. Registration for the race opens February 1st, 2010. Those interested in registering for the race should go to www.DCTri.com.
A USAT-sanctioned race, the races will start in West Potomac Park along the banks of the Potomac River and will finish on Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Streets, NW. The Sprint distance course includes a .8k swim, 20k bike and 6.7k run. The Olympic distance course includes a 1.5k swim in the Potomac River, 40k bike course along DC’s most scenic parkways and a 10k run through Washington’s monumental corridor.
According to Charles Brodsky, founder of The Washington DC Triathlon and The Nation’s Triathlon, “We are incredibly pleased to bring a second triathlon to our city, which not only boasts the nation’s top triathlete Mayor but also features two unparalleled courses that offer swimming, biking and running tours of DC’s most spectacular monuments and national treasures. No where else in the world can competitors trace the footsteps of America’s history while competing alongside the nation’s best.”
The sponsors for the Inaugural Washington DC Triathlon include: Champion Systems, Official Apparel Sponsor; Vida Fitness, Official Health Club Sponsor; Georgetown Running Company, Official Retailer; The Bike Rack, Official Bike Retailer; and ZipVit, Official Gel and Bar Sponsor.
The Washington, DC Triathlon, brought to you by the producers of The Nation’s Triathlon, offers a Sprint and Olympic distance course set against the historic backdrop of Washington, DC – Tri Town USA – and its magnificent monuments and national treasures.
BOULDER, CO. – JANUARY 2010 – U.S. Olympian Matty Reed has added another race to an impressive 2010 schedule. Reed will captain a relay team in the charity race during the Memorial Hermann Gateway to the Bay Triathlon in Kemah, Texas. The Olympic distance race is Sunday, April 11th and raises money for Jenny’s Light.
Reed’s team will go up against a triathlon team captained by fellow pro and Olympian Andy Potts. Spots on both Team Reed and Team Potts are being auctioned off over the internet now. Proceeds benefit Jenny’s Light charity which helps women with Postpartum Mood Disorders. Another benefit of the charity relay is the participants will also get entry into the sold-out Escape from Alcatraz race (http://www.onurleft.com/Onurmark_Productions/Gateway_to_the_Bay_-_Charity_Relays_Auction.html).
Reed, the 2009 winner of Race to the Toyota Cup- the prestigious American triathlon series is a father of two. “I am a father and husband first, Olympian and professional triathlete second,” says Reed. “If I can use my talents as an athlete to bring attention to Jenny’s Light, I am proud to do so. And this race course is fabulous! Challenging, fun location and a great event. And to do this event with my buddy and talented athlete Andy, I couldn’t be more honored.”
Besides the charity relay race, Reed will also put on a running clinic Saturday afternoon where participants will have a chance to meet Reed and get tips on improving performance.
“We really wanted a world-class athlete to participate in our first race this year,” says Aaron Palaian, Co-Founder of OnurLeft Sports, “Matty was the perfect choice and he went above and beyond by agreeing to speak with local kids, put on a clinic and sign autographs. Hopefully, he will help us grow the event for years to come.”
To check out Reed’s full race schedule go to www.mattyreed.com.
You can also follow him at http://twitter.com/boomboomreed.
Matty “Boom Boom” Reed is one of the most decorated triathletes in competition today. A 2008 U.S. Olympian and defending national triathlete champion, Reed has been a dominant force in the triathlon world since 1994. Born in New Zealand, Reed now lives and trains in Boulder, Colorado.
Orbea USA is proud to announce that Craig Alexander has re-signed with both the Orbea and Orca brands for the next six years. “Crowie is the top triathlete in the world, winning the 2008 and 2009 Kona Ironman World Championships, 2006 Ironman 70.3 World Championship and countless other premier global triathlons since turning professional in 2004. We are honored to have Crowie as the face of the Orbea and Orca brands in the sport of Triathlon” says Tony Karklins, Managing Director of Orbea USA.
“I have been riding Orbea bicycles with great success since 2005 and have been with Orca for nearly my entire career. I am extremely happy that I will be partnering with both Orbea and Orca for the rest of my career,” says Alexander.
Craig’s new contract with Orbea and Orca surpasses the traditional sponsorship contract. It gives him time to continue his reign at the top of the sport, while leaving plenty of time for future product development and collaboration with the Orbea and Orca brands. Look for many exciting new products to be developed from this long-term partnership.
Iconic footwear and sportswear brand K-Swiss and Trek Bicycle, the world leader in bicycle technology and innovation, are proud to announce the formation of the 2010 Trek/K-Swiss Triathlon Team. The joint venture between Trek and K-Swiss will be seen as the world’s premier triathlon team, bringing together nine of the world’s top international Ironman and Ironman 70.3 athletes.
The launch of Trek/K-Swiss Triathlon Team underscores both brands’ continuing investment in the finest athletes in the world. With more than 30 years of experience, Trek has proven itself to be the industry’s most forward thinking and innovative manufacturer by continually striving to produce the most technologically advanced bicycles on the planet. K-Swiss has upheld a similar tradition of excellence and ingenuity, expanding from classic tennis footwear to running footwear and apparel designed to enhance the performances of the world-class triathletes they support.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership and what we believe it will bring not just to the athletes but to the entire sport of Triathlon,” said Trek Bicycle Road and Triathlon Brand Manager Nick Howe. “At Trek, we’ve long believed that working with the best athletes in the world is paramount in helping us to provide the absolute best bicycle products available. To have an opportunity to partner with a team of this caliber and to work with a company as committed and innovative as K-Swiss is extremely exciting.”
“Joining with Trek to put together this triathlon team is a very exciting venture for us,” said K-Swiss Sports Marketing Director Erik Vervloet. “Trek has consistently been an industry leader in design and innovation and is always looking to move the needle in delivering the fastest bike available, anywhere. We strive to provide that same relentless focus on innovation in our footwear. Combine this partnership with some of the top triathletes in the world and you have a fantastic team. With the help of our athletes, we want to continue to push the envelope in developing the best triathlon products on the planet. We look forward to working together with Trek and are very proud of the team that we’ve put together. We believe that the results will speak for themselves.”
The Trek/K-Swiss Team is comprised of two World Champions, a 2nd place finisher at the 2009 Ironman World Championships, and multiple 70.3 champions.
Fraser Cartmell UK 3x Ironman 70.3 Champion
Julie Dibens UK 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Champion & 3x XTERRA World Champion
Joe Gambles AUS 3x Ironman 70.3 Champion
Heather Jackson USA Top Ironman 70.3 athlete
Chris Lieto USA 3x Ironman Champion & 2nd Ironman World Championships (’09)
Matt Lieto USA Top 5 Ironman athlete
Paul Mathews AUS Ironman 70.3 Champion
Michael Raelert GER 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Champion
Andrew Yoder USA 2nd in the Colombia Triathlon in 2009
PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 22, 2010) – Kestrel Bicycles is pleased to announce its sponsorship of professional triathlete, Heather Gollnick. Gollnick turned pro in 2002 and is a 5X Ironman Champion.
“I’m confident that I have chosen the tri bike that is the best fit for me and I am thrilled to announce my new partnership with Kestrel Bikes. For an athlete of my petite frame the dimensions of my new Kestrel are spot on!! Combine this with Steven Harad’s drive for constant innovation and Kestrel’s passionate support of their athletes – for me it is nothing short of a winning combination” said Gollnick.
“I’m really excited to have Heather join the Kestrel team” said Steven Harad, Kestrel Brand Manager. “I’ve always been impressed with her as an athlete, mom, coach, and of her work at the Rev 3 Triathlon series.” “She is a highly motivated person who Kestrel is pleased to work with.”
Gollnick will begin her 2010 season defending her title at the Ironman™ 70.3 Pucon this weekend on her new Airfoil Pro bicycle.
About Kestrel / Advanced Sports, Inc.:
Operating since 1987, Kestrel Bicycles is a brand of high-end carbon road and triathlon bikes, owned and operated by Advanced Sports, Inc. (ASI). ASI is a privately held corporation located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with distributors in over fifty countries. Operating in the U.S. through the independent bicycle dealer network (IBD), ASI markets a full line of high performance and recreational bicycles under five distinct brands – Fuji, SE, Kestrel, Breezer, and Oval Concepts. For more information, visit: www.advancedsports.com.
Racers Against Childhood Cancer
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Can you imagine what the transitions must be like!?
January 12, 2010
Join Australian cricket legend Brett Lee and Socceroo Mile Sterjovski and help to make history when the 2010 Sanitarium Weet-Bix TRYathlon hits Langley Park in Perth.
The aim is to set a world record for being the largest under-16s triathlon series on the planet. An estimated 14,500 Australians and 20,000 New Zealanders are expected to participate, with 2,500 children expected in Perth.
Distances vary depending on age and no times or places are made, as everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner and will take home a medal.
To register visit www.weetbix.com.au
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This race preview is of the 2008 course. There are SEVEN videos in this series, so once one is done, go on to the next one. I’m not sure, though I will do some digging to find out, but I believe it is the same course for 2010.
In case you have absolutely no interest in the sport of triathlon, or you’ve been living under a nice cozy rock, I thought I’d put out the word:
This Saturday, December 19, 2009, the Ironman World Championship from Kona, Hawaii will be broadcast on NBC Sports. The race, which took place on October 10, has already given us a great deal of drama and the folks at NBC never fail to disappoint in adding a dash of their own. So, even if you’ve never watched before, maybe you should this time…
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
Carved by God, Created by the Devil
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2009 is winding down and as we all know, races fill up FAST! In fact, the New York City Triathlon filled up in SEVEN MINUTES this year!! So, it has forced me to choose my races and to enter them now. The good part of that is that I now know what I am moving toward. Before I ramble on any more and talk about the logistics of the races, here they are:
June 6, 2010
July 18, 2010
August 29, 2010
September 12, 2010
I May try to fit in a couple of sprints along the way as long as they don’t interfere with anything else. I am also pretty sure there will be some of the NYRR races along the way, but nothing too tough.
Big thanks to Kevin for helping out with Pumpkinman. Both the NYC Triathlon and Ironman Louisville are entered and paid for. As for Mooseman 70.3, I am working on getting the funds together, so hopefully between now and when I have the cash, it doesn’t sell out! So, if you want to sponsor me, give me a shout!!
Personal Best Fitness (PRS Fit)
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
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A while ago, I wrote a post following the saga of “Finman” aka, professional douche-bag, Frank Cardia. Frank is a cheater because he used fins to complete the swim leg of an Ironman. The article I wrote got quite a few comments discussing what difference cheating makes, as well as what exactly defines cheating.
One of the things that came up several times was the practice of drafting during the bike leg of a triathlon. Drafting is the practice where a cyclist rides close behind a fellow cyclist in an effort to save energy by allowing the leading cyclist to create a “hole” in air resistance. This gives the cyclist in the drafting zone an energy savings of approximately 33%, and thus, a huge advantage. USAT defines the drafting zone as follows:
Definition of Drafting Zone. The term “drafting zone” shall refer to a rectangular area ten (10) meters long and two (2) meters wide surrounding each bicycle. The longer sides of the zone begin at the leading edge of the front wheel and run backward parallel to the bicycle; the front wheel divides the short side of the zone into two equal parts.. With respect to a moving motor vehicle, the “drafting zone” is a rectangular area extending one meter to each side of the vehicle and fifteen (15) meters behind the vehicle.
There are such things as “draft legal” races where professional athletes are allowed to draft in a peloton style of racing, much as you may see in a race like the Tour de France. However, an Ironman does not allow drafting in any form.
All that being said, the following video was taken during this past weekend’s, Ironman Florida. To be fair, I do believe that the person doing the filming would probably have been penalized under the rules as well, but this is about the drafting.
I commented on this video asking what could be done to prevent drafting and got the following response.
You can set it up so it’s certainly more difficult t draft: (a) Time trial start (they do it at IM Lou, so possible) on flat courses or (b) Wave starts; (c) more marshalls; (d) as noted by someone on ST, forget the time penalty. Have a “penalty loop” out of T2 where drafters run 1 extra mile out-and-back to T2 for 1st offense and 3 miles for 2nd offense. That alone would make most folks think hard about drafting.
While I don’t want to discount this persons opinion, I think that the idea of a “penalty loop” is patently absurd. Any added distance, in any type of triathlon, would negate the prescribed distance of the event and therefore render it pointless. As for wave starts, as I noted in my race report from this year’s NYC Triathlon, drafting was rampant! This also created the additional problem or ridiculous traffic issues due to the fact that after the professionals went, the waves then went with the older (and no offense at all, but mostly slower) racers working backward to the younger racers.
I think the best solution would be a few more and more strategically placed officials. However, it will still happen. This is not to say that, with the right traffic jam we don’t ALL get stuck in some accidental drafting from time to time, but this is just blatant!
What do you think?
So, we’re at the time of year where one of a couple of scenarios are playing out in the world of endurance sports. If you’re a triathlete in the United States and Canada, chances are, your season 
is over. If you’re a runner with a marathon on your schedule, it’s either over or you’re a couple of weeks away, or it’s in the Spring. But what’s next?
Often, this time of year is a time to log base building and maintenance miles. Of course, there is the obligatory Turkey Trot, New Year’s Day race or shorter race here and there. However, as endurance athletes, we tend to have much bigger fish to fry.
Personally, I am running the Philadelphia Marathon on November 22, but after that, I will be looking to next year. As of now, my plan is (subject to change, but this is it for now) the following:
June 6: Mooseman 70.3 (Half Ironman)
July 18: New York City Triathlon (Olympic Distance)
August 29: Ironman Louisville
September 12: Pumkinman (Half Ironman)
November 7: New York City Marathon (Once again, subject to lottery selection)
Of course, there will be a smattering of shorter races, both triathlons and road races, strewn about in between the big stuff, but those are my “A-races” for 2010 (once again, subject to change)! While I am generally one to play my expectations fairly close to the vest, I can say that I am so incredibly excited to be working with Jeff Kline as my coach! He’s more than knowledgeable and he pushes with so much positive encouragement toward your goals. You can be certain, that when I blow away my times from this year, it will be thanks to hard work and Jeff’s constant encouragement and guidance.
What are your goal races for next year? Are you doing a triathlon or a marathon for the first time? Leave me a comment and let me know!
Protest Over the Lakefront Marathon
2009 Ironman World Championship Results (YAY CROWIE!!)
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I’m certain that most triathletes have, at one time or another, joked about one or more of the following:
Wearing fins during the swim leg of a race.
Strapping a boat motor to your back.
Holding on to the official’s/media cars or motorcycles during the bike.
Taking a taxi during the run.
Taking a short cut.
Only doing one loop of a two loop course.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of jokes about cheating, but it’s a start. But, I always just assumed that they were just that, jokes, until my often mentioned friend J, sent me the following: CLICK HERE FOR LINK.
If that article is true, and Frank Cardia or “Finman” truly did what he is rapidly being proven to have done, USAT should step in and take action. As for the area of general cheating (i.e. drafting), I will be a bit more candid and understanding.
During the NYC Triathlon this year, I found it all but impossible to completely avoid drafting. This was not because I was looking to draft, but because slower riders were riding on the left and taking up the entire lane. Therefore, according to USAT rules and definition of drafting, I would guess that 90+% of everybody in the NYC tri this year was guilty of drafting. If it is done on purpose, however, drafting in a non-drafting race is just plain cheating. In my first triathlon ever, I drafted for about a half mile, because I didn’t know any better, only to find out later that it was illegal and I have not done it since.
For additional discussions of “finman” here is a link to Slowtwitch Forums on the topic:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/IM_Florida_Finman_P2075494/
HAVE YOU SEEN CHEATERS IN TRIATHLON??
[Hat tip: J]
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!
