Triathlon: U.S. Women's Triathlon Series
Race 1: June 21-22, 2008 - Naperville, IL, USA
Race 2: September 6-7, 2008 - Federal Way, WA
Race 3: September 20-21, 2008 - San Antonio, TX
Race 4: October 18-19, 2008 - San Diego, CA
Website: www.uswts.com

The U.S. Women's Triathlon Series scheduled has been posted. The series is in its 5th year. The four-city national women's only women triathlon series is more than just a triathlon race. Each event provides a supportive environment for women of all ages and athletic abilities coupled with a weekend of fun. The triathlon series supports the work of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

All races offer a Sprint distance triathlon which consists of a 750me Swim, 22km Bike, 5km Run. Some races will also feature a SuperSprint distance; the swim, bike, run is roughly half the distance of each event in the Sprint race.

Noticeable changes from 2007 include the addition of the race in San Antonio, TX which looks like it replaces the race in St. Petersburg, FL that was on the schedule last year. Also, at this point it looks like Subaru is not the title sponsor this year.

Triathlon: SheROX Triathlon Series
Race 1: May 10, 2008 - Tempe, AZ, USA
Race 2: August 3, 2008 - Philadelphia, PA, USA
Race 3: September 14, 2008 - Charlotte, NC, USA
Website: www.sheroxtri.com

Two new all-women's triathlon races have been added to the SheROX Triathlon Series which was launched last year at the Philadelphia Triathlon. The two new race cities are in the series are Tempe, AZ and Charlotte, NC. The race in Tempe will take start at Tempe Town Lake while the race in Charlotte will take place at the Latta Plantation Park. A SheROX Triathlon is more than just another triathlon. It’s an all-women’s event that will inspire and motivate all participants, volunteers and spectators alike.

The all women's sprint distance triathlons vary slightly:
• SheROX Tempe Triathlon - 400 meter Swim, 12 mile Bike, 3.1 mile Run
• SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon - 800 meter Swim, 25km Bike, 3.1 mile Run
• SheROX Charlotte Triathlon - 750 meter Swim, 27km Bike, 3.1 mile Run

Race organizers have two features to get women to participate and attain their goals. They have a SheROX Mentor Program, where participants will get information and support to make their experience a safe, fun and memorable one! Plus they offer participants an opportunity to sign up for a FREE 12-week training plan to get you ready for the race.

The first CompuTrainer Interactive Real Course Video DVD from RacerMate has been released. The first video training DVD in the new series is from and for Ironman Coeur d'Alene.

For a true interactive experience RacerMate filmed in high definition video a number of Ironman and Ironman 70.3 courses on race day. The new CompuTrainer Interactive Real Course Videos will allow to see and train for the bike portion of the race while riding indoors. Unfortunately it will only create a whole new indoor bike training experience for those who own a CompuTrainer bike trainer. These videos are sure set to take training and race preparation to an entirely new level.

Prices for the videos in the new series will be: $99.95 each or $79.95 (each for 2 or more per order)

Some 1,200 triathletes gathered down under for the first running of the Ironman 70.3 Geelong triathlon. This race replaces the Ironman 70.3 Australia that previously was held in Port Macquarie, New South Wales.

Mirinda Carfrae, the reigning Ironman 70.3 World Champion kicked off her 2008 season with nice win Geelong with a time of 4:24:27. It was a solid day for Carfrae who took the lead after the swim and held off the likes of Kate Major and Rebekah Keat.

The title on the men's side wasn't solidified until late into the bike when Leon Griffin was able to build up a 2 minute gap on the nearest competitors and hold the lead on the run to win the title. It was a good day for Griffin who had to late season World Championships - DNF's at the end of 2007.
 
2008 Ironman 70.3 Geelong Results:

New York, NY, San Diego, CA, and Boulder, CO (February 11, 2008) - Falconhead Capital, LLC, a private equity firm specializing in investments in consumer-focused businesses in the sport, leisure, lifestyle, and media categories, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Inside Communications, Inc. (ICI), of Boulder, Colorado, a leading publisher in the competitive cycling and triathlon segments of the endurance sport industry.

Upon completion of the transaction, ICI's publications, events and other operations will become part of Falconhead Capital portfolio company Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), whose formation by Falconhead through three separate endurance-sport acquisitions was announced on January 7th, just over one month ago. When the ICI transaction is completed, Competitor Group's publications will have total monthly circulation of more than 500,000, and their websites will have more than 1.1 million unique visitors per month.

30 years ago today (February 18, 1978) in Honolulu, Hawaii 15 people gather together to compete in what was billed as the toughest human challenge event ever conceived. The idea came about after an argument about who's in the best shape: a swimmer, a cyclists or a runner. John Collins decided to settle this one way by combining all 3 sports into one single race. Who ever was able to Swim 2.4 miles, Bike 112 miles, and Run 26.2 miles and finished first would be called an "Ironman".

The first person to cross the finish that day was Gordon Haller in a time of 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds. Since then thousands of people around the world have accomplished that spectacular feat as well.

Little did they know what impact they would have on today's global endurance sports market. Today we have 22 WTC branded Ironman triathlon events, in 15 countries on 5 continents and countless other independent iron distance triathlon events around the world.

I remember when I first caught a glimpse of this event on ABC's Wide World of Sports many, many years ago. I was amazed at what those people accomplished, it looked tough. At that time I never had the urge to attempt something like that, no way. Now, many years after seeing that on TV and reading about it I sit here with 3 Ironman races under my belt, WOW! I never imagined I would ever be in shape to attempt this amazing feat but as the Ironman motto states "Anything is Possible".

Nautilus, Inc. has agreed to sell Pearl iZumi, it's cycling apparel and footwear subsidiary to Shimano American Corporation, which is a division of cycling and fishing equipment maker Shimano, Inc.

“The acquisition brings together two companies started by Japanese families who share a passion for cycling,” said Pfeiffer. “Both have strong research and development backgrounds, offer industry leading innovations, and share an obsession with quality and performance. We’ll continue to build the respective brands and remain dedicated to the healthy independent dealer networks we’ve both enjoyed.”

Shimano buys Pearl Izumi [via BikeRadar.com]

Vancouver, Canada (February 18, 2008) - With exactly six months to go until the Triathlon competition at the Beijing Olympic Games, the International Triathlon Union (ITU) launched its official Olympic website, www.triathlon.org/olympics.

"As we near the pinnacle of our sport, we recognize that attention on triathlon will be at a premium so we created this website to satisfy the appetite for Olympic news and updates," said Loreen Barnett, ITU Executive Director. "Our media team has done a marvelous job of developing the site to be the first destination the public and media would visit for everything related to Olympic triathlon."

The site contains an abundance of useful information and the latest Olympic news for the media and fans including a continually updated list of athletes nominated to their Olympic teams (with full athlete profiles) and a breakdown of the complex qualifying process. Course maps and elevation charts are available to help better understand the layout of the Beijing triathlon venue. The site also includes videos, interviews, photo galleries and race reviews from both the Sydney and Athens Olympics triathlon events, as well as all three Beijing test events from 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Race organizers of the sprint distance Prospect Lake Triathlon and Kids Tri in Colorado Springs, CO have announced that this year's race has been cancelled. This year's race was to scheduled to be the 3rd Annual.

"This decision was a very difficult decision and based on several factors – rising costs to put the event on, sponsors pulling out, and lower than needed race participation. Race directors, Lisa Rainsberger and Sonya Norris hope you realize this was a hard decision to make but necessary based on the current economic climate.

We wish you a successful racing season.
Sincerely,
Lisa Rainsberger & Sonya Norris "

We have another new Iron distance triathlon event, this time in the south of France in 2008. Not only is it a new race, but it appears to be the kick-off race of a new Iron distance series/tour which organizers (Llamas Sport Organisation) hope to launch in 2009 with additional races in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Ibarra, Ecuador. The website states it's possible that 2 more races could be added in 2010.

Triathlon: Triathlon Homme de Fer des Salles sur Verdon
When: Sunday, September 21, 2008 @ 7:30 AM
Where: Le Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, Les Salles sur Verdon, France, Europe
Divisions: Age Group, Relay, Team competion against the clock
Website: www.llamas-sport.fr

The race will be staged from the Regional Natural Park of Verdon with a 3.8km swim in the pristine waters of Lake Sainte Croix. You'll then leave the park area on your bike and go on a 2 loop, challenging 90km bike course which is touted to be lined with beautiful scenery. The total positive elevation change on the bike course is stated as 3324 meters or over 10,000 feet. The run will be 2 x 21km loops along Lake Sainte Croix and through the Regional Natural Park of Verdon. For information on the park visit the Le Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon website.

The event website is only available in French, but you can use Google to translate the site to English. Website translation in English

Race organizers have established an amazing prize purse of € 52,000 EUR or roughly more than $76,000 USD as of today's exchange rate. First place in both the Senior and Master divisions for both Men and Women will be € 4000 EUR, roughly $5,862 USD as of today's exchange rate. The prize for the first place Relays and Teams will be € 4000 EUR as well. The race will be limited to 850 individual participants and 30 spots each for Relays (teams of 3) and Teams (teams of 4).

Skaneateles, NY (February 19, 2008) - Today, USA Triathlon (USAT) commissioner of officials, Charlie Crawford, communicated to Tarryan Technologies LLC, the holding company of Active‐Spoke.com, that he had completed his review of the Active‐Spoke product and stated that “Based upon all the information on your Web site and upon my discussion with a scientist at MIT, I find that the Active‐Spoke kit when used on a bicycle wheel as directed, does not violate any of the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules and is legal for use in events sanctioned by USA Triathlon.”

"We are extremely thankful to the USAT for their professional and diligent manner during the review process and are proud to be a part of the triathlon community," said Russ Kalil, CEO of Tarryan Technologies LLC. "It is said that innovation is the life blood of any industry. Clearly, the USAT's openminded and objective review process will encourage inventors within our sport and industry. For us, we are delighted to be able to enter the market with the confidence that athletes cannot only train, but also race with our Active‐Spoke product under the USAT rules."

Due to heightened interest in Active Spoke product performance, their web site recently released summary data including power, speed, split times and weather conditions from their formal field trials conducted in Boulder, CO in 2007.

On a hot and humid but relatively cooler day on the island of Langkawi, Faris Al-Sultan and Belinda Granger take the win at the 5th running of Ironman Malaysia. Belinda and Faris took control of the race on the bike, Faris pretty much never looked back all day and Granger had to kick it up a notch in the last 15km of the run to win. Granger ends up breaking the course record set by Nicole Leder last year by more 12 minutes with a time of 9:29:21.

Al-Sultan eventually built up a commanding 20 minute lead on the bike and pulled ahead on the run by adding another 10 minute to the lead to take the win. It's has to feel good for Al-Sultan who had a disappointing end to his 2007 Ironman season when he had to pull out of the Ironman World Championship race in Hawaii.

“I did not come here to finish eighth, but to win the race. The glory days of being a world champion may be long gone and I had a bad season last year. Therefore, I need to get good results soon to get back on track,” said Faris yesterday. (The Star (thestar.com.my), Friday February 22, 2008, Germany’s Faris confident of winning start to season)

Belinda did as Faris and pulled ahead as much as she could on the bike eventually building up a 10 minute gap on Yvonne Van Vlerken who was behind her. Van Vlerken didn't give up and closed the gap by T2 and then slowly gained on Granger on the run eventually cutting her lead down to 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

The real action today on Langkawi was for those racing for 2nd through 5th place as those positions changed all day in both the men's and women's race.
 
2008 Ironman Malaysia Results:

After a successful venture to France in 2006 Epic Camp is now set to make its second trip to Europe with Epic Camp Italy this June. Led by 1988 Hawaii Ironman Champion Scott “Terminator” Molina and 2002 UltraMan World Champion Gordo Byrn the camp will wind its way from Verona towards the Dolomites. The pictures route will take in several of the famous Giro D’Italia climbs.

Athletes can expect the usually rigorous regime of swimming, biking and running every day. Scott Molina comments that “This camp has been many years in the making for me as I’ve followed the Giro since the early 80’s. The area that encompasses Stelvio Pass holds a particular fascination for me for the trail running as much as the cycling. There seems to be so much to explore in the Dolomites that even a week in those mountains will be just scratching the surface. I’m looking forward to some Epic days out there“.

Epic Camps have become renowned for not only improving athletic performance through the high volume prescribed but the almost impossible training regime takes athletes mental strength to new levels. "We have found that Epic Camp is the most effective way to train the humility, and mental fortitude, necessary for a fast Ironman." This camp will be no different “there is no easy way!”

Could you use and extra $800, how about and extra $10,000? Well, if you think you are fast on the bike then here is a challenge for you.

Gear West Bike & Triathlon here in MN, who recently was awarded the Best Multisport Shop in the country by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News believes in local pro triathlete David Thompson’s cycling ability so much that they are opening up his performance bonuses to everyone who races against him. Athletes with the fastest official bikes split in the 5 world class races listed below will receive an $800 prime. If an athlete has the fastest official bike split in all 5 races he will receive a $6,000 bonus. The challenge is called the $10,000 DKT Challenge.

Who is DKT or David Kennedy Thompson? Well, he's a Minnesota native who's in his 5th year as a pro triathlete. He graduated from MIT. He's down to earth and sure knows how to ride fast on his Litespeed Saber titanium bike. He's not always the first one out of the water, but don't worry he'll pass you like a bat out hell on his bike soon after. I've seen him, he's FAST! His accolades last year included setting new bike split records at Escape from Alcatraz and the Life Time Fitness Triathlon. You can read more about him on his website: www.thompsontri.com

DKT's 2007 Season Highlights:
  • Powerman Alabama: Win
  • Bradenton 101: Win
  • Escape from Alcatraz: 6th overall (Fastest Bike Split (new record))
  • Clear Lake 101: Win
  • Philadelphia Tri: 3rd overall (Fastest Bike Split)
  • Life Time Fitness Triathlon: 6th overall (Fastest Bike Split (new record))
  • Racine Half: Win (New Course Record and Fastest Bike Split)
  • 5430 Half: Win (New Course Record and Fastest Bike Split)
  • Pigman Half: Win (New Course Record and Fastest Bike Split)
  • Chicago Triathlon: 3rd Overall
  • Cancun 70.3: 2nd Overall

Schedule for the $10,000 DKT Challenge:
  • Escape From Alcatraz - June 8th
  • Life Time Fitness Triathlon - July 12th
  • Spirit of Racine - July 25th
  • Accenture Chicago Triathlon - August 24th
  • Toyota US Open Triathlon - October 12th

Whether you are a beginner or seasoned veteran, valuable insight and training can be gained by attending a triathlon camp or clinic. Attending a training camp gets you hands-on coaching, feedback, technique tips and the ability to ask questions on the spot. Triathlon camps vary, some camps are catered toward specific triathlon events, some have special guest coaches while others are offered in exotic locations. Here are some of the companies providing triathlon training camps in 2008.

Coach Troy's Training Camps
Winter 2008 Training Camp - 7 days (Cost: $945)
March 21 - March 28, 2008 - Tucson, AZ, USA
Winter 2008 Training Camp - 4 days (Cost: $595)
March 21 - March 25, 2008 - Tucson, AZ, USA
www.coachtroy.com

The camp is intended for triathletes and cyclists who want to work on their endurance base, shed some winter pounds and to start gaining some momentum going into the new season. Perfect for athletes from colder climates, this early March training camp comes at the perfect time to kick off your pre- season training for 2008!

Summer 2008 Training Camp (Cost: $395)
June 12 - June 15, 2008 - Lake Placid, NY, USA

Triathletes doing Ironman Lake Placid will enjoy the in-depth preview of the swim, bike and run courses while cyclists will greatly enjoy the 'time in the saddle'. In addition, there will be a lectures on various topics including a race course and strategy overview.

Solvang Triathlon Camps
Advanced Base Camp (Cost: $950)
March 31 - April 6, 2008 - Solvang, CA, USA
www.solvangtriathloncamps.com

Experienced professionals Peter Reid and Chuckie V have teamed up to offer this Advanced Base Camp in and around Solvang. This camp is open to intermediate Half Ironman/Ironman athletes and pure cyclists who are looking for a challenging week of training in a beautiful part of the world.

Mid-Atlantic Multisport
Triathlon Boot Camp (Cost: $475)
April 4 - April 6, 2008 - Springfield, PA, USA
www.midatlanticmultisport.com

The camp is designed for age-group athletes with some experience who want to improve their performance and enjoyment of the sport by learning how to make the most of their limited training time. The staff includes Mid-Atlantic Multisport Head Coach Bill Hauser and six-time Ironman champion Ken Glah.

Clermont, FL (February 28, 2008) - Sommer Sports Events announced its 2008 TriAmerica National Triathlon Series Tour schedule today featuring six confirmed stops. The TriAmerica National Triathlon Series Tour is America’s premier triathlon series and is the only series of its kind in the U.S. Visiting six states in 2008, each destination city tour stop features the new TriAmerica Distance Triathlon featuring a 2K swim, 60K bike and a 15K run. Other weekend events include a short course triathlon, a TriAmerica Super Sprint Triathlon, a TriKidz youth triathlon, and the two-day interactive TriAmerica Festival of Sports & Fitness.

“Athletes are excited about our new TriAmerica distance and series format,” said Fred Sommer, TriAmerica Series founder and company president. “We have some really great venues lined up for 2008 and all of our host community partners are dedicated to make each stop a huge success.”

This year’s tour launches on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast at Charlotte Harbor and concludes with the TriAmerica National Triathlon Series Tour Championship at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Other destination stops of the tour include the Louisiana North Shore; Clear Lake – Houston, Texas; Syracuse, New York; and Michigan City, Indiana.

The current TriAmerica Tour schedule is as follows*:
Stop #1 May 3-4 Charlotte Harbor – Englewood, FL
Stop #2 May 24-25 New Orleans North Shore (Mandeville), LA
Stop #3 June 14-15 Clear Lake – Houston, TX
Stop #4 June 28-29 Syracuse, NY
Stop #5 September 6-7 Indiana Dunes – Michigan City, IN
Championship October 11-12 Myrtle Beach, SC

USAT Members can enter to win a Fastlane, valued at $5,900, courtesy of Endless Pools, Inc. and USAT. The Fastlane is a counter-current swimming machine that turns a typical backyard swimming pool into an Endless Pool. Don't have a backyard pool? Consider a Fastlane PoolTM. For more information, visit www.endlesspools.com.

To enter, simply click here. (No purchase necessary. One entry per person please.)
Click here for the sweepstakes rules.