Several weeks ago rumors and media reports on Mexican TV about a new Ironman race on the island of Cozumel were circulating. It was known that a group from Mexico was working on bringing an Ironman race to Mexico, they had the money they just needed a venue. Well the rumors and media reports were true because we now have a new Ironman triathlon race to choose from in 2009, Ironman Cozumel.

Triathlon: Ironman Cozumel
When: Sunday, November 29, 2009
Where: Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Divisions: Professionals, Age Group,
Website: www.ironmancozumel.com

This will be the first Ironman race for Mexico and the 22nd race in the Ironman series. This will also be the 3rd WTC triathlon event in the month of November in 2009 now that Ironman Arizona has been moved. The race will be limited to 1,500 triathletes. The race will have 50 qualifying slots for Ironman World Championship race, in Kona, Hawaii in 2010. The race will be put on by Asdeporte who has been running the successful Ironman 70.3 Cancun event.

The race will be based at the Chankanaab National Park. It will feature an in-water start in the warm ocean waters the island has to offer. The waters are pretty warm around this time and it's predicted that wetsuits will NOT be allowed. The 112 mile bike course will be and out-and-back two loop course that will traverse most of the island. It is stated that the course is flat, paved and in good condition with a few sharp corners. The marathon course is 2 loops on a 13.1 mile circuit, starting at the Chankanaab National Park and heads towards Cozumel's downtown area and then goes past it along the edge of the island, with views of the beautiful turquoise waters.

The 2008 running of the Great Lake Escape Triathlon has been cancelled. The event originally scheduled for September 7th, 2008 in the East Harbor State Park in Marblehead, Ohio is a victim of the rising fuel prices. The event put on by Fatrabbit Racing also included a Duathlon and an Inline Skate event.

The reason for the cancellation as stated on their website: "Rising fuel prices for water transportation, water support and for other transportation support have unfortunately led to the cancellation of the 2008 Great Lake Escape schedule for September 7. We will be looking to possibly bring back the event in 2009. All registered participants will receive a 100% refund of their entry fees. These checks will be mailed starting August 11."

For the 4th year in a row New Zealand’s South Island will be host to Epic Camp this February. This year’s Epic Camp New Zealand 2009 will begin in the Garden City of Christchurch and head north taking in the spectacular Kaikoura coastline before turning north-west to the remote and stunning Golden Bay region. A trip into the Heaphy track, one of New Zealand premier walking tracks, will also be one of the highlights of this camp. Scott Molina adds “ We’re covering some new, challenging routes on this trip that I’m really looking forward to. The adventure aspect of these camps is one part we will ensure remains! There’s still a few places I’ve never seen in New Zealand even though I’ve lived here for 15 years. We want to cover some new territory for those Epic Campers who’ve joined us on the South Island before and we’ve found some magnificent wilderness to explore.”

Many athletes and coaches who read about the camps often ask the question why Epic? Athletes attend the camp for different reasons. Some use the camps as big volume preparation for specific races, others use the camps as a test to see how much training their bodies can handle before they reach their absolute limit. However probably the biggest learning curve from the camps is the improvements to athletes mental game “time and time again the most common compliment I hear from athletes 6 months or more after the camps is the improvement in the mental application when racing and training. They find it easier to cope with the tough times because they know from epic camp they can get through it and come out the other side in good shape”, says coach and camp organiser John Newsom

Who attends Epic? The coaching staff for Epic Camp NZ09 includes triathlon legend and 1988 Hawaii Ironman champion Scott Molina along with well known coach and co-host of the IronmanTalk podcast John Newsom. They will be joined by athletes who are serious about reaching their limits. To attend Epic it is as much about attitude as it is speed. The general range of athletes is an Ironman time of 9hrs up to 11hrs. If you would like to enquire about attending Epic or simply find out more information visit www.epiccamp.com and email your racing CV along with why you want to attend Epic to info@epiccamp.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with LOOK Cycle USA have announced / initiated a voluntary recall of the Look KéO Bicycle Pedals. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycle pedals and return them to any authorized Look Cycle dealer, or contact Look Cycle USA to arrange for shipping and free repair.

The steel axle can crack and break, posing a fall hazard to cyclists. These pedals comply with CPSC and other applicable standards, but Look is recalling them voluntarily to replace the axles with a current model.

KéO Models Affected:
- KéO Classic
- KéO Sprint (Red and Graphite)
- KéO Carbon Ironman
- KéO HM Ironman
Specified models manufactured between Jan. 2004 and Dec. 2005

KéO Models NOT Affected:
- KéO Carbon Ti (All production dates)
- KéO HM Ti (All production dates)
- All KéO models manufactured Jan. 2006 – Present

WOW! On a hot and clear day in China Emma Snowsill of Australia completely blew away her competition on the run in the Women's Olympic Triathlon event. At one point she was in the lead on the 6 loop bike course but concede the lead to several others while staying right in there at the front going into T2. Snowsill was out in front out of T2 and never looked back as she consistently built up her commanding lead towards a Gold medal. The lead on the 4 loop run course consistently grew from: 15 seconds, to: 39 seconds, to: 57 seconds to a 1:07 margin over Silver medal winner Vannessa Fernandes of Portugal. Snowsill's teammate Emma Moffat who passed Laura Bennett of the United States on the third loop of the run held on for a Bronze medal.

Snowsill has finished either first or second in every World Cup she has raced since February 2006.

2008 Beijing Olympic Women's Triathlon Event Results:

Watch the Olympic Women's Triathlon video here: http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/share.html?videoid=1298863

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Men's Triathlon event ended with a nice sprint to the finish line between Canada's Simon Whitfield and Germany's Jan Frodeno. Frodeno snags the Gold medal with his final strides to finish ahead of Whitfield who gets the Silver. Bevan Docherty of New Zealand hung in there to win the Bronze medal. The top ranked triathlete in the world Javier Gomez of Spain was right there at the end but ran out of steam as the final sprint started and finished in fourth place just ahead of teammate Ivan Raña.

The men's triathlon race today proved to be a bit more exciting at the end compared to the blow out experienced yesterday in the women's race.

2008 Beijing Olympic Men's Triathlon Event Results:

Shane Reed of New Zealand pretty much lead the entire swim, was first out of the water and was first out of T1. From then on the lead on the six loop bike course flip-flopped until midway through a breakaway pack of three formed (Dirk Bockel, Axel Zeebroek and Francisco Serrano). The three had a 44 second lead over the chase group at the end of lap 5. Bockel and Zeebroek dropped Serrano as they increased the lead to 52 second going into T2.

The two continued leading the race at the end of the first loop on the run but the lead had drop to 19 seconds. A nice group over took the two on the second loop and pushed the pace thinning the lead pack which included today’s winner and others like Alistair Brownlee of Great Britain and Rasmus Henning. At the start of the last loop the pack was down to 4 (Gomez, Frodeno, Docherty and Whitfield) with others closing in like Daniel Unger of Germany. Whitfield seemed to fade as the other three advanced on the final climb into the event staging area but that was a tactical move to throw the leaders off. It seemed like it would be a three person race for the Gold medal but once Whitfield threw his visor off it was all systems go and the chase began. Gomez looked good and in control as Whitfield was playing catch up but then Whitfield passed the three to take the lead going into the turn around. Gomez seemed to fade as Frodeno and Docherty turned up the heat and began the final chase with Whitfield. Whitfield who was the Gold medal winner at the inaugural men's triathlon event in Sydney lost a bit of steam himself as Frodeno turned it up a notch right at the end to take the win.

Need a wetsuit??? Here is your chance to get a deal on a new one...

Well, Xterra Wetsuits has gotten into the Olympic spirit with an awesome deal on their wetsuits which they are labeling the fastest* wetsuits in the world. Their Olympic Special is for 50% OFF their full line of wetsuits, Vendetta (MSRP: $595), Vector Pro X2 (MSRP: $550), Vortex 2 (MSRP: $395) and their Velocity speedsuit (MSRP: $250).

All of the wetsuits they offer have characteristics such as Flexibility, Buoyancy and Durability that makes each one then unique, perfect for both training and racing, or for those athletes who race every weekend. They also offer sleeveless wetsuits also called John’s in both the Vector Pro X2 and Vortex 2 lines.

This offer is only available when ordered online at: xterrawetsuits.com
Enter referral code: AUG50
Offer expires September 10, 2008

* = First out of the water at the Ironman World Championships 2007 and 70.3 World Championships 2007 races.

The 2008 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore triathlon has become the arena for a new phenomenon in the world of Ironman, with the emergence of a super team shoot out in Singapore between established Team TBB and the all new super team, Team HiPER3.

With Team TBB fronting both defending champions from 2007, and HiPer3 challenging with world champions, Olympians and some impressive Ironman athletes, the contenders for race honours set the scene for September 7th as the “Sizzler in Singapore...”

The ‘Sizzler’ that is the Aviva Ironman 70.3 in Singapore is set to see “two tribes go to war” as Team TBB lines up with their 2007 champs, Reinaldo Colucci and Belinda Granger headlining Team TBB. Lining up for Team HiPer3 is three time World Champion and Olympian, Peter Robertson, fellow Australian Olympian and national Long distance champion, Simon Thompson and multi-Ironman podium place getter, Peter Jacobs plus a quartet of younger but experienced athletes.

Team Manager and British pro racer, Ryan O’Neill says there‘s a special reason for debuting this team of champions in Singapore.

“Every now and then something comes along that changes people’s perception of what is possible. We at HiPer3 feel that the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore has already changed people’s perception of Triathlon across the Asian region. It has set the bench mark that all other 70.3 races should aspire to reach.” He said at the team launch in Sydney, Australia.

Partnership to bring new technology to triathlete’s wetsuits

Vista, CA (August 2008) - Aqua Sphere, the leader in high-end, innovative swim products, has partnered with Ironman, the leading triathlon brand, to create an unrivaled line of performance open-water swimming wetsuits.

The collaboration, announced today, combines Aqua Sphere’s high-industry standards and commitment to innovative design with Ironman’s experience and dedication to triathlon – a partnership that will soon deliver a new line of wetsuits specially engineered to maximize an athlete’s performance.

Aqua Sphere, known primarily throughout triathlon circles for its popular Seal and Vista swimming masks and Kaiman goggles, has been an Ironman championship sponsor since 2001, and the sole swim sponsor for both Christof Wandratsch, the former Ironman Swim World Record Holder, and Faris Al Sultan, the 2005 Ironman World Champion who has been racing in his Aqua Sphere wetsuit for two years.

As a division of Aqua Lung, the industry leaders in S.C.U.B.A. diving since 1948 and innovators of everything aquatic from snorkeling to swimming, Aqua Sphere carries on the legacy of advancing technology below the surface.

“We know water,” said Oliver Laguette, Director of Marketing for Aqua Sphere. “We’re not just about high-quality swimming masks – we’ve been dealing with neoprene wetsuits for over 50 years.”

A mainstay in triathlon wetsuits for the past 10 years, Ironman has built a reputation for dependable products. The new line will continue in this tradition – branded Ironman, but powered by Aqua Sphere’s cutting-edge technology.

Atlanta, GA (August 28, 2008) - "Living is Winning", the compelling and inspirational sports documentary about Ironman triathlete and Leukemia survivor Andrew "Drew" Johnston, proudly launches the release of the DVD at Ironman Louisville over Labor Day weekend and at The Nation's Triathlon in Washington, DC, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Recommended in Triathlete Magazine and Competitor Southeast, and supported by Ironman Triathlon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Team in Training, this long-awaited feature length film is now available on DVD just in time for the holidays.

Drew, a retired professional cyclist, surprised himself by falling in love with the sport of triathlon. He quickly rose to elite status, but season after season, injuries seemed to plague him. In 2004, at Ironman Lake Placid, a recurring leg injury forced his withdrawal from the race. Never one to quit, he was devastated, but realized his nightmare had only just begun. During a routine exam, doctors discovered something unimaginable; Drew had Leukemia. Caught early, the drug Geevec helped put his disease into remission, and Drew fought his way back to the sport, qualifying for and competing in the famous Ford Ironman World Championship. But Drew had unfinished business - Ironman Lake Placid. In 2007, he returned to the starting line to find he still carried the emotional weight of all the battles he thought were behind him.

"The way you pulled together Drew's experiences told a very powerful story. There was no shortage of emotion in this video!" said Ironman's Director of Communications, Blair LaHaye.

"Andrew's heart really shines in the film. He shows us what it means to be alive and why we shouldn't take life for granted. Bravo!" raves Will Holt, Owner of The Bicycle Link in Atlanta.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon is pleased to announce that the Redman Triathlon in Oklahoma City, Okla., will serve as the site of the 2009 USA Triathlon Halfmax Long Course and Club National Championships.

The Pumpkinman Triathlon will host the 2008 championship near Las Vegas on Oct. 18. The 2010 championship venue will be announced next season.

“This is an exciting event. Not only will we be able to crown our Long Course Triathlon National Championships, but we will also be crowning our Club National Champions,” said USAT National Events Director Jeff Dyrek. “Athletes of all experience levels will have the opportunity to contribute to their club’s scoring whether it be the sprint, intermediate or long course distance event. Clubs will be able to bring athletes of all experience levels to compete.”

The Trisports.com Halfmax National Championship is entering its fourth year and is supported by a network of qualifying events that span the nation. Beginning in 2008, only athletes who qualify for the Halfmax Championship will be eligible to compete for the coveted world championship slots. Each year the championship attracts some of the very best long course athletes from across the nation.

UPDATE: Additional Entry Slots for 2009 Subaru Ironman Canada have SOLD OUT! The 400 registration slots available were gobbled up in less than 10 minutes.

If you didn't travel to Penticton to register for next year's Ironman Canada triathlon you might be in luck. A strange situation has arisen as a limited number of general entry slots for the 2009 Subaru Ironman Canada will be available on-line. These slots will be available through the www.ironman.ca website beginning Friday, August 29th at 9 AM PT. Demand for these slots is expected to be high and therefore athletes are encouraged to go to the website as soon as possible.

Information regarding NA Sports Community Fund Slots and slots available through qualifying events will be posted on the www.ironman.ca and www.nasports.com websites in the coming weeks.

It seems like a hot and humid day in Louisville was no problem for Maximilian Longree and Mariska Kramer-Postma, winners of Ironman Louisville. It was an amazing day for both as the victory was the first Ironman title for both athletes. The defending champions Chris McDonald and Heather Gollnick had good races today but both took second place.

Longree of Germany was seven minutes down after the swim and just over seven minutes down 4 miles into the run. He kept his cool and little by little he moved up to 2nd place and eventually passed McDonald halfway into the marathon. The hot and humid condition didn't seem to affect Longree as he finished the day with 2:48 marathon and a new course men's course record with a time of 8:33:55. How fast was Longree today, well he finished 20 minutes ahead of defending champion and 2nd place finisher McDonald, heck he even had time to take a few bites out of an American cheeseburger before McDonald came in. Sergio Marques used his great running legs to push himself from 6th place to 3rd place.

On the women's side Bree Wee took the on the bike and lead and managed to stay out in front on the run until new mom Lisbeth Kristensen passed her around mile 7. Last week Wee dropped out of Ironman Canada at the one mile mark on the run, so a much better day for her in Louisville. Kristensen had a nice lead holding off Hillary Biscay and Heather Gollnick through at least mile 20 until she found herself lying on the ground, throwing up. Behind the scenes Mariska Kramer-Postma of the Netherland's was closing in. She had started the run in 7th place, some seventeen minutes down but slowly moved up through the field. Kramer-Postma surge and faster marathon pace help her pass the field and take the lead at roughly mile 22. She continued her surge including fending of Gollnick who was trying pull of the repeat victory to take the win. Kramer-Postma finished in 3rd place last year, today she dropped 30 minutes from her time last year for her first Ironman title. Even with a technical issue on the bike Gollnick managed to take 2nd place today and Kristensen who was down on the ground at mile 20 managed to pick herself up and take 3rd place.

2008 Ironman Louisville Results: