Registration for two popular European Ironman triathlons opens tomorrow July 14th, 2008, Ironman Austria and Ironman Switzerland. If you hope to compete next year at one of these events make sure to register early!

The 10th Annual Ironman Austria race was a sell out this year and is expected to be next year as well. The 2009 Ironman Austria triathlon event which takes place in Klagenfurt is scheduled for Sunday, July 5th, 2009. Registration will open tomorrow at 6:00 PM EST. The entry fee is appears to be EURO 280.00 (roughly $445 USD). Go here to register for the 2009 Ironman Austria triathlon race.
 
Registration for next year's Ironman Switzerland triathlon event which takes place in Zurich is also scheduled to open registration tomorrow, not time has been stated on the website. The 2009 Ironman Switzerland is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 12th, 2009. The entry fee is EURO 400.00/CHF 600.00 (roughly $635 USD or $588 if you pay in Swiss Francs) until December 31st, 2008. The entry fee goes up January 1st, 2009 to EURO 450.00/CHF 680.00. To register for the 2009 Ironman Switzerland triathlon go here.

Dear Athlete,

It is with deep regret that I write to inform you that the 2008 Donner Lake Triathlon has been canceled due to poor air quality caused by the recent and ongoing fires in the Sierras and Butte County.

For the past several days, we have been closely monitoring the air quality in the Truckee region and have posted this information on our website. We have been in contact with numerous service organizations and health officials to determine if we should proceed with the event and have been advised not to. This morning we were highly disappointed that the Air Quality Index had taken a drastic turn for the worse and the air in Truckee was deemed unhealthy.

Through conversations with various officials regarding the fire, the predicted winds and the update from the Tahoe National Forest Service, the local fire is not projected to be contained and the smoke is expected to remain poor for at least another week.

This has been an agonizing decision for us to make. The health and safety of our participants is the paramount factor in every decision and we truly feel it is in your best interest to cancel the triathlon. By canceling the triathlon today, we give our participants the opportunity to cancel any hotel reservations and possibly save on unnecessary travel expenses.

The first race in the 2008 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series is set to take place this weekend with the Life Time Fitness Triathlon scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Lake Nokimis in Minneapolis, Minnesota. What a race it will be as more than 40 of the top professionals will battle for the $250,000 prize purse. Call it a "mini-preview" of the race to come in August as the field includes 11 athletes bound for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Defending champions and Beijing bound Emma Snowsill and Greg Bennett will return to defend their titles. In 2007 Bennett won it all with the richest payday (Greg Bennett Wins the $300,000 Bonus in Dallas) by winning the U.S. Open Triathlon race, the Series Championship and the Super Bonus prize money. Snowsill won three of the five series races to win the Series Championship in 2007.

The Life Time Fitness Triathlon begins and ends Lake Nokomis in beautiful Minneapolis. The bike course runs along the Mississippi river and around Lake Harriet before returning to the Lake Nokomis transition area. Athletes then run two loops around Lake Nokomis with a race to the finish line. The female and male winners will each take home $60,000; one of the sport's top prize purses.

Here is a preview of the professional field:

The inaugural Ironman 70.3 Boise event drew more than 1,200 triathletes from around the world this past June. Now the date for the 2009 Ironman 70.3 Boise has been set, the triathlon will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2009. Organizers expect the 2009 event to attract nearly 2,000 competitors.

One MAJOR change for the 2009 Ironman 70.3 will be a 2:00 P.M. start in place of the traditional early-morning start normally used at most races. A later start time and evening finish will create a unique finish line experience in the dynamic BoDo District.

"We are excited to offer this new start time to our athletes, as we feel it will further enhance the overall event experience," said Steve Meckfessel, Ironman 70.3 Events Director. "The city of Boise has so much to offer participants and spectators." The mild June temperatures, low average humidity, cold-water swim and shaded run course make Boise an ideal venue for a later start time.

Registration will open on Monday, September 1, 2008 at www.ironmanboise.com.

Registration opened on June 25th, 2008 for the 2009 running of Ironman Germany (Registration for Ironman Germany 2009 opens June 25, 2008), earlier than normal, actually even before this year’s race which takes place this weekend. It didn't take long before registration was closed at 2000 participants. It took less than 12 hours for this popular European Ironman race to fill up.

If you missed your chance to register for Ironman Germany 2009, you have another opportunity as organizers have only temporarily closed registration. As the norm is, registration will open the day after this year's race on July 7th, 2008 at 2:00 PM for an additional 500 triathletes. It is not clear at this time if the time stated (2:00 PM) is Frankfurt time or not as we have not received a reply to our email inquiry.

Register for Ironman Germany 2009 on July 7th, 2008 with this link.

The 2009 Ironman European Championship / Ironman Germany is set to take place on July 5th 2009. Visit the event website for additional information: www.ironman.de

A third registration opportunity will open in January 2009 for an additional 100 registrations but no details are available at this time on how and when this will take place.

A new end of season Sprint distance triathlon has been added to the 2008 triathlon calendar. The 1st annual City of Angels Triathlon encourages students, alumni, and the community at large to “throw down the gauntlet,” as all proceeds from the event will be donated to the UCLA & USC Triathlon Teams.

Triathlon: City of Angels Triathlon
When: Sunday, October 5th, 2008 @ 7:00 AM
Where: Dockweiler State Beach, Playa Del Rey, California, USA
Divisions: Pro / Elite, Age Group, Relays
Website: www.cityofangelstri.com

The sprint distance triathlon will consist of a 600me Swim, 20km Bike and a 5km Run. The race will be limited to 360 competitors.

Athletes can look forward to the typically calm surf and clean waters of Dockweiler State Beach. The bike course features wide roads with great pavement and ocean views from the Dockweiler bluffs. The run course is an out-and-back loop along the Dockweiler service road.

There is another new Half Iron distance triathlon in the Northeast, this time in New Jersey. The event is being put on by the New Jersey Multisport Association and will also feature a Sprint distance triathlon. The course was carefully selected to provide some of the best course conditions the state has to offer.

Triathlon: JerseyMan Half Iron & Sprint Triathlon
When: Sunday, September 28, 2008 @ 8:00 AM
Where: Spruce Run Recreation Area, Clinton, New Jersey, USA
Divisions: Age Group, Clydesdales / Athenas, Relays
Website: www.njmultisport.com

Both races will take place at Spruce Run Recreation Area. The Half Iron distance race will consist of a 1.2mi Swim, 56mi Bike, 13.1mi Run while the Sprint distance triathlon will consist of a .6mi Swim, 18.5mi Bike, 3.1mi Run.

Course Description:
A beautiful one loop swim in sparkling clean waters of the Spruce Run reservoir for both the Sprint and Half Iron races, a breathtaking one loop scenic cycle leg through the best riding area’s of New Jersey. The Half Iron race will include a gorgeous 12 mile stretch of very flat and fast racing along the Delaware River and will travel through NJ’s only covered bridge! Truly a beautiful course that is not to be missed! This is followed by a one loop run through beautiful Hunterdon County, NJ.

Another new half iron distance triathlon event has been added to this year's calendar of events, this time in New York. The 1st Annual Toughman Half Ironman triathlon will take place in beautiful Croton Point Park, in Westchester County.

Triathlon: Toughman Half Ironman
When: Sunday, September 21, 2008 @ 7:00 AM
Where: Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson, New York, USA
Divisions: Age Group, Clydesdales / Athenas, Relays
Website: westchestertoughman.com

The triathlon will consist of a 1.2 mile swim in a protected area of the Hudson river, a 56 mile rolling bike course throughout scenic Westchester County and a 13.1 mile run with some challenging hills in and around the Croton Dam. Course maps have not been posted on the race website as of this posting.

A prize purse of $3500 will be awarded as follows, $1000 - 1st place Male / Female, $500 - 2nd place Male / Female and $250 - 3rd place Male / Female. Awards will also be presented to:
- Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female for each 5 yr age group
- Top 3 Clydesdales (Men 200+ lbs)
- Top 3 Athenas (Women 140+ lbs)
- Top 3 Relay Teams

This year’s Ironman European Championship / Ironman Germany is still 10 days out but registration for this popular European Ironman event will open early for next year race.

Because of the tremendous demand during the past years and also to give those athletes who will leave for holidays after this year´s race a chance to register early.

Next year’s Ironman Germany triathlon is scheduled to take place on July 5, 2009. Registration will open tomorrow June 25, 2008 at 10 AM Frankfurt time (4 AM EDT, 1 AM PDT). As is the case with all the European Ironman events, entries are expected to sell out in just a matter of hours so if you hope to compete next year set your alarm clocks!

Visit the event website for additional information: www.ironman.de

A new Fall 1/2 iron distance triathlon event has been added to the 2008 triathlon calendar in northeast tip of Florida. The new Atlantic Coast Triathlon is set to take place on Amelia Island in early October and is being setup by DRC Sports.

Triathlon: Atlantic Coast Triathlon at Amelia Island
When: Saturday, October 4, 2008 @ 7:30 AM
Where: Fernandina Beach, Florida, USA
Divisions: Age Group, Relays
Website: www.drcsports.com

The triathlon will consist of a 1.2 mile swim in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the main beach in Fernandina Beach. (Wetsuits will most likely be optional as expected water temperature is around 76 degrees.) Then a 56 mile bike ride thru scenic Amelia Island on a flat and fast course and finish with a 13.1 mile out and back run that should have plenty of shade.

The race will be limited to 800 triathletes and will feature relay teams.

According to a story in The Des Moines Register (Hy-Vee Triathlon to be held in West Des Moines) the Hy-Vee Triathlon will be relocated to West Des Moines because of flooding in the city of Des Moines, Iowa. The 2-day event is scheduled for June 21-22. The move could cause havoc in the USA Olympic Triathlon Team selection process.

At this point as a result of the move, the age-group triathlon race will be turned into a Duathlon which will consist of a 10km Run, a 40km Bike and another 5km Run.

Officials have not determined the final details for the Des Moines BG Triathlon World Cup. Without a swimming stage, the Hy-Vee Triathlon may not meet the requirements as a USA Olympic qualifier event. Hy-Vee Triathlon officials and the International Triathlon Union will decide whether to include a swimming stage or not.

The Hy-Vee Triathlon is part of an Olympic qualifying system that will determine the final male and female representatives for the team representing the United States in August in Beijing, China.

Officials will be working feverishly to finalize all details especially with USA Triathlon to determine whether it will be part of the USA Olympic qualifying process or not. Things could still change if the weather conditions in Iowa don't improve. For further details, check the event website: Hy-Vee Triathlon

Triathlon: Ironman 70.3 Augusta
When: Sunday, September 27, 2009
Where: Augusta, Georgia, USA
Divisions: Professionals, Age Group,
Website: www.ironmanaugusta.com

The Ironman 70.3 Series expands into Georgia with the addition of the Ironman 70.3 Augusta triathlon race, the 31st race in the ever expanding series. The race will take place in the classic southern city of Augusta, Georgia on Sunday, September 27, 2009 with a field limit of 2,000 triathletes.

The 1.2 mile swim will be a point-to-point course in the Savannah River exiting at the Augusta Rowing Club Complex. Ironman 70.3 Augusta will offer athletes the unique opportunity to race in two states, as the single loop 56 mile bike course will take athletes into the great state of South Carolina through the beautiful countryside before returning to Augusta. Athletes will then run a two loop 13.1 mile course through the downtown community of Augusta finishing near the Augusta Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.

The race will offer a $25,000.00 professional prize purse and 50 age group slots to the Ironman World Championship 70.3 race in Clearwater, Florida.

Zipp and CycleOps Power have partnered to introduce the first and fastest disc wheels with PowerTap technology. PowerTap is the leading power measurement technology in cycling. It measures torque/velocity 60x per second and is scientifically accurate (+/-1.5%).

Zipp will offers the PowerTap technology on three disc wheels, the Sub-9 Disc, the 900 Tubular Disc and the 900 Clincher Disc. PowerTap equipped disc wheels add only 120 grams to each disc with no compromises in strength, stiffness, or aerodynamic performance.

Zipp Sub9 Tubular PowerTap Disc (700c)
The Sub-9 is the first disc to achieve negative drag in the wind tunnel (-80 grams of drag at 15 degrees of yaw) when paired with the Zipp Tangente Tire. The toroidal bulge creates a more comfortable and compliant ride. MSRP for Sub-9 with Wireless PowerTap and pro pack: $3,500 USD

If you are racing Ironman Coeur d’Alene on June 22 make sure to look into getting a neoprene swim cap and aqua socks because the water is and probably will be COLD! Usually those types of items are not allowed at an Ironman event but an exception might be made this year because all of the snow they received has kept the lake water cold.

Race organizers are planning on adding another hot tub to the transition area and another tent that will be blowing / circulating hot air inside the tent.

Cold waters could hamper Ironman athletes news video [ via kxly.com ]

The St. Croix Ironman 70.3 will offer both Kona and Clearwater slots in 2009. The race recently agreed to a multi-year extension with World Triathlon Corp., to continue to be one of the few Ironman 70.3 races to give its’ participants a chance to qualify for two World Championship events.

The race will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2009 and will award 28 Ironman Qualifying slots to the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI and 40 slots to the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater, FL.

The St. Croix Ironman 70.3 race features one of the most beautiful courses in the sport, and the tropical early season conditions serve as excellent preparation for Kona, as well as a great place to begin the racing season.

Registration is currently open for the 2009 race.

For more information on the St. Croix Ironman 70.3 race please go to www.stcroixtriathlon.com.

PowerBar introduces another product for athletes who need fast fuel during endurance activities, PowerBar Gel Blasts. Get the energy you need when you want it on your bike / run workout or race with PowerBar Gel Blasts, featuring C2 MAX optimized carbohydrate blend.

A pouch of Gel Blasts provides as much fast-absorbing energy as 1.5 PowerBar Gels. Each easy-to-open, resealable pouch contains nine energy chews providing a total of 45 grams of carbohydrates per pouch. The bite-sized energy chews have a soft outer shell with a liquid center. The PowerBar Gel Blasts are a convenient, easy-to-consume, source of concentrated carbohydrates that are designed to give you the blast of energy you need to push through your next workout or race.

 • C2 MAX optimized carbohydrate blend scientifically proven to speed energy to muscles
 • One pouch provides as much energy as 1.5 PowerBar gels (9 pieces per pack)
 • No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
 • Easy-to-open, resealable pouch
 • Non-stick, bite-size pieces for convenient refueling
 • Flavors: Natural Lemon, Natural Cola
 • Natural Cola flavor with 2X caffeine helps increase alertness and focus
 • Natural Lemon flavor with vitamin C helps support your immune system

The MSRP seems to be around: $29.99 for a case of 16 pouches based on prices from some online stores.
 

R100,000 Up For Grabs For Record Breakers At Ironman South Africa.

Record breakers at the 2009 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa will receive a R10,000 bonus for any record broken in either the swim, cycle or run. If a new course record is set R20,000 will be awarded. This bonus applies to both men and women, which means a total of R100,000 (Roughly $13,200 USD) could be awarded to athletes over and above the other prize money.

Triangle SA, organizers of Ironman South Africa, announced this new incentive as entries for the 2009 event officially opened. "The reason we introduced this monetary incentive is to both encourage and reward athletes who break records within the race itself," says race director Paul Wolff. "Often an athlete is strong at one discipline, but may not always finish on the podium or even be in the running for prize money. Take Anton Storm, who was first out of the water at this year's event and set a new swim record of 47:06. Anton, competing in his first full Ironman, struggled to the finish in 191st place but was motivated to do so as his swim record would only stand if he completed the entire race."

A new triathlon series has been launched by the British Triathlon Federation, the British Triathlon Grand Prix. It will be combining the most prestigious and elite triathlon events in the country. The Grand Prix will consist of six triathlon races.

The new British Triathlon Grand Prix series will brings together the British Triathlon Corus Elite Series, (consisting of three events): the Mazda London Triathlon – the largest triathlon event in the world, the Mazda Blenheim Triathlon, and the seven time British Triathlon event of the year, the Nokia Windsor Triathlon.

With a significant combined prize purse across the six events, the races will attract the best of British talent as well as interest from as far as the USA, Australia and South Africa.

Inaugural British Triathlon Grand Prix Launched [ via Tri247 ]

A new triathlon event has been announced in Eastern Iowa. The first annual Peregrine Charities Triathlon will originate from the popular George Wyth State Park, located just off Highway 218 between Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Triathlon: Peregrine Charities Triathlon
When: Sunday, September 28, 2008 @ 7:30 AM
Where: George Wyth State Park, Waterloo, IA, USA
Divisions: Elite, Age Group, Relays
Website: www.peregrinecharities.org/tri

The triathlon event will feature a 1 mile Swim in George Wyth Lake, a 22 mile Bike ride on scenic rural roads and a 6 mile Run on paved trails through scenic George Wyth State Park and Hartman Reserve Nature Center. The triathlon event is open to Individuals and Relay Teams. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three overall female and male elite finishers and to the first place finishers in each of the female and male age groups, Clydesdale, Athena and Relay Team divisions.

Proceeds from registrations to the first-annual Peregrine Charities Triathlon will directly benefit Peregrine Charities.

UPDATES
Shark Kills Triathlete at California Beach [via Inside Triathlon]

CNN's Larry King interviews a spokesman for the victim's family about the fatal shark attack off the California coast. [via CNN Video]

Tragedy has been reported out West in the triathlon community. A triathlete doing some training in the ocean has been attacked and killed off the coast of San Diego, CA.

Breaking News

Attack happened near Solana Beach in San Diego County, authorities say

A shark attacked and killed a swimmer Friday morning who was training in the ocean off San Diego County with a group of local triathletes, authorities said.

A man between 55 and 60 years old was swimming with others at Tide Beach around 7 a.m. when he was attacked, according to a statement on the Solana Beach city Web site.

Shark kills triathlete training at Calif. beach [via MSNBC]

SOLANA BEACH SHARK ATTACK [via City of Solana Beach]

New Zealand's Olympic Committee confirmed the final selections for the men’s and women’s Triathlon team for the Beijing Olympic Games which will be held in August.

Andrea Hewitt and Shane Reed will now join Sam Warriner, Debbie Tanner, Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell in representing New Zealand in Beijing at the Olympic distance triathlon event.

Andrea Hewitt won the race of the Kiwis last weekend at the Mooloolaba ITU BG World Cup race but did not do enough to immediately confirm her nomination for the Beijing Olympics with a 14th place. Hewitt did finish ahead of fellow Kiwi Nicky Samuels who finished in 20th place.

On the men’s side the duel for the third and final Olympic spot between Terenzo Bozzone and Shane Reed in Mooloolaba didn't pan out as Bozzone also finished in 14th place like Hewitt while Reed finished in 25th place. Like on the women side, the decision wasn't automatic because neither finished in the top five which guarantee selection. This is why both decisions were left in the hands of the Triathlon New Zealand selectors.

Reed who is 34 was quoted as saying he would retire if he didn't make the team after his disappointing finish in Mooloolaba.

I'm pretty much ready to retire if I don't make the team. I'll race New Plymouth next week and that's it for World Cups anyway. (March 31, 2008 - The New Zealand Herald - Triathlon: Reed has tense wait over selection)

For Hewitt the announcement comes as a awesome birthday gift as she turns 26 on April 4th.

Nicky Samuels and Terenzo Bozzone were both named as official reserves in the event of injury or illness to anyone unfit to compete in Beijing.

RacerMate has release its 3rd CompuTrainer Interactive Real Course Video. The just released training DVD is for the Ironman Arizona bike course.

RacerMate filmed in high definition video a number of Ironman courses on race day. The new CompuTrainer Interactive Real Course Videos will allow you to see and experience the bike portion of the race while riding indoors. These videos are sure set to take training and race preparation to an entirely new level.

Previous releases include the Ironman World Championship Hawaii and Ironman Coeur d'Alene course training videos. The next scheduled releases include Ironman 70.3 St. Croix by the end of March followed by Ironman Lanzarote in early April.

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

A new all women's only triathlon has been added to the 2008 Minnesota triathlon schedule. The YWCA of Minneapolis Women's Triathlon will take place in August at Lake Independence in Maple Plain, MN which is located about 20 miles west of Minneapolis.

The sprint distance triathlon will consist of a 500yard Swim, a 15mile Bike and a 5km Run.

Triathlon: YWCA of Minneapolis Women's Triathlon
When: Sunday, August 17, 2008 @ 8:00 AM
Where: Baker Park Reserve, Maple Plain, MN, USA
Divisions: Elite, Age Group, Relay
Website: www.ywcawomenstri.org

The triathlon starts in Baker Park at Lake Independence where the average water temperature in mid-August is 72-78 depending on the weather. The bike course will be on the scenic roads around Baker Park and the city of Medina while the run course will be on the paved trails of Baker Park.

The YWCA of Minneapolis has been empowering women athletes since 1891. This summer, join them and hundreds of other women for a day dedicated to celebrating the strength in all women.

It appears that the rumored changes that were being talked about have taken effect. The Ironman 70.3 Brazil race schedule to take place in September will now be moving to a new city and will have a new title sponsor.

The race previously held in the capital city of Brasília will now take place in the resort city of Penha in the Brazilian southern state of Santa Catarina. The move is related to the new title sponsor of the race, Beto Carrero which just happens to have the largest theme park in Latin America; Beto Carrero World, in the city of Penha. Brasil Telecom was the previous title sponsor.

Organizers hope to draw more people to this South American Ironman 70.3 race by moving the race to this beach resort city of over 21,000 people. The southern state of Santa Catarina also host another popular WTC race, Ironman Brazil on the island Florianópolis in May.

The race date for the Ironman 70.3 Brazil triathlon remains the same, September 14, 2008. The Ironman 70.3 Brazil race is an official qualifying event for the 2008 Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship race and will be offering 70 slots to race in Clearwater, Florida on November 8th 2008.

Course details have not been posted. The swim use to take place in a lake and now that they have moved the race to the resort city expect the swim to take place in the ocean.

Only 30 miles and one month separates’ two of Ontario's new Half Iron distance triathlons this summer. The two new races are the Bracebridge Half IronDistance Triathlon in Bracebridge and the sold-out Ironman 70.3 Muskoka in Huntsville, Ontario.

Triathlon: Bracebridge Half IronDistance Triathlon
When: Sunday, August 10, 2008 @ 8:00 AM
Where: Annie Williams Park, Bracebridge, ON, Canada
Divisions: Age Group, Relay
Website: www.multisportcanada.com

The Bracebridge Half IronDistance Triathlon is new addition to the HSBC Triathlon Series this upcoming summer. The Bracebridge event is set to take place in beautiful Annie Williams Park which sits along the scenic Muskoka River.

The triathlon will consist of a 2000me Swim in the Muskoka River, a 90km Bike, which will be an out and back course with both long steady grades as well as sections of short steep grades, then a two loop 21.1km Run along the South shore of the Muskoka River.

Organizers will also be hosting a Half IronDistance Duathlon race that will consist of a 7.5km Run, a 90km Bike, and a 21.1km Run.

A unique registration situation lingered for the November 2009 Ironman Arizona race and now we have the answer. Typically registration for the following year's triathlon race takes place the day after the race. But now that the race in April will be permanently moving to November questions arose on whether on-site general registration would be available in April or not. If your 2009 Ironman plans include the November race in Tempe, you might want to go to Tempe in April, see below...

Today North America Sports outlined the registration process for the November 2009 Ironman Arizona race. On-site registration only will be available at the Ford Ironman Arizona Race to be held April 13, 2008. Registration for those athletes entered in the 2008 race (wristbands and ID required) will be on Saturday April 12th, from 9am to 11 am and for all others on Monday, April 14th, from 7 am – 9 am. There will be no on-line registration available after the April race.

Similarly at the November Ford Ironman Arizona, registration for those entered for the race (wristbands and ID required) will be available on Saturday, November 22nd from 9 am – 11 am and on-site registration for all others (if spots are available) will be available on Monday, November 24th from 7 am – 9 am.

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).

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 "

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]

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".

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)

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.

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.

The Plymouth Rock Triathlon Festival website is up and running now. This new triathlon event in Massachusetts will feature both an Iron Distance triathlon and an International Distance triathlon race on August 31, 2008. The events are set to start in Plymouth Harbor where the Pilgrims landed in the year 1620 and finish in unforgettable fashion at the historic Plymouth Waterfront running past The Mayflower II and finishing at Plymouth Rock. The registration for this inaugural event is set to open on Friday, February 1st at 12:00 AM EST.

Triathlon: IronDistanceTriathlon at Plymouth Rock
When: Sunday August 31, 2008 @ 7:00 AM
Where: Stephens Field, Plymouth, MA, USA
Divisions: Elite, Age Group, Relays
Website: www.plymouthrocktriathlon.com/IDT.htm

The course will consist of a 2.4 mile Swim, 112 mile Bike, 26.2 mile Run.

Triathlon: Mayflower International Triathlon at Plymouth Rock
When: Sunday August 31, 2008 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Stephens Field, Plymouth, MA, USA
Divisions: Age Group, Relays
Website: www.plymouthrocktriathlon.com/Mayflower.htm

The course will consist of a 1 mile Swim, 30 mile Bike, 6 mile Run.

TriFREAK, a leading producer of triathlons in the Northwest, has announced the debut of three new triathlon events in Northern California for 2008; the DiabloMan Triathlon in March, the Golden Bear Triathlon in May and the Golden Gate Triathlon in June.

Triathlon: DiabloMan Triathlon
When: Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 7:30 AM
Where: Athenian School, Danville, CA, USA
Divisions: Age Group, Relay
Website: www.trifreak.com/diabloman.htm

If you are looking for a unique event to jump-start your season while it's still cold out in March then this might be the race to look at. The DiabloMan Triathlon will feature a unique and challenging Sprint distance triathlon. It will consist of a 450 yard pool Swim at the Athenian School, then a challenging to say the least 9.25 mile Bike up Mount Diablo followed by a 2.25 mile run straight up to the top of Mount Diablo. Over 3,300 feet of climbing on the bike and run to the finish line at the top of Mount Diablo. The race will be limited to 300 participants.

Triathlon: GoldenBear Triathlon
When: Saturday, May 10, 2008 @ 8:00 AM
Where: Lake Anza, Berkeley, CA, USA
Divisions: Age Group, Relay
Website: www.trifreak.com/golden_bear.htm

A new triathlon race lands back in Berkeley, CA. The GoldenBear Triathlon will feature an Olympic distance race consisting of a 1km Swim, 38km Bike and a 10km Run. After much negotiation and an agreement to stage the second transition area out of the park, the folks of Tiden Park have graciously agreed to a triathlon at Lake Anza. The venue is gorgeous and will include a bike stage along Bear Creek Road.

Triathlon: Golden Gate Triathlon
When: Sunday, June 1, 2008 @ 8:00 AM
Where: Crissy Field, San Francisco, CA, USA
Divisions: Age Group, Relay
Website: www.trifreak.com/golden_gate.htm

The Golden Gate Triathlon will feature both Sprint (.5 mile Swim, 12.4 mile Bike, 3.1 mile Run) and Olympic (.9 mile Swim, 24.8 mile Bike, 6.2 mile Run) distance races. The course will consist of a beautiful point-to-point swim along Crissy Field, an epic 6.2 mile loop through-out the Presidio (4x for Olympic and 2x for Sprint) and an out-and-back run across the Golden Gate Bridge (sprint distance participants will turn-around at the bridge).

The Bergen Cykleklubb is organizing a new Iron Distance triathlon in Norway. The inaugural Ironman BV3 - Bergen Voss Triathlon is set to take place on June 7th 2008.

Triathlon: Ironman BV3 - Bergen Voss Triathlon
When: Saturday, June 7, 2008 @ 6:00 AM
Where: Nordåsvannet, Bergen, Norway, Europe
Divisions: Age Group
Website: www.bergenck.no

The triathlon will be a point-to-point race from Bergen to Voss with the 3,800me Swim taking place in Nordåsvannet just south of Bergen and then a 180km Bike course from Bergen to Voss and then a 42.2km Run around the city of Voss. The club has the bike and run courses mapped out. Expect to see great scenery on the ride to Voss as the course cuts through mountain ranges and follows the edge of many bodies of water along the way.