Triathlon Juice (TRIJUICE) - triathlon news & resource site - News Archives

Sister Madonna Buder Prepares to Race at 80

2010-07-28T12:49:31Z

Most of us in the triathlon community have seen her racing, heard of her or have watched her story on the tv coverage of the Ironman World Championship race in Kona. If you haven't, then be prepared to be inspired or motivated to take on the sport or continue the challenge.

Sister Madonna Buder also known as the "Iron Nun" is a Roman Catholic nun from Spokane, Washington. She started running at the age of 48 and competed in her first Ironman when she was 55. She has completed over 325 triathlons including countless Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events (30+). In 2005 at the Ironman World Championship race at age 75, she became the oldest woman ever to complete the race, finishing 1 hour before the 17-hour midnight cut-off time. In 2006 in Kona at age 76, she again became the oldest woman ever to complete the race, this time barely finishing under the 17 hour mark with a time 16:59:03.

In 2008, Sister Madonna participated in the Ironman Canada race held in Penticton, British Columbia. All day and at the end spectators cheered and encouraged her but this time she was unable to finish the race under the 17 hour cut-off, finishing in a time of 17:02:47.

In the Ironman community, a failure like that is painful but triggers that knee jerk reaction to try again and conquer the course another day. Fast forward a year... On August 30, 2009, Sister Madonna was back in Penticton and this time successfully completed Ironman Canada in a time of 16:54:30. The accomplishment broke her own record of being the oldest female to complete in an Ironman triathlon at the age of 79. At the time, Sister Madonna said that she would be back next year to be the first 80 year old woman to finish an Ironman.

How inspiring and remarkable is her story, well she is one of the 17 athletes profiled in a new book from VeloPress called "17 Hours to Glory: Extraordinary Stories from the Heart of Triathlon" by Mathias Muller and Timothy Carlson.

]]> The 2010 Ironman Canada triathlon takes place on August 29, 2010 in Penticton, B.C. Canada. If she manages to conquer the course, which is highly possible she'll break her own record as the oldest woman to complete an Ironman. We could all say a prayer for her, but it might be that a higher power will be on her side. We wish her the BEST!

Excerpt from: At 80, the 'Iron Nun' Prepares for Her Next
There is a certain type of athlete, a certain type of person, even, who competes in triathlons. Not satisfied with simply running, bicycling or swimming, triathletes want to knock out all three, one after another. These are people who crave a challenge, who have to push themselves further than most, who refuse to be defined by normal expectations. And should you assume that a triathlete is an elite athlete in his/her 20s or 30s, Sister Madonna Buder might like to have a word with you -- albeit, a very kind one.

That's because this nun at the Sisters for Christian Community in Spokane, Wash., also happens to have competed in more than 300 triathlons, and she's made, well, a habit out of exceeding people's expectations time and again. You see, on July 24, Sister Madonna will celebrate her 80th birthday. Then, just over a month later, she'll compete in the Ironman Canada, and should she finish it, she'll break her own record as the oldest woman to complete an Ironman -- one she initially set in 2005, as triathlons try to keep up with her by opening up new age groups.

Follow the link to read more from the article: At 80, the 'Iron Nun' Prepares for Her Next Triathlon by Marc Hertz

New Expo Partnership: Ironman and The Bike Boutique

2010-07-26T15:48:43Z

World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) and The Bike Boutique Holding (TBB) have announced a five-year partnership where TBB will operate retail and event expo activities at Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races in the Asia-Pacific Region.

These expos, called the "Tri Trade Show" (TTS), will provide athletes and spectators an up-scale retail experience, and provide manufacturers and distributors with a consistent expo infrastructure to facilitate their participation on a regional basis.

WTC and TBB also expect that the Tri Trade Show will create an event social center by offering a meeting point during race week and race day for family, supporters and fans to spend time together in a pleasant environment.

CHECK-IN
An Ironman may last for one day but the event is a 5-day experience. Many athletes arrive to the venue early and on arrival the Tri Trade Show will be ready to receive you. All you have to do as a participating athlete is check-in!

LOOK
A plethora of tantalizing gear will be showcased by a variety of manufacturers. You can LOOK, TOUCH and TRY OUT latest trends and gadgets that will be showcased throughout the event week.

SHOP
Don't forget your credit card because at the Tri Trade Show you are going to be spoilt for choice with the retail brands on offer. Starting with a complete range of Ironman apparel and merchandise, a variety of exhibitors will assure that there is something for everyone.

REFUEL
We don't have to remind you that eating and drinking is paramount during race week. So we just make it more convenient and bring quality food and beverages to you so you can relax and soak up the race week atmosphere.

WATCH
So race day dawns. Spectators are just as important as participants. These are the people that have supported you during training and now they want to share in your special day. With our big screen viewing stations all the action comes to you LIVE while you relax with a beer and burger - it's a tough job but someone has to do it!

]]> Triathlon, the continuous swimming, bicycling and running event, is the icon fitness and participatory sport. In just 26 years, triathlon has grown from being a once a year diversion for the San Diego Track Club to inclusion on the Olympic program. The Ironman Triathlon is the sport's marquee challenge and the world's most captivating & testing single day endurance race consisting of: 3.9K swim\180K bike\42K run.

In 2006, the World Triathlon Corporation launched a new World Championship Ironman Triathlon Series - Ironman 70.3. The introduction of Ironman 70.3 acknowledges the popularity of half Ironman triathlon distance racing across the world. This distance, consists of a 1.9km swim, a 90.1km bike and a 21.1km run is far more attainable and attractive than the 'full' Ironman distance. The athletes cover 112.9km - the equivalent of 70.3 miles. For most athletes, the goal, the drive, the inspiration is to hear the race announcer proclaim "You are an Ironman!" as they cross the finish line.

It is what triathletes the world over has been waiting for. Get ready for your Ironman experience to reach new heights with the Tri Trade Show. What to eat? Where to watch? Where can I buy a fuel belt? What new gear is out there? With the Tri Trade Show we bring the experience direct to you: all under one roof. From athlete registration, retail, product showcases; we cater for every triathlete and spectator need. It's so simple.

For further information about the Tri Trade Shows, please visit this webpage: thebikeboutique.com/ironman-tri-trade-show.php

New Rudy Project TT Wingspan Helmet FLUO Colors

2010-07-23T23:25:43Z

The original Rudy Project TT Wingspan helmet developed with legendary aerodynamics guru John Cobb made its debut at the 2009 Tour de France. Now a year later and during the final days of the 2010 Tour de France Rudy Project has released New Limited Edition FLUO Colors for Wingspan Helmet, as seen in the Giro D'Italia and Tour de France. If you are looking to stand out in a race then these great new neon colors are for you (Green, Yellow and Pink).

They look sharp and if you want one for next year Rudy Project has a deal for you. Get 50% of the MSRP for the next 7 days! That means you can have one these new aero helmets for the low price of $162.50. Act fast as this is a limited time offer and supplies are limited. You will be Pre-Ordering the helmet for delivery by Christmas. (Add the item to your cart to see the discounted price)

- Includes removable covers for the front and tail vents for optimum aerodynamics
- weight: 12 oz / 349 grams
- size: UNISIZE 54-59cm, 21.25"-23.2"
- CPSC Certified
- One hand micro-ratcheting RSR7 Retention Technology
- online product specs for the Rudy Project Wingspan Helmet

The Wingspan comes with both vent covers and a removable tail cover. A net vent cover that is perfect for triathlon events and a closed vento cover for time trial events.

MSRP: $325.00

Challenge Family Adds New Race on the Canary Islands

2010-07-15T23:40:16Z

Fuerteventura is the second largest island of the Canary Islands will be the new location for a brand new Half Iron distance triathlon in the Challenge Family. The addition of the new race in the global Challenge triathlon series will bring the number of races in the series to nine in 2011. Five of the races including the new Challenge Fuerteventura race will be half iron distance triathlon events. Most of the races, including the famous Challenge Roth event take place in Europe, except for Challenge Wanaka which takes place in New Zealand.

Triathlon: Challenge Fuerteventura
When: Sunday, May 1, 2011
Where: Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain, Europe
Divisions: Age Group
Website: www.challenge-fuerteventura.com

"The date for the Challenge Fuerteventura has been set at the end of the training camp season and at the very beginning of the race season. It's the perfect race to prepare for the Challenge Roth and of course for the whole season," said Felix Walchshöfer. "I'm sure that the Playitas Challenge Fuerteventura will make the Challenge series even more attractive and we warmly welcome the new member in our Challenge Family."

Athletes can look forward to the 1.9km Swim, 90km Bike and 21km Run in the southern part of Fuerteventura, on a course that reflects the island's rugged beauty. The swim will take place in the Atlantic. After the swim athletes will encounter a demanding bike leg that includes several climbs and leads through the beautiful communities of Tuineje and Pajara. The half-marathon will be the highlight of the half Challenge race. After a five-kilometer asphalt lap and two laps of a golf course, the run will take the athletes to a lighthouse with a spectacular view of the sea. The run course is already seen as very challenging and will demand a great deal from competitors, so the race in Fuerteventura will certainly not be among the Challenge series' easiest races.

]]> Challenge CEO Felix Walchshöfer said he was impressed by the planned race course when he visited the island: "A Challenge is a test of one's abilities in a demanding undertaking--and this competition is going to be just that for the triathletes. The Playitas Challenge Fuerteventura is definitely going to be a new athletic highlight for the Challenge series, and the landscape is simply breathtaking!"

The primary sponsor and joint race organizer will be the Playitas Sports Resort, which has earned a strong reputation among endurance athletes for various training camps offered there, and is also well-known for its sponsorship of the Saxo Bank professional cycling team.

The race announcement came today, so the website it not up and running yet. For further information on this race or other races in the Challenge Family visit: www.challenge-family.com.

Source: 220 Triathlon

Related Posts:
• New Iron Distance Extreme Man 226 Race in Spain
• New Mediterranean Race Announced, Ironman 70.3 Mallorca
• New Mediterranean Triathlon, Extreme Man 113
• Ocean Lava Triathlon, New 1/2 Iron on Lanzarote

Ironman Race Analysis, Easiest Ironman? Hardest Ironman?

2010-07-15T16:25:30Z

Raymond Britt over at RunTri.com has done some detailed Ironman analysis, comparing 15 Ironman events from around the world to see which one might be the Easiest Ironman course and then the Hardest Ironman race. Great work Raymond.

I was fortunate enough to talk to Greg Welch last year in Kona, and he was saying that Ironman Lanzaroteand Ironman St. George would definitely be the toughest races out there. The analysis doesn't show Lanzarote, but Welch was right about the race in St. George.

We compared 15 of the best Ironman triathlons to try to answer a top Frequently Asked Question: What's the easiest Ironman triathlon? Our first answer is: none of them are easy. But when you compare the overall average finish times, some apparent differences are notable.

Reading the chart literally, Ironman Kona and Ironman Austria appear to have the fastest average time, while Ironman St. George is clearly the hardest, followed by Ironman Wisconsin. But you have to dig deeper, into the race splits, to see what makes these races stand out. (link to chart and story) [Note: Inaugural Ironman St. George event took place in 2010]

The Austria time strikes us as too good to be true, so did the 5:46 average bike split, for example. Kona would obviously be harder for the average non-qualifying triathlete. New Zealand, Arizona, Florida, Lake Placid, Canada and Wisconsin times seem spot-on, based on our experience racing there.

Average Bike Course Times range from 5:46 to 7:02, see the breakdown and details at: www.runtri.com/2010/07/toughesteasiest-ironman-triathlon-bike_13.html

Average Run Course Times range from 4:17 to 5:10, see the breakdown and details at: www.runtri.com/2010/07/toughesteasiest-ironman-triathlon-262.html

Source: RunTri.com

Its kind if deceiving, to see the race in Kona have the fastest average race time, heck all of the people who race there are the top athletes around the world, no wonder it has the fastest average time. If you ignore that race, you have Ironman Austria as the next fastest race. Raymond might be on to something, just two weeks ago, Marino Vanhoenacker posted the 4th fastest Ironman time ever, with a time of 7:52:05. (Sub 8 Day for Marino Vanhoenacker at Ironman Austria)

]]> In the triathlon community, it's funny to hear how people think Ironman Florida is the Easiest course out there, but according to the analysis, it's NOT and now we have proof!

I'm a 3 x Ironman Finisher (Brazil, Switzerland and Florida). Let me just say this, 140.6 miles is 140.6 miles no matter if it's hilly or flat. It just might take you longer to finish some versus others. When selecting a race, pick the one that you will be proud to finish or the one that excites you, not the easiest. Why would you want to tell your friends and family that you conquered the Easiest Ironman event out there (Ironman Florida as many people think)... Stand up to the challenge and conquer the course, you have 17 hours!

Inaugural Ironman Texas Event About to Sell Out

2010-07-14T18:30:05Z

The newly announced Ironman Texas triathlon event set to take place next year in The Woodlands community, just north of Houston, Texas is close to selling out. If you have haven't been able to register for any other North American Ironman event or have been pondering the idea of this new race, you better act fast if you want to participate. General entry is expected to be closed within the next week.

Triathlon: Ironman Texas
When: Saturday, May 21, 2011
Where: The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Divisions: Professional, Age Group, Physically Challenged
Website: www.ironmantexas.com

Individual Entries are $600 USD (plus processing fees)

Ironman Texas athletes will begin with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands that begins at North Shore Park and finishes at Town Green Park. Next is a 112-mile bike course that will take participants west through The Woodlands before heading north. The bike portion is followed by a 26.2-mile run course entirely within The Woodlands concluding on Market Street.

Registration is currently open for the new Ironman Texas event but not for long as it's close to selling out. You can register for the event here by visiting the event website at: www.ironmantexas.com

]]> Ironman Texas will offer 65 qualifying slots to the 2011 Ironman World Championship, taking place on October 8th in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. There will be a prize purse of $100,000 for distribution among the top professional male and female finishers.

Former Biggest Loser Contestants to Race in San Francisco

2010-07-09T12:39:28Z

By now you probably have heard of or have seen the popular "Biggest Loser" television program. They continue to make being fit a lifestyle not a diet. Now you will be able to see many of the participants and winners from past shows at Treasure Island as the compete in the Biggest Losers wave of the Olympic Distance Triathlon.

Nearly 50 former Biggest Loser contestants, including the most recent winner Michael Ventrella, will reunite and put to the test lessons learned on the ranch as they complete a triathlon or a 5K or 10K fun run at the San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island, July 9 - 11, 2010. Demonstrating the sense of community that triathlons build, these past contestants who have trained and motivated one another will now compete alongside the residents of San Francisco.

The current line-up of former Biggest Loser contestants is as follows:

Season 9: Michael and Maria Ventrella, Daris and Cheryl George, Ashley and Sherry Johnston, Cherita and Victoria Andrews, O'Neal and Sunshine Hampton, Sam Poueu, Koli Palu, Stephanie and Patti Anderson, Andrea and Darrell Hough, and Migdailia Cancel

Season 8: Shay Sorrells, Tracey Yukich, Rebecca Meyer, Julio Gomez, Daniel Wright, Antoine Dove, and Alexandra White

Season 7: Sione Fa, Nicole Brewer, Tara Costa, Dane Patterson, Blaine Cotter, Carla Triplett and Damien Gurganious

Season 6: Vicky and Brady Vilcan, Stacey Capers, Tom Descrochers, Coleen Skeabeck, Heba Salama and Ed Brantley

Additional: Season 1's Lisa Andreone; Matt and Suzy Hoover and Pete Thomas, season two; Chris Blackburn and Kevin Theis, season three; Hollie Self, Jerry Lisenby and Bryan Andretti, season four; Jay and Mark Kruger and Neill Harmer, season five

The San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island will feature two days of racing events including an Olympic and Sprint Distance Triathlon and 5K and 10K fun runs, along with a two day Sports Fitness Exposition that draws over 1,000 participants and thousands of cheering spectators from across the country.

New TriTopics Weekly Triathlon Podcast Launched

2010-07-09T12:07:33Z

TriTopics, an online media outlet for the triathlon community announced the launch of a new weekly triathlon broadcast available to listeners via an online download at podcast.TriTopics.com or iTunes.

The sport specific agenda gives the triathlon community the opportunity to listen to a variety of multisport related segments while training, working, driving or relaxing via an iPhone, iPod or computer. Each week TriTopics reviews news and stories pertaining to the sport of triathlon including Ironman, Half Iron (70.3), Olympic and Sprint distance racing. Athletes will hear first hand race experiences from age group athletes, training tips and inside course information. Other interviews include breaking multisport news, product reviews and advice from certified coaches.

"I am excited with the unexpected rise in popularity of the show. It just goes to show how hungry triathlete's are for information about our sport," says Podcast host Chris Elmore, an age group triathlete. During the first month of release, the podcast has already ranked in the top spot on iTunes podcasts for triathlon and has reached an audience of over 1500 subscribers.

Recent podcasts have featured the "Talk with TeamKattouf" segment with show contributor Rich Kattouf, a coach and nutrition expert who answers weekly emails from listeners regarding training and nutrition. A previous episode discussed the challenging weather conditions participants endured at the EagleMan 70.3 Ironman event with age group racer Nan Kappeler. In the latest show Chris talks with professional triathlete Richard Allen about his comeback from retirement and 2010 race goals.

]]> The TriTopics podcast will be released on a weekly basis and is available for FREE via a subscription on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tritopicsweekly/triathlon/id376546645.

For information on becoming a guest on the show you can contact Chris Elmore via email at podcast@tritopics.com.

2010 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Preview

2010-07-09T05:20:42Z

The second leg of the 2010 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series Race to the Toyota Cup takes place this weekend in Minneapolis. Defending Life Time Fitness Triathlon champions, Sarah Haskins and Matt Reed, will join an international professional field to battle for this year's honors.

This year in Minneapolis, the female and male division winners each will take home $20,000, with the additional top female and male finishers claiming a portion of the overall professional cash purse. In addition to cash prizes, the top female and male finisher each will earn 15,000 points toward their pursuit of the coveted 2010 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series Race to the Toyota Cup.

Pro Men	Pro Women
Matt Reed (USA)	Sarah Haskins (USA)
Craig Alexander (AUS)	Mary Beth Ellis (USA)
Greg Bennett (AUS)	Jenny Fletcher (USA)
Matt Chrabot (USA)	Sara McLarty (USA)
Cameron Dye (USA)	Pip Taylor (AUS)
Clark Ellice (NZL)	Laurel Wassner (USA)
Clayton Fettell (AUS)	Rebeccah Wassner (USA)
Henry Hagenbuch (USA)
Filip Ospaly (CZE)
Andrew Starykowicz (USA)
David Thompson (USA)

Andy Potts and Hunter Kemper are both in town but not on the starting list, we will try to figure that out. Potts is probably still recovering from his impressive Ironman Coeur d'Alene victory. Kemper issue might be injury related or he just hasn't had time to train due to the new family addition, little Hudson Frank Kemper.

In our opinion, this year's starting list seems pretty lean compared to previous year's when we would see at least a dozen or more high caliber pro's on both the men's and women's side. TRIJUICE will be there to capture the action and let you know how the race evolved. The race starts at 7:00am CST. You will be able to get race day updates as they happen by following a Twitter feed at twitter.com/ltftriathlon

The popular urban Life Time Fitness Triathlon begins and ends at Minneapolis' Lake Nokomis. The bike course navigates along the Mississippi River and around Lake Harriet before returning to the Lake Nokomis transition area. The event concludes with the run around Lake Nokomis in front of thousands of spectators.

]]> In addition to the professional division, the Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series provides elite and age-group participants with awards and opportunities to participate in the Series Championship in Dallas. Through the first event, six elite men and women, and six age-group athletes qualified for awards.

The 2010 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series Race to the Toyota Cup is made up of six of the most prominent international-distance triathlon events in the United States:

• Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon - June 27
• Life Time Fitness Triathlon - July 10 (Minneapolis)
• Nautica New York City Triathlon - July 18
• Chicago Triathlon - August 29
• Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon - October 3
• Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon - October 10 (Dallas)

New Iron Distance Extreme Man 226 Race in Spain

2010-07-08T15:13:16Z

A new long distance race has been established on the on the Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) of Spain. Extreme Man 226, is a new iron distance race set to take place in June 2011 in Salou. The city is a seaside resort down the coast from Barcelona. The race is being put on by Win Sports Factory who organize other triathlon races across Spain and earlier this year announced the Extreme Man 113 on the island of Menorca.

Triathlon: Extreme Man 226 - Salou
When: Sunday, June 5, 2011 @ 7:30 AM
Where: Salou, Spain, Europe
Divisions: Age Group, Relay
Website: www.extreme-man.com

The iron distance triathlon format will be 3.8km Swim, 180km Bike and a 42,2km Run. The swim will be a two loops starting at Llevant Beach, after that athletes will enjoy a two loop challenging bike course through the countryside. Participants will then finish with a four loop run course that will have them running for the most part along the ocean waters of Salou.

]]> Registration is now open for the Extreme Man 226, the new iron distance destination triathlon event in Salou. A discount will be offered to athletes participating in the inaugural Extreme Man 113 event in Menorca.

- Individuals: €210 before 12/31/2010 and €245 after 12/31/2010
- Relays: €250

Related Posts:
• New Mediterranean Triathlon, Extreme Man 113

2011 Ironman 70.3 Series Race Calendar

2010-07-07T03:14:27Z

Plenty of changes have been going on in the popular Ironman 70.3 Series, so we thought we would post a mid-year update to keep you up-to-date with the changes. We will continue to post updates as time goes on...

Ironman 70.3 Series Changes:
• Ironman 70.3 Geelong - Removed from the series
• Ironman 70.3 China - Race moved to new Month & Venue
• Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie - New race
• Ironman 70.3 Mallorca - New race

Ironman 70.3 Event / Date	Location	Registration
• Ironman 70.3 Pucon
Sunday, January 16, 2011	- Pucon, Chile	Open
• Ironman 70.3 South Africa
Sunday, January 23, 2011	- Buffalo City, South Africa	Open
• Ironman 70.3 San Juan*
Saturday, March 19, 2011	- San Juan, Puerto Rico	Open
• Ironman 70.3 Singapore
Sunday, March 20, 2011	- Singapore	Open
• Ironman 70.3 California
Saturday, April 2, 2011	- Oceanside, California, USA	Open
• Ironman 70.3 Texas
Sunday, April 10, 2011	- Galveston, Texas, USA	Open
• Ironman 70.3 New Orleans
Sunday, April 17, 2011	- New Orleans, Louisiana, USA	Open
• Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie*
Sunday, May 1, 2011	- Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia	Sold Out
• Ironman 70.3 St. Croix
Sunday, May 1, 2011	- St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands	Not Yet Open
• Ironman 70.3 Mallorca*
Saturday, May 14, 2011	- Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain	Not Yet Open
• Ironman 70.3 Florida
Sunday, May 15, 2011	- Orlando, Florida, USA	Open
• Ironman 70.3 China
Sunday, May 22, 2011	- Jixian, Tianjin, China	Not Yet Open
• Ironman 70.3 Austria
Sunday, May 22, 2011	- St. Pölten, Austria	Not Yet Open
• Ironman 70.3 Hawaii
Saturday, June 4, 2011	- Kona, Hawaii, USA	Open
• Ironman 70.3 Switzerland
Sunday, June 5, 2011	- Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland	Open
• Ironman 70.3 Mooseman
Sunday, June 5, 2011	- Newfound, New Hampshire, USA	Open
• Ironman 70.3 Boise
Saturday, June 11, 2011	- Boise, Idaho, USA	Open
• Ironman 70.3 Kansas
Sunday, June 12, 2011	- Lawrence, Kansas, USA	Open
• Ironman 70.3 Eagleman
Sunday, June 12, 2011	- Cambridge, Maryland, USA	Not Yet Open
• Ironman 70.3 UK
Sunday, June 19, 2011	- Somerset, United Kingdom	Not Yet Open

* = New Event

Felt B12, B16, S32 Bike Models Recalled

2010-06-30T23:15:40Z

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Felt Bicycles have announced / initiated a voluntary recall of some Felt Bicycles. Consumers should stop using the recalled Felt Bikes immediately. NOTE: It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Hazard: The bicycle's fork steer tube can break, causing the rider to lose control, fall and suffer injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: Felt Bicycles has received seven reports of the bicycle forks breaking. Minor injuries, including bumps and bruises were reported in one of the incidents.

Felt Bike Models Affected:
- 2009 Felt B12
- 2009 Felt B16
- 2009 Felt S32

The Felt Bike models listed and shown above were sold at bicycle specialty stores nationwide from October 2008 through May 2010.

What To Do:
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and contact their local Felt Bicycles dealer to receive a free inspection and repair. For additional information, call Felt Bicycles toll-free at (866) 433-5887 or (866) 4-FELT-US, or visit the firm's website at www.feltracing.com

]]> Additional Information:
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Press Release: Felt Bicycles Recalls Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard

Related Posts:
• 3T Ventus Areobar Recall
• Look KéO Bicycle Pedals Recalled

New Mediterranean Race Announced, Ironman 70.3 Mallorca

2010-06-30T12:12:05Z

A new Ironman 70.3 Series race has been added to the 2011 calendar with the announcement of the inaugural Thomas Cook Ironman 70.3 Mallorca triathlon set to take place on May 14, 2011 on the island of Mallorca. Majorca is the largest island of Spain and is located in the Mediterranean Sea and part of the Balearic Islands archipelago, one of the autonomous communities of Spain. The Spanish island, known as a training paradise to many cyclists and triathletes, will host a qualifying race for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship for the first time.

The host city of Alcudia is located in the north of the island and offers ideal conditions for the race. It will become the first race of the European Ironman 70.3 season, where athletes can test their form in mild temperatures.

Triathlon: Ironman 70.3 Mallorca
When: Saturday, May 14, 2011
Where: Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Divisions: Professional, Age Group
Website: www.ironman703-mallorca.com

Kai Walter, Managing Director of Ironman European Headquarters, says: "We, together with our title sponsor and strong partner Thomas Cook, are looking forward to welcoming many athletes to the season kick-off on Mallorca. With the swim in the Mediterranean Sea, the beautiful landscape of the bike course and the spectator-friendly run course through the inner-city of Alcudia, the Thomas Cook Ironman 70.3 Mallorca offers ideal conditions for another highlight in the European Ironman 70.3 race calendar."

This will be the sixth European Ironman 70.3 event and the first one in Spain. It becomes the 41st Ironman 70.3 qualifying race for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

]]> Opening of registration and race course maps for the Ironman 70.3 Mallorca will be published in September. Please visit www.ironman703-mallorca.com for additional information about the race.

Related Posts:
• New Ironman 70.3 Race Headed to Taiwan
• 2 Additional Ironman 70.3 Added to 2011 Schedule
• Asian Expansion Continues with New Ironman 70.3 Japan
• Miami to Host New Ironman 70.3 Series Race in 2010
• Spirit of Racine Triathlon Becomes Ironman 70.3 Racine

Charlie Wittmak Embarking on 11 Month World Triathlon

2010-06-30T11:31:34Z

Charlie Wittmak of Des Moines, Iowa will be embarking on an unprecedented 11 month triathlon adventure called The World Tri this week. It's quite possibly the most difficult and insane human endurance challenge ever conceived. Wittmak's eleven month adventure will take him from the frigid waters of The River Thames in England all the way to the summit of Mt Everest in Nepal.

Over eleven months, The World Tri will cross 12 countries while encountering the most treacherous conditions imaginable. The expedition begins with a 350-mile swim down the River Thames in England to the icy North Atlantic Sea and across the English Channel to France. From France, the expedition continues with a 9000-mile bicycle ride across Europe and Asia, passing over many of the world's most rugged and remote mountain ranges, and crossing hundreds of miles of barren sand desert, before climbing over the Himalaya to the Indian Ocean and Calcutta. The triathlon concludes with a super-ultra 950-mile run from sea level at the Bay of Bengal, up into the Himalaya, to the top of the world and the summit of Mount Everest.

Why? The World Tri is a globe spanning educational endeavor aimed at inspiring student from around the globe to take on the world's toughest environmental and global health challenges and develop the practical skills and tools they need to change the world.

Charlie begins the 350 miles swim leg of The World Triathlon on July 1, 2010. You can follow the expedition via: Website, Facebook or Twitter

]]> Q. Charlie, what's the matter with you?
A. I recognize that this sounds completely crazy. But I've been developing this project for more than 15 years while working through the details of each leg of the expedition. I began with cycling, participating in numerous bicycle tours (including a 1995 ride across the United States), and spent two seasons racing mountain bikes in the northeast NORBA circuit. Next, I spent seven years training for Mount Everest, completing climbs of some of the most difficult and dangerous peaks in the world, before finally reaching the summit of Everest in 2003 during some of the worst weather in the recorded history of the mountain. Finally, I completed numerous marathon swims, including a first place finish in the 12.5 mile Swim Around Key West, and a 2008 attempt on the English Channel.

About Charlie Wittmack:
Charlie is an American explorer and adventurer who has been training and preparing for this expedition for more than 15 years. Wittmack will be supported during the expedition by his wife Cate, who will be leading an educational initiative throughout the expedition and a global health program in Nepal. The Wittmacks will be travelling with their young son James, and award-winning journalists Andy Stoll and Brian Triplett.

The Bike Boutique Opens Store in Wilmington, DE

2010-06-30T01:44:37Z

The Bike Boutique, sponsors of teamTBB, has extended its global presence with the opening of its first store in the United States with its new company location in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.

The bike lifestyle store with its bikeLodging service aims to make bike commuting in Wilmington as convenient as possible. Other than that customers can enjoy world class bike fitting services based on the Retul system. The store will also offer a narrow range of retail products based on a select few world-class bike brands such as Cervélo, Fuji, Breezer, Titus and Pashley to the beginner and high-end athletes. A wide range of accessories and apparel products from Louis Garneau and Blueseventy will nicely complement the lifestyle and retail services offered.

The TBB lounge forms the clubhouse of an entire range of teamTBB training and coaching services complimented soon with teamTBB training camp services delivered by teamTBB coach Mac Weymouth. TBB Wilmington will offer its superior bike services with total care for both the rider and its bike.

Alex Bok, Managing Director of TBB Holding on this new store opening "The Bike Boutique Holding is excited to make our entry into the American market and to launch our unique bikeLodging™ services, particularly in such a historical building directly in the center of Wilmington. We believe the economic and political climate is better than ever to get Americans on their bike and commute to work at least 1 or 2 days a week. We wish the new management team in Wilmington much success at the start of their TBB journey in their beautiful new store."

Location:
The Nemours Building
1007 North Orange Street (map)
Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Store Hours:
Monday to Wednesday and Friday: 07:30hrs to 18:30hrs
Thursday: 07:30hrs - 20:30hrs
Saturday: 10:00hrs to 14:00hrs
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Phone Number:
(+1) 302 543 4536

]]> Other TBB stores around the world can be found in Singapore, Australia, Germany Malaysia, and Philippines. Future store locations will open in Thailand, Japan, China and Italy.

bikeLodging™
This service provides a "spa-like" solution for office workers to ride their bike from home into the Wilmington city center, park their bike in a safe environment and use first class shower facilities while their breakfast is prepared just before they walk to the office

The Bike Boutique strongly believes this new and innovative service provides office workers a wonderful solution to ride their bike to work while combining a daily cardio vascular exercise and their home office commute. Commuting to work can also lessen the carbon footprint and its effect on the environment when people leave their car at home 1 or 2 days a week and bike to work.

Mac Weymouth, President of The Bike Boutique Wilmington LLC comments on the opening of this new TBB Store "We came to the heart of Wilmington to offer a new lifestyle alternative. One that gets us out of our cars and onto our bikes headed to work. Our actions say we care about the environment, our health and that individually we take responsibility to do the right thing - collectively we make a difference. We want people to feel like this is their clubhouse, a place to meet, redefine what's possible and bring discovery into their daily lives. Whether it's chasing the setting sun on a late return commute, training for your first Ironman or simply feeling like a kid again with the wind in our faces, we make life better two wheels at a time."

About The Bike Boutique:
The Bike Boutique is reinventing the bike retail industry around the world with its unique bike lifestyle stores and the bikeLoding™ services that make bike commuting so convenient, it's irresistible. TBB stores are currently available in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Germany and now also in the USA. More store opening s are expected soon in Japan, Thailand , China and Switzerland. The Bike Boutique also fronts the world's leading triathlon team called teamTBB.
www.thebikeboutique.com