Triathlon

Bose were today unveiled as an official partner of the Virgin Active London Triathlon.     Bose were today unveiled as an official partner of the Virgin Active London Triathlon, launching the partnership with a bespoke training session at Virgin Active’s 200 Aldersgate Health Club. Indoor training plays a key part in any triathlete’s preparation, especially with our country’s unreliable weather, and the session highlighted how Virgin Active Health Clubs have the facilities and classes available to aid training in all three of the sport’s disciplines. The training session – led by professional triathlete Jo Carritt, part of the Challenger World Triathlon team, and supported by a Virgin Active Tri Guru – put Bose’s new SIE2i sport headphones to the test by incorporating them into a triathlon brick training session. The session also demonstrated how training in a Virgin Active Health Club is great preparation for a triathlon, with facilities and classes available to aid triathletes in all three of the sport’s disciplines. The unique features of Bose’s first in-ear headphones, specifically engineered for exercise and combining high quality audio, stability, sweat and water resistance and durability, were fully utilised during the 60 minute workout, showcasing how the unique sport headphones complement an athlete’s workout. Philip Carpenter, MD of Bose in the UK commented: “We’re excited to come on board as a sponsor of this year’s Virgin Active London Triathlon, the world’s largest triathlon that takes in the sights of this stunning capital. This training session demonstrated Bose’s great alignment with the event, providing a fantastic product which can be used in training and the ability to provide high quality sound to the route.” The Virgin Active London Triathlon Bose Brick Session began with a warm up, involving the Bose® SIE2i headphones before moving onto a spin session and transition to the treadmills, allowing attendees the chance to put the headphones to the test in both the warm up and cardio. The session, which was attended by a selection of media, charity participants and competition winners – all competing in this year’s Virgin Active London Triathlon – was staged to assist in their training and offered tips on how best to prepare your body for the transition from cycling to running and incorporated insight into the benefits of listening to music during a training regime. This year, to ensure participants can experience the same high quality sound that they can enjoy with Bose headphones during training, the Virgin Active London Triathlon will feature a Bose music station positioned on the run section to keep runners motivated. Jo Carritt, professional triathlete and part of the Challenger World Triathlete team, commented: “It was good to put the new Bose SIE2i headphones to the test during today’s brick session. I’ll definitely be using them as part of my training ahead of the Virgin Active London Triathlon and it’s great I’ll be able to listen to the some quality music around the course too.” Listen out for some high quality music at the Bose Music Station situated on the Virgin Active London Triathlon run route Last year saw over 13,000 age-group athletes sign-up for the challenge alongside famous personalities who also caught the tri bug such as Sir Richard Branson, David Hasselhoff and Alexandra Burke. They joined London 2012 Olympic triathletes Lucy Hall, Stuart Hayes and past Olympian Leon Taylor at the Docklands waterside. Previous years have seen Jenson Button, Vernon Kay and Mel C participate in the swim, bike and run event. General entries for the Virgin Active London Triathlon, taking place on the 27th – 28th July, are now closed but there’s still time to enter as part of a team or via one of the official charities of the event. For more information, go to www.thelondontriathlon.co.uk. Triradar.com is the online home of Triathlon Plus – the best source of triathlo

The Buxton Triathlon will take place on 14th July 2013.   Kate Morris won the women’s event last year With triathlon fever sweeping across the nation and lots of people taking part in their first ever triathlon this season Xtra Mile Events are pleased to bring a slice of the action to Buxton next month. The Buxton Triathlon takes place on Sunday 14th July 2013 and this popular pool based sprint distance triathlon is aimed at both seasoned triathletes and novices. Registration is open and over 100 competitors have already signed up, with the maximum race capacity at 200. Based in Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens at the Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre, the race takes in some of the finest scenery of the Peak District and Goyt Valley and has established itself as a classic race not to miss on the triathlon calendar. The Buxton Triathlon kicks off with a 400m swim in the Buxton Pool before taking in some stunning scenery on the 21 km cycle ride and finishing with a 5 km run around the leafy Buxton streets. The competitors start in waves, with the first wave scheduled for 7 am. Event costs are £42 for individual entries or £55 for relay team entries, including numbered transition racking, electronic chip timing and an excellent goody bag. The prize giving takes place after the event, with prizes awarded in the following categories: overall winners (male and female), male and female age groups, relay team prize, club prize (first 3 athletes from the same club) and novice prize. Entries to the BTF sanctioned Buxton Triathlon close on 10 July 2013 or when sold out. Race Director Simon Hill commented: “We look forward to returning to Buxton next month to deliver another great event. The Buxton Triathlon features some stunning scenery, and it has established itself as a classic race not to miss. The sprint distance means that it is open to triathletes of all levels, and it’s a great entry race for novices. “The spa town and the surrounding Peak District offer a beautiful background to the Buxton Triathlon.” The Buxton Triathlon is part of the Xtra Mile Events Tri Sprint Series with five pool-based triathlons of sprint distance taking place around the North West of England including the Leeds Xpress Triathlon (28 July), Macclesfield Triathlon (18 August) and South Manchester Triathlon (22 September). Competitors can also register for the Buxton Triathlon as a single event only. Go to www.xtramileevents.com for further details and to secure your place now, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/TriathlonUK and follow Xtra Mile Events on Twitter @GreatTriathlons Triradar.com is the online home of Triathlon Plus – the best source of triathlon training advice, triathlon gear reviews and triathlon news. Log your training for free at the TriRadar.com Training Zone. Have every issue delivered to your digital device by getting Triathlon Plus through Apple Newsstand, Google Play or Zinio. Subscribe to the print edition with massive savings at MyFavouriteMagazines. Join the conversation on the Triathlon Plus Facebook page, follow us on Twitter @TriathlonPlus.

Ironman legend Cameron Brown heads up pro-field for MetaMan Bintan   When the second edition of the MetaMan splashes off on August 31, both defending champions will be among the starters on the beach in Bintan, Indonesia, but Brett Carter and Candice Hammond will have their work cut out to repeat as a strong field of pro athletes has been assembled to chase the glory and the US$40,000 prize that comes with winning the pro titles.   It’s not just the winners who stand to gain from the generous prize fund; a total of US$142,000 is up for grabs in the MetaMan as even the sixth place finishers will net US$1,000. A further US$12,000 is on offer for the first three across the line in the MetaMan Half.   They’ll have to work for their money, as the MetaMan course is challenging. The swim, in the calm, crystal clear waters of the South China Sea, will be a breeze, but the two-lap bike course will test their legs due to its constantly undulating nature. Then of course there’s the heat and humidity associated with a race that is located just north of the equator. This will be a huge factor on both the bike and the run leg, which takes place entirely within the grounds of the idyllic Nirwana Gardens Resort.   Men Cameron Brown The biggest of the male names chasing Australia’s Carter for the title of Southeast Asian iron-distance champion will be Ironman legend Cameron Brown. The Kiwi has won Ironman New Zealand an incredible 10 times, winning every year from 2001 to 2011 except for 2006, when inclement weather forced the organisers to shorten the race to a 90km bike-21km run in place of the full Ironman; Brown still finished second. He is also a two-time Ironman World Championship runner-up, and finished third in Kona on another two occasions. Still in great shape at the age of 41, Brown came third in Ironman NZ this year and was aiming for glory at Ironman Cairns in June, but illness put paid to those aspirations. He races the iconic Challenge Roth seven weeks before coming to Bintan, which with the right post-race recovery, could provide the perfect tune-up for the MetaMan.   Brett Carter Carter, the surprise but dominant winner of the inaugural MetaMan last year, will be hoping the return to Bintan will provide a sequel to that fairy tale ending. He raced in 2012 as a member of the mighty TBB squad, having turned pro just months earlier after putting his life on hold to chase his Ironman dream. The 32-year-old reaped a spectacular early dividend for that risky move by winning MetaMan and the US$15,000 first prize. He recently left TBB and will try to retain his title as an independent, but having triumphed in Bintan’s hot and humid conditions already, Carter will no doubt put up a strong defence.   Tim Berkel The biggest threat to Brown and Carter might come from Tim Berkel. The Australian, who likes to keep a busy race schedule, should come to Bintan in great race shape following his strong second place at this year’s Ironman Cairns, which included an impressive 2:44 run leg. A perennial podium placer on the long-course circuit, Berkel is no stranger to the top step over the iron distance, having claimed the Ironman Western Australia crown in 2008 and the Challenge Copenhagen double in 2010 and 2011; a formidable record for a 29-year-old.   Fredrik Croneborg One man who shouldn’t find the sweltering conditions of MetaMan a problem is last year’s runner-up, Freddie Croneborg of Sweden. Based at the Thanyapura Sports Academy in Phuket, Thailand, Croneborg might even have threatened Carter for the inaugural title if not for a puncture on the bike leg. He went on to record the fastest run split of the day by a considerable margin so he’ll fancy his chances come August 31. Freddie has some form coming into the MetaMan, having finished third in Challenge Taiwan in May.   Justin Granger Also no stranger to racing in the heat is Justin Granger. Part of long-course triathlon’s most famous couple with w

Kevin Metcalfe has been trying to go sub-50 for a 40k TT for more than 20 years now, and finally at age 52 he stormed to a record breaking 49:29 in the Northern California / Nevada TT Championships.

This is our third and final article in our educational Power Meter series. We look at a few final graphs and attempt to distill all of the nonsense into a few succinct messages.

Steve, Tom, John, BrianIf there's only one thing I can take away from this, my 8th Harpoon Brewery to Brewery excursion is it will never ever be easy or pain free mentally nor physically no matter what shape you are in. There are parts of this ride that will tear you up into little pieces if you let it. It will test your tenacity level and give you lots of practice honing your skills at pushing back fatigue that quite simply makes you want to just get off the bike and call it a day. That being said, It really is a fun ride.As tough as the day can be, I have never once rolled into the brewery finishing the ride without being rewarded (albeit short ) but always the same: A rush of adrenaline that comes with clarity as if it were the very first ride back in 2004. The day flashes through my mind of all the rest stops, happy helpful volunteers that make this ride what it is. Sometimes minor glitches we've overcome as a group but always it's the same. The sense of relief combined with sheer joy that I made it another year. No crashes, no mechanicals and the sense of gratitude that not only am I fortunate to be able to finish the ride but also with my past experience(s) I can filter quicky through the low points of the day knowing there are plenty of high notes right up the road.This is typically how the day unfolds: I am literally up almost an entire24 hours.3:40 AM- alarm5:15 -arrival and setup6AM- roll3:30/4:30- arrival to VT6pm - 2+ hour drive back to the waterfront in Boston8:30 PM-collect bike and drive home (stop at McDonalds for my once a year large fries and vanilla shake)Mattress dive by11PM but wired from all the caffeine consumed by gelsand rocket fuel (coke/sports drink mix) needed after mile 75.This year for the first time, I worked the packet pick up on Friday night at the Brewery ( they promised a case of beer!!) It's an option if you don't want to deal with it the next morning. I guess I never really paid much attention to how many women actually do the ride but that night, it was raining testosterone. I don't think I gotone woman in my section of L-M to retrieve a packet. As intimidating as the ride might project to many, it runs like a well oiled machine with a concierge at your finger tips out there all day. Between the rest stops, The Mavic dudes in the bright yellow (reasurring ) car. The Cycle Lofttoo has a car out there sometimes creeping by to heckle or tell you that you *look great* when it is crystal clear you do not.I managed the day well in retrospect but not without a few minor bumps. I borrowed my friend/Hup team mate Ana's race wheels to lighen the load for the day. They are tubulars and as comfortable as I am dealing with tubulars, I decided I would only carry one can of Pit Stop and some spare air.Changing out my cassette on Ana's speedy race wheels b4 the rideA clean cassette is a happy cassetteNot 25 miles into the ride, the can popped out of my jersey pocket and rolled into the street.It took me seconds to zip around and head back for it.Car one- "please don't roll over that! Phew..."Care number two- "Pleeeeze don't hit that!" Phew...Care number three- "OMG.. I can go get the can after this car goes by!"KaboomMy can exploded under the car's wheel. It wasn't even rolling at that point so I don'tunderstand how they couldn't have seen it or me with my hands in prayer postion, eyes locked on itto retieve. Instantly the color drained from my face. I was essentially screwed withno back up for my wheels. I would have to wait for the Mavic gods to save meIF I flatted. Within 20 minutes I forgot about cans of Pit Stop and deflating tubulars. No sensewasting energy on something I couldn't control or predict.By mile 60, I begain to get slighty concerned. The first 50 didn't click off quickly like they have in the past and my quads started to burn on any hills, short or long way too early in the game.A mile or so before the 75 aid station stop, a rider behind me informedme that he could cle

Felt has a guerrilla house brand division. It does not wage conventional war. Rather than making a full suite of saddles, handlebars stems, wheels, it picks off an occasional project and usually nails it.

Ritchie Nicholls outran fellow Great Briton Tim Don and Ireland's Eimear Mullan's better bike and run trumped Holly Lawrence's swim to take the men's and women's titles at Ironman 70.3 UK

Yesterday was a day for the head. You know how sometimes what you think is way more important than reality, that was my yesterday. After a tiny taste of the flu bug flying around Kona, I was on the up swing and wanted to grab hold of a couple final good sessions for race day, for my head. Sunday's run held a good portion at goal race pace, I needed to feel it and breathe it in. I've yet to run a marathon during a race the way they go during training. Over and over I kept repeating, "You can do this, you got this, legs you know this pace". Over and over. It felt really good, really comfortable, and then over the ocean a rainbow filled the sky. That will for sure be a keeper in my head on Sunday.From run to swim, where I landed a beautiful draft during a local swim race. It felt way better going from flu to fish. Now to settle down, way down and keep the positive thoughts strong while the race week tries to play it's tricky mind games with my body. Trust time...As of a couple hours ago, all but the bike and wetsuit are packed too! My goal was to use the small luggage despite the need to bring more than shorts, sun dresses, and bikinis. Somehow the island girl in me has kept it simple, not much more than what I need to race (and stay warm). I have heard lovely rumors that the lake is warming up and the trees are absolutely gorgeous this season. Sounds really nice and I'm very much looking forward to a return to Idaho.Now to be honest, I promised to lay way low in the final wrap up to the Ironman, and I have. Yesterday though, after sitting in a lawn chair like a cheer leader who lost her pep during the boys ball game, I got up, ran after a foot ball or two, and never felt so thankful for the boys in my life. This little family together for Summer has truly meant the world to me. Life with 4 boys has perhaps been part of the best preparation into the Ironman. For many reasons, other than learning to use dirty toilet seats (similar to those on race day) and eat some gnarly food. Of course, Saturday did hold Kainoa's race and who better to teach me how to race than Kainoa...1. Be focused on the start line2. Stick to your own routine and plan (like no shoes if that's your style)3. Stay positive even when you hit rough patches 4. Breathe in the support & cheers of the crowds 5. Celebrate the finish line 6 more sleeps till the big dance, almost ready...Bree

We try out the new CatEye Stealth 50 bike computer CatEye Stealth 50 £99.99 cateye.com / zyro.co.uk Cateye’s Stealth unit is barely bigger than a standard wireless computer but both the £79.99 Stealth 10 and £99.99 Stealth 50 have a GPS sensor with a programmable log rate of one, two or five seconds to tune accuracy and battery life. The 50 is also ANT+ enabled to pull data from heart-rate belts and power, cadence and speed sensors. The GPS speed data is impressively accurate and sensor syncing is easy too. The totally sealed unit uses a dock to connect to your PC, where the functional but basic CateyeAtlas site lets you upload rides onto a map or straight onto Facebook, Strava or Training Logs for post-ride analysis. There’s no programmable screen option so the top line is always current speed – irritating if you want to display heart rate and timer together. The power button on the back is a neat idea to stop accidental presses, but can be a pain for pre-ride resets. We also had problems with Mac compatibility in the UK, although we’re assured it works fine in the US and Japan.