Louis Garneau introduces the new Triathlon Elite Suit, pushing the limits of triathlon apparel technology and offers more speed.

The new Elite Suit is designed with an upper abdomen turbolator that keeps turbulence close to the body and improves the body sliding motion in water. The back of the thigh has an Ischio Stretch Zone constricted of Carbon Mesh to form a flexible zone that allows a better ease of movement while improving blood circulation. This zone allows provides comfort and breathability. This suit offer a great fit and follows body contour with design of several panels located in strategic places to reduce water resistance and improves hydrodynamics. The windtunnel tested Tritek fabric improves aerodyanmics for speeds ranging from 15 to 45 mph, and it also has a water repellent treatment to absorb less water.

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New Braunfels, Texas - The Third Annual Skeese Greets Women’s Triathlon, held May 3rd in New Braunfels, Texas saw professional triathletes Kelly Handel Williamson and Desiree Ficker take first and second overall. Hundreds of other participants, spectators, and volunteers filled the venue at the Texas Ski Ranch for a fun-filled day of swimming, biking and running.

With temperatures in the upper 70’s and overcast skies, the all women’s tri went smoothly from beginning to end. Before the gun went off, Desiree Ficker led the crowd with the singing of the National Anthem. From there the 323 finishers, ranging in age from 10 to 71, began the 300 meter open-water swim, then progressed to a beautiful 11 mile bike ride through the Texas Hill Country, and ended with a 2 mile run. Kelly Handel Williamson edged out Desiree Ficker for the win with a time of 48:59. Event producer and owner of Skeese Greets, Stacy Keese, has received numerous thank you emails and compliments from participants, with one being from Kristen Goldman, “That was really fun! My first Triathlon! It really was such a positive experience for me! I think I am hooked!” says Kristen via email.

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3rd fastest bike split for the day leads to course record

Norcross, Georgia –Brent McMahon announced his presence to the Half-Ironman world in grand fashion on Sunday April 5th by storming to victory at the New Orleans 70.3 triathlon. Finishing in Jackson Square, located deep in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, on the unofficial opening weekend for the Triathlon season, McMahon faced a stacked international field including former Ironman World Champions Chris McCormack and Luc Van Lierde.

At the completion of the 1.2 mile swim McMahon was one of the leaders. From there McMahon rode Blue Competitions Cycles’ state of the art, wind-tunnel tested carbon Triad to the third fastest bike split amongst all competitors, including a lead during the first portion of the 56 mile bike leg, returning to transition in 3rd position. During the 13.1 mile run McMahon used his second fastest run split of the day to take the lead, and he eventually broke the finish tape with a lead of more than two minutes.

“I’m really stoked to take my first 70.3 win of my career and win my first race of the season with such a strong field,” said McMahon, the former Canadian Olympian. “This is my first season to really commit to the non-draft and longer distance races, and my preparation has started well. I really enjoyed the crowd and the course” continued McMahon. “The Blue Triad is perfect. The fit is exceptional and I know that while I am on the Triad it allows me to be as fast I can while being as efficient as possible because, just like all the age groupers who buy a Triad, I got to go to the A2 Wind-tunnel to test and dial in my aero position.”

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Adrian from Scott Bicycles gives us a closer look at the all new Scott Plasma 2 (Tri/TT). The very same bike Team Columbia High Road will be riding in Prologues and Time Trials this year.

Scott Plasma 2 LTD

The Plasma was developed for athletes like Normann Stadler and was wind tunnel tested for the ultimate in wind drag reduction. The Plasma2 is the next evolution of competitive triathlon equipment. It is 20% more aero than its predecessor, the original Plasma, and more compliant. The Plasma2 features IMP5™ carbon technology, TwinTurbo™ aero chainstays and the Speedskeg™ bottom bracket shell for a slippery, fast bike split.

More information at Scottusa.com

Norcross, Georgia—November 30, 2008– Blue Competition Cycles has announced the signing of a 3-year agreement as the official bicycle sponsor of the Chicago Triathlon. The 27^th annual Chicago Triathlon will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2009. As Guinness World Record ™ holder for “World’s Largest Triathlon,” the 27^th annual Chicago Triathlon is the premier event in the Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series, and attracts top amateur and professional athletes from around the globe.

Already the official bike sponsor for USA Triathlon, which is the national governing body for triathlon, duathlon, and other multi-sport disciplines in the United States, Blue Competition Cycles is well-prepared to meet the sponsorship requirements of the Chicago Triathlon. “This sponsorship opportunity syncs up perfectly with our USA Triathlon sponsorship, as well as providing an opportunity for some of our athletes like Canadian National Champion Brent McMahon to showcase our quality products and visit with our consumers” states Chance Regina, National Sales Manager for Blue Competition Cycles. “One of our many goals is to increase consumer visibility and bring attention to the Blue brand for our Chicago-based retailers who have supported us from the very beginning. We expect our participation in such a prestigious event like the Chicago Triathlon will help us to accomplish these goals.”

As part of their sponsorship deal, Blue Competition Cycles will provide Triad framesets to the male and female amateurs with the fastest bike splits in the International distance event. Blue recently launched the Triad, high-end, full-carbon triathlon bike, as a top competitor in its class and with a free wind tunnel time offer* for consumers. Blue will also be awarding a Blue 2Four, which is Blue’s 24-inch race-ready children’s road bike, to a deserving competitor in the children’s race, and a Blue T-17 triathlon bike to a lucky winner as part of the weekend festivities.

Bellingham, WA - Erin Baker’s Wholesome Baked Goods, creators of the Official Granola of Ironman, is now accepting applications for its all new 2009 Erin Baker’s Triathlon Team. The team will be comprised of 24 U.S. amateur athletes with Ironman and 70.3 Half Ironman races as the focus.

Erin Baker’s Triathlon Team will be supported by major sponsors throughout the race season,
including Kestrel Bicycles and Playtri Coaching Services. Kestrel will offer Erin Baker’s athletes
an exclusive sponsorship deal on its 2009 triathlon or road bikes. Playtri will be providing free
individualized coaching and support for each athlete with discounts on other services. Erin
Baker’s will be providing athletes with a monthly supply of cookies and granola, a complimentary custom team uniform and exposure on their website and other marketing materials. Other sponsors will be announced as details are finalized.

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CTS Athlete Mike Hagen finishes second in 45-49 age group

Colorado Springs, CO - CTS Athlete and current Ironman 70.3 World Champion Craig Alexander pulled off one of the best rookie performances in the history of the Ford Ironman World Championship triathlon in Hawaii to finish second overall to race winner Chris McCormack on October 13. Alexander started working with CTS founder and Lance Armstrong’s personal coach, Chris Carmichael, and Nick White in August in an effort to fine-tune his preparation for his Kona debut, and will continue as a CTS-coached athlete through the 2008 season.

Alexander completed the first leg of the race, a 2.4-mile open-water swim, with the lead group of favorites and exited the water with a time of 51:40. He followed this with a strong performance on the bike, finishing the 112-mile leg in 4:38:11. When he exited the transition between the cycling and running legs, the Australian was ten minutes behind the race leader, Chris Lieto, and in fifth place, but a 2:45:13 marathon was fast enough to move him up into second place overall, just 3:30 behind McCormack.

“Chris and Nick are geniuses! With the specific work we did on the bike, I never felt like I was ever in any distress during the bike portion of the race,” said Alexander after the race. The specific work he was referring to was a program developed by Chris Carmichael and Nick White which incorporated extensive motorpacing into the triathlete’s pre-Kona tune-up training. By riding behind a scooter, Alexander was able to maintain a higher intensity for a longer period of time than would have been possible riding without a draft. During a training camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he spent 3 ½ hours behind the scooter, maintaining a power output similar to what he would need to produce in Kona.

“I used the same concept with Lance Armstrong. It’s important to spend some time training at the speed and intensity you’re going to experience on race day, but for elite athletes it’s nearly impossible to accomplish that workload without the added stimulus of the scooter,” said Carmichael, who also worked with 3-time Ironman World Champion Peter Reid.

“The idea was to get Craig through the cycling leg of the Ironman with as much energy left as possible, so he could have an excellent run. The motorpacing work we did in the past two months helped him conserve energy while riding with the main contenders throughout the cycling leg in Hawaii, and that helped him move from fifth to second overall during the marathon, “ said CTS Pro Coach Nick White.

On the Pro Women’s side of the Ironman World Championships, CTS Athlete Heather Gollnick swam, rode, and ran to an 11th place overall finish. She is coached by CTS Coach Tim Crowley and has won five Ironman triathlons in her career, the most recent being Ironman Louisville on August 26, 2007.

At the Ford Ironman World Championship, pros compete along with age-group amateurs, and CTS Athlete Mike Hagen finished second in the Men 45-49 category with a time of 9:26:06. Just less than two minutes behind him, CTS Athlete Kevin Dessart crossed the finish line with a time of 9:27:58, a new personal best and good enough for 20th in the Men 30-39 age group.

Other CTS Athletes who competed in the Ford Ironman World Championships include:

Name Age Hometown Finishing Time CTS Coach CTS Athlete for
Bob Whitman 54 Salt Lake City, UT 13:32:02 Nick White 2.5 years
Fred Scott 55 Scottsville, NY 12:02:02 Steve Harp 1 year
Patrick Harten 33 Long Beach, NY 11:47:32 Steve Harp 1.5 years
Doug Welling 28 Brunswick, ME 10:24:34 CTS coach for nearly three years

Founded by Olympian, US Olympic Committee Coach of the Year, and bestselling author, Chris Carmichael in 1999, Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) inspires and empowers the athlete in EVERY BODY to perform at their best. For more information, visit www.trainright.com

source: Kevin Dessart