Trek Announces Title Sponsorship of Women's Triathalon Series

Trek Announces Title Sponsorship of Women's Triathlon Series

(Waterloo, WI) – Trek Bicycle announced today its title sponsorship of the new Trek Women’s Triathlon Series. Aimed at breaking down barriers for women athletes, the Trek Women’s Triathlon Series is a collection of "race" events around the country designed to provide a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere for both aspiring and experienced triathletes. With events planned in a dozen markets across the country in 2009, the Trek Women's Triathlon Series anticipates nearly 25,000 participants in its first year, making it one of the largest multi-sport events in the world.

"When Maggie [Sullivan, Director of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon series for the last 17 years] asked me if Trek WSD would be interested in being title sponsor of a new women’s series, I was thrilled," said Krista Rettig, Trek's Women's Specific Design (WSD) Brand Manager. "Knowing the amount of experience behind Maggie and her team, and the quality of race she puts on, there was never a doubt we wanted to make it happen. And having an incredible asset like Sally Edwards on board as the spokeswoman for the new series aligns perfectly with our WSDmission."

"I’ve dedicated my life to encouraging women to become more physically active; to use triathlons as a means of achieving their life goals," noted Edwards, a Hall of Frame triathlete, CEO of Heart Zones USA, and best selling author of 22 books on triathlon and fitness training. "I am so proud to be joining this series with Trek and to take our efforts to a whole new level."

In addition to its title sponsorship role, Trek WSD plans to support the Women's Triathlon Series with its "Fit For Women" Demo team, who’ll be on hand during each event to offer test rides of the latest Trek women's bikes, provide product advice, and discuss proper bike fit. Trek WSD will also develop special promotions in conjunction with the events for its Ride Club members, giving them VIP access and special product opportunities. Finally, members of Trek's "Women Who Ride" crew will be on hand at the events to blog their experiences with the rest of the on-line community.

Owned and operated by The Xxtra Mile, a New York-based company focused on promoting active lifestyles for women and girls, the Trek Women’s Triathlon Series is built around the sprint distance format (a 1/2-mile swim, 12-mile bike, and 3-mile run) and includes events scheduled for California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New York Metro, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Selected cities within the Series will also include "youth focused" triathlons. The first Trek Women’s Triathlon will debut in Florida 2009.

A final 2009 schedule is expected to be announced by December 31, 2008.

http://www.trektriathlon.com

Shimano Releases Dura-Ace Di2

From the Shimano website: Dura-Ace Di2 for Time Trial and Triathlon

Recently we have announced the electronic road racing components DURA-ACE with Di2
technology. Now an important addition: electronic shifters especially for time trial and triathlon usage. These products eliminate the need to change hand position for shifting. The rider can change gears at the base-bar as well as at the bar extensions from now on. The direct result is saving time and a better concentration on the ride.
ST-7971 is the model number of the Dual Control Levers for time trial and triahlon. They feature a carbon lever blade that reduces the weight to 127 grams per pair. Compatible with the new FLIGHTDECK cycling computer with integrated buttons in the hoods.
SW-7971 is the model number of the electronic satellite switch that can be integrated easily into time trial bar extensions. The shift wires are guided through the bars for optimal aerodynamics.
Weight is 103 grams per pair.
These shifters are compatible with the new DURA-ACE Di2 derailleurs FD-7970 (front derailleur) and RD-7970 (rear derailleur). They will be available in the market around three months after the availability of the regular 7970 series.

Do you want increased access for bikes on Bart?

There's a petition here.
The text of the petition:

We believe that bicycles are becoming a greater portion of public transportation participants, and as such, deserve increased access to public transportation. As the price of gasoline raises, businessmen and soccer moms alike are leaving their automobiles in the garage in favor of a more cost-efficient, smog-reducing, and healthy mode of transportation. Part of this transition includes bicycles and part of it includes public transportation - and we believe they can co-exist.

Increased overall community health and wellness, reduced pollution, and money savings could go a long way towards BART's own public image. BART could follow, by example, international cities like Paris and Amsterdam, that leverage the bike commuting population's support to expand its system. Even national cities like Portland and Pittsburgh are already following suit, with the idea of stimulating public support during environmental campaigns. Children and adults alike would benefit from greater independence and access to new destinations within the Bay Area, benefiting the smaller businesses that make up the cultural communities that the Bay Area is known for. BART stations would become strong hubs of these communities.

We ask BART to mark one car on every train as "bike-friendly":

• accessible to all bikes (not simply folding ones),
• accessible during all operating hours,
• permitted in all stations.

Such a car could be modified to fit more bicycles, without obstructing paths of travel, and have standing sections for cyclists dismounting the train at their departure.

We believe BART can be part of the solution by increasing access for Bikes on BART.

Schumacher Positive for CERA

From L'Equipe.Fr:

Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner), vainqueur des deux contre-la-montre lors du dernier Tour de France, dont il porta le Maillot Jaune durant deux jours, a été contrôlé positif à la CERA, une EPO à effet retard.

Campagnolo 2009 Product Range

We've got the technical information of the 2009 Campagnolo groups here (it's a large PDF file).

There's some nice photos and diagrams of the ErgoPower levers and some great descriptions about the design objectives.

They also have a detailed analysis of the Veloce, Centaur, Super Record, Record, and Chorus groups and their new 2-Way Fit wheelsets.

Cyclocross Goods from Rapha

For Rapha's Autumn/Winter winter collection will include two 'cross specific items, the Cross Jersey and the 3/4 Cross Bib Shorts, were designed with input from the well-regarded American frame-builder Independent Fabrication.



Their Cross Jersey was "inspired by the hardy cyclocross racers of Europe and North America, the Rapha Cross Jersey has been constructed for the unique demands of the sport" and is "versatile enough for everyday use". Their Cross Jersey, like all of the other Rapha garments, has a couple of well thought out features; e.g. a small amount of padding stitched into the right shoulder and one well-designed rear pocket. The rear pocket should be easy to open and get to, even with full fingered gloves, as the zipper has a large ring pull and is set in at an ergonomic angle.


Their Cross ¾ Bib Shorts have a full back and are constructed from Italian Thermoroubaix, a polyamide/polyester/elastane fabric, and Rapha's Cytech chamois. The Cross ¾ Bib Shorts sport a small, neoprene-lined, zippered key pocket placed on the back of the shorts & slightly above the waist line. I'm tempted to describe it as a Rapha tramp stamp, but it's placed a little further up the back than most tramp stamps are and Rapha could never be considered trampy.

Several Tour de France Riders Retested for EPO

From the AP:

Several Tour de France riders are having their blood samples retested for traces of the banned blood-booster EPO.
The head of the French Anti-Doping Agency told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the testing involved riders who were already under scrutiny for suspicious urine samples. Pierre Bordry declined to name the cyclists.
The new blood tests will look for CERA, a third-generation variation of EPO. Italian rider Riccardo Ricco tested positive for the substance during the Tour.

Shimano Initiates Rowing (Boat Race) Equipment Business

From the Shimano Corporate website:

In 2009 Shimano Inc. (President: Yozo Shimano) will initiate a rowing (regatta) equipment business, taking advantage of the Corporation’s exceptional manufacturing technologies, developed in the production of bicycle components and fishing tackle.

To begin with, Shimano plans to develop and launch rowing shoes and foot stretchers* during 2009, through effective use of its original technologies for producing cycling shoes and bicycle pedals. In five years, the Corporation plans to grow its annual sales of rowing equipment to approximately 3 billion yen.

Momentum Magazine at Interbike

Momentum will be presenting an urban cycling fashion show at Interbike.

The "Urban Legend" Art + Fashion show, which is presented by Interbike and Momentum Magazine, will take place at 5pm on Thursday, September 25th in the Venetian Ballroom G of the Sands Convention Center.

This promises to be an interesting event as the fashion component of the show will focus mainly on urban and relaxed cycling clothing. Furthermore, as an urban themed art and fashion show, it is only fitting that the models will be riding bikes: urban bikes, townies, city bikes, commuters, basket bikes, beater bikes, grocery getters, cafe cruisers, etc.

And like any proper Interbike function, there will be beer and other assorted tasty, cold beverages available for consumption.

Vanity Fair: Lance Armstrong Rides Again

So the rumors are true.
From Vanity Fair: "Lance Armstrong Rides Again"

With respect to the rumors that he might run for Governor: “Down the road, something like that might be possible. Probably in 2014.”

His intentions: “I’m going back to professional cycling. I’m going to try and win an eighth Tour de France.”

With respect to his age [38]: “Ultimately, I’m the guy that gets up. I mean, I get up out of bed a little slow. I mean, I’m not going to lie. I mean, my back gets tired quicker than it used to and I get out of bed a little slower than I used to. But when I’m going, when I’m on the bike—I feel just as good as I did before.”

The revenge factor: “There’s this perception in cycling that this generation is now the cleanest generation we’ve had in decades, if not forever. And the generation that I raced with was the dirty generation. And, granted, I’ll be totally honest with you, the year that I won the Tour, many of the guys that got 2nd through 10th, a lot of them are gone. Out. Caught. Positive Tests. Suspended. Whatever.… And so I can understand why people look at that and go, Well, [they] were caught—and you weren’t? So there is a nice element here where I can come with really a completely comprehensive program and there will be no way to cheat.”

Jay Sycip Joins Chris King

From BikeRadar:

Jay SyCip has joined King Cycle Group and will work as a Product Manager for Chris King Precision Components and Cielo Cycles in Portland, Oregon. Jay comes to King after 17 years at SyCip Designs in Santa Rosa, California where, along with his brother and business partner Jeremy, he became a fixture in the modern frame-building community. Noted for his creative design style and elegant fabrications, Jay is a graduate of the Art Center of Pasadena.

Deda Elementi Stem Recall

From Deda Elementi:

Deda Elementi and Bianchi Recalling 2008 High-Gloss Finish Deda Forza Handlebar Stems
As a result of four reports of cracking, none of which resulted in injuries, Deda Elementi, in
cooperation with FIV Edoardo Bianchi, have undertaken a Voluntary Recall of all Bianchi highend
bicycles with 2008 Deda Forza high-gloss finish carbon fiber handlebar stems, and will
replace the stems with Deda Zero 100 forged aluminum stems. The recall is being handled
through Bianchi dealers world-wide.

In addition, about 100 of these Forza stems were sold after-market, primarily in the U.S.A. These are being recalled and replaced through the retailers who sold them. Earlier production, matte-finished Deda Forza stems are not affected by this recall.

Do not ride a bicycle with a handlebar stem that is subject to this recall.

Instead:
If you are an individual who bought the stem either as part of a new bicycle or as an
upgrade for your bicycle, please return the stem to the retailer from whom you bought it. If you are a bicycle retailer and the stem is on a Bianchi bicycle, please get in touch with your Bianchi representative.
If you are a retailer who sold a Deda Forza high gloss finish stem after-market, please get in touch with the Deda distributor from whom you bought the stem.

Camelbak Water Jersey

Camelbak is now testing a compression-fit baselayer jersey with an integrated 72-ounce hydration sleeve called the RaceBak. The RaceBak is still in the research & testing phase but if all goes well in testing, it is expected that the RaceBak should reach stores for 2009.

More at Outside Magazine's Blog.

From Pro Cyclist to Spin Instructor?

It's nice to know that even though Riccò has made some serious mistakes, there are still people willing to give young Riccò a job.

Ricardo Riccò istruttore di spinning.

Katusha & Ridley

The new Russian cycling team, Katusha, will be riding Ridley bikes next year. I'd expect to see Katusha have a great 2009 season given that Katusha has been snapping up all kinds of talented riders & that they now have a top-end bike underneath them.

Read more at TuttoBiciWeb.

Yumeya

Shimano is introducing aftermarket titanium & carbon fiber bits to upgrade XTR groups. They'll be releasing more information about the Yumeya parts at EuroBike and at Shimano.com September 1st. I'd also expect to see the same information at InterBike. Originally found at Singletrack Magazine.

Vuelta by the Numbers

TuttoBiciWeb has the start lists & bib numbers for the Vuelta a España here.

Sastre's pinned #1. No Voigt, Cancellara, A. Schleck, or F. Schleck for the Vuelta. CSC-Saxo bank is the team with the most nations represented by their riders (Spain, Russia, Denmark, Ukraine, Belarus, the Netherlands, & Argentina). By my count, there will be riders from a total of 23 nations riding in this year's Vuelta. Leipheimer, riding for Astana, is the only rider from the United States in this year's Vuelta.

You can check out the official Vuelta sight at lavuelta.com.

Which bikes for Saxo Bank?

If it is indeed true that Cervelo will be sponsoring a new team next year (as discussed August, 21st), which bikes will Saxo Bank be riding?

USA Cycling Professional Championships

Athletes for the Greenville Hospital System USA Cycling Professional Championships have been announced:

GREENVILLE, S.C. (August 19, 2008) – Race organizers confirmed today that George Hincapie (Team Columbia), Christian Vande Velde (Team Garmin-Chipotle presented by H30), David Zabriskie (Team Garmin-Chipotle presented by H30), and Fred Rodriguez (Rock Racing) are among the professional cyclists who will compete this year at the Greenville Hospital System USA Cycling Professional Championships over Labor Day weekend (Aug 30-31, 2008). Three of these elite athletes (Hincapie, Zabriskie, Vande Velde) recently represented the U.S. at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Over 125 professional cyclists are expected in Greenville to compete for both the Individual Time Trial and Road Race Championships.

Other names mentioned in the article: Hamilton (Rock Racing), Wherry (Toyota-United), Danielson (Garmin-Chipotle), and Lewis (Team Columbia).

Read the article in it's entirety here.

New team for Sastre?

From Tuttobiciweb:

Christian Henn, attuale direttore sportivo della Gerolsteiner, sta lavorando attorno ad una nuova squadra, la Cervelo, noto marchio di biciclette canadese. Radiomercato dice che il capitano della squadra sarà Carlos Sastre, fresco vincitore del Tour de France, e che al suo fianco ci saranno il tedesco Stefan Schumacher e l'austriaco Bernhard Kohl, che proprio ieri ha informato la Quick Step ed il suo team manager Patrick Lefevere di non essere interessato ad un passaggio nel team belga.

So, if my limited Italian skills are correct, essentially the article states that Christian Henn, the DS for Gerolsteiner, is working on forming a new team, Cervelo (a well-known Canadian manufacturer). Radiomercato stated that the captain of the new team will be Carlos Sastre, who just won the Tour de France, and that by his side will be Stefan Schumacher (Germany) & Bernhard Kohl (Austria). Yesterday, Kohl had informed Quick Step's team manager, Patrick Lefevere, that his was not interested in a transfer to the Belgian Team.

Keep in mind that I don't actually speak Italian (yet). I do believe I got the main details of the article, but if I've missed something or made of muddle of it, please let me know.

If this is indeed true (that Sastre is going to be leaving CSC-Saxo Bank), it does solve what could have been problematic in the CSC-Saxo Bank future, namely the team leader dilemma.
C. Sastre? F. Schleck? A. Schleck?
What a problem to be had!