ITU - timed by Suunto - stops in Madrid, Spain.
Check out Suunto athletes Javier Gomez (World Champion), Daniel Unger (World Champion), Jan Frodeno (Olympic Champion), Emma Snowsill (Olympic Champion)
Watch it live at www.triathlon.org/tv
5/29/09
5/26/09
Suunto Athlete Stoltz Still Perfect in the XTERRA Cup Series
3rd Race 3rd Victory
The race in Shelby County, AL started with world class swimmer Craig Evans coming out of the water first for the fourth straight year here. But Suunto Athlete Conrad Stoltz caught him early in the Bike leg and entered the run with a big lead he never relinquished.
After the race and also in Memory of Steve Larsen, one of the best athletes and men this sport has ever seen, Conrad said: ”The technical parts are usually my strengths, but today I couldn’t focus. I did feel like I had amazing strength today though. This was a great victory for Steve.”
Nicolas Lebrun, Suunto Athlete from France, finished in 5th place.
Current ranking in the XTERRA Cup Series:
1 Conrad Stoltz 300 points
2 Josiah Middaugh 262
3 Mike Vine 247
4 Dan Hugo 232
5 Craig Evans 161
6 Brandon Rakita 151
7 Nicolas Lebrun 138
The race in Shelby County, AL started with world class swimmer Craig Evans coming out of the water first for the fourth straight year here. But Suunto Athlete Conrad Stoltz caught him early in the Bike leg and entered the run with a big lead he never relinquished.
After the race and also in Memory of Steve Larsen, one of the best athletes and men this sport has ever seen, Conrad said: ”The technical parts are usually my strengths, but today I couldn’t focus. I did feel like I had amazing strength today though. This was a great victory for Steve.”Nicolas Lebrun, Suunto Athlete from France, finished in 5th place.
Current ranking in the XTERRA Cup Series:
1 Conrad Stoltz 300 points
2 Josiah Middaugh 262
3 Mike Vine 247
4 Dan Hugo 232
5 Craig Evans 161
6 Brandon Rakita 151
7 Nicolas Lebrun 138
5/21/09
Making History in Europe
Check out this report by Suunto athlete Kit Karzen. Not only did Kit win USA Jr. National Track Championships in 2008. His reports are great reading. At this moment, he is racing a Track event in Europe.
NOW, the Madison (Don't know what a Madison is?). My partner, Danny Heeley. We've been riding together on and off for a year and a half now. Last year, we went to the Hasselt 3 day in Belgium, and didn't obtain any spectacular results. Here was our chance. About 8 other teams lined up, including those from Holland, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic. Many of the teams included those who were coming off of a very strong winter season of Madison racing. Long story short, the race kept together the whole race. It came down to the final 10 laps when all hell was breaking loose with attacks being initiated by just about everyone. With 4 to go, Danny swung me in for my last pull. I sprinted harder than I have in a while, and made a gap of a couple bike lengths off of a Czech and Dutch team that was trailing us. I threw in Danny with perfect timing at one to go. We held them off, and won the Madison.
Today, we made USA Cycling history as the first Junior American team to ever win an international Madison in Europe. Let's just say we heard from USA Cycling today that they are very, very pumped, and so are we!
This past weekend, Team USA embarked on a trip to the Apeldoorn Velodrome, where we competed at the Omnisport Interland Track Event. The Interland Race Series is a series that makes its way around Europe, hosting the worlds best for Junior track racing. This event hosted the Czech, Belgians, Scottish, British, Dutch, and none other than the USofA. My race schedule was pretty packed, with a Scratch, Points, Team Pursuit, and Madison on Day 1, and a Derny, Madison, and Elimination race on Day 2.
... All right, Day 1 was over. Took some time overnight to think about ways of winning these races. Form is great...I'm pumped. The American Juniors warmed up together, and prepared ourselves physically and mentally for the long day ahead. Over the two days, we spent 18 hrs in the Apeldoorn Velodrome. It takes a certain amount of thick skin and mental control to get through a day like that. I had three events for the day, the Derny Race, Elimination, and the Madison.
First up, the Derny. There were about six riders in my race. The Dernies wizzing around the track, expelling plenty of exhaust brought back good memories of racing these babies in Switzerland. I drew fifth position. Once the race began, my driver and I sped right to the front of the field. No playing catch up mid-way in this race...every second counts. With seven laps to go, I was leading, but started to feel the "black lung" effect, as I like to call it, begin. With four to go, a Dutch rider made a huge move. I was pretty cooked by the time I couldn't even think to react. I took 2nd. Almost a win, darn. Okay, next up...elimination. I'm feeling pooped still from the Derny. I knew my engine wasn't revived in time for the race, so I could only do so much without completely blowing my legs up before the Madison. I think I placed 8th or so. I used this as a nice spin and adrenaline pumper, mission accomplished!
... All right, Day 1 was over. Took some time overnight to think about ways of winning these races. Form is great...I'm pumped. The American Juniors warmed up together, and prepared ourselves physically and mentally for the long day ahead. Over the two days, we spent 18 hrs in the Apeldoorn Velodrome. It takes a certain amount of thick skin and mental control to get through a day like that. I had three events for the day, the Derny Race, Elimination, and the Madison.
First up, the Derny. There were about six riders in my race. The Dernies wizzing around the track, expelling plenty of exhaust brought back good memories of racing these babies in Switzerland. I drew fifth position. Once the race began, my driver and I sped right to the front of the field. No playing catch up mid-way in this race...every second counts. With seven laps to go, I was leading, but started to feel the "black lung" effect, as I like to call it, begin. With four to go, a Dutch rider made a huge move. I was pretty cooked by the time I couldn't even think to react. I took 2nd. Almost a win, darn. Okay, next up...elimination. I'm feeling pooped still from the Derny. I knew my engine wasn't revived in time for the race, so I could only do so much without completely blowing my legs up before the Madison. I think I placed 8th or so. I used this as a nice spin and adrenaline pumper, mission accomplished!
NOW, the Madison (Don't know what a Madison is?). My partner, Danny Heeley. We've been riding together on and off for a year and a half now. Last year, we went to the Hasselt 3 day in Belgium, and didn't obtain any spectacular results. Here was our chance. About 8 other teams lined up, including those from Holland, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic. Many of the teams included those who were coming off of a very strong winter season of Madison racing. Long story short, the race kept together the whole race. It came down to the final 10 laps when all hell was breaking loose with attacks being initiated by just about everyone. With 4 to go, Danny swung me in for my last pull. I sprinted harder than I have in a while, and made a gap of a couple bike lengths off of a Czech and Dutch team that was trailing us. I threw in Danny with perfect timing at one to go. We held them off, and won the Madison.Today, we made USA Cycling history as the first Junior American team to ever win an international Madison in Europe. Let's just say we heard from USA Cycling today that they are very, very pumped, and so are we!
5/20/09
Get to know Conrad Stoltz better
5/18/09
Two races two wins. Train smarter with Suunto!
Conrad Stoltz did it.
His second win in this year’s XTERRA CUP was also SUUNTO’s second win this weekend.
His second win in this year’s XTERRA CUP was also SUUNTO’s second win this weekend.
Conrad won on the absolutely flat course. The bike sections seemed very easy as there were only two rocks and three roots in total. But the many windy turns made it tricky after all. Remember, Conrad averages at 20 miles per hour going through this windy course. Sounds tricky to us!
Conrad ran fast enough to keep the 1 minute lead he had all the way to the finish line. Suunto athlete Nico Lebrun was only 2 min 40 seconds behind Conrad but in this competitive field it means rank 5 for Nico.
CHECK OUT HIGHLIGHTS ON XTERRA.TV
Matty Reed did it, too!
Already on Sunday Matty BoomBoom Reed raced in Oklahoma at the PAN AM Games.
He set up the win from the gun. Exiting the swim in second, Suunto athlete Matty Reed drove to the front on the bike and the lead pack of 7 quickly established a solid 2 min. plus lead. Reed’s power on the bike today was second to his fast run. Reed was first into and out of T2, and opened up a 30 plus second lead on Hunter Kemper. With quite a long celebratory finish, Reed won handily over Kemper. Tim O’Donnell rounded out the podium for 3rd.
5/16/09
Another Weekend - Another Victory
Matty - BoomBoom - Reed is PAN AM CHAMP!
As Matty uses Suunto for his training we take some pride in this title, too. But kudos to Matty. This is another amazing season!
Tomorrow is XTERRA time and Conrad Stoltz also trains with Suunto. You know what this means!
Go Caveman!
As Matty uses Suunto for his training we take some pride in this title, too. But kudos to Matty. This is another amazing season!
Tomorrow is XTERRA time and Conrad Stoltz also trains with Suunto. You know what this means!
Go Caveman!
5/14/09
5/13/09
Kelly Handel - Aiming High
A few days ago was the 'inaugural' Champions Triathlon here in Austin. It was out at Pace Bend Park. I will be entirely honest here, I did not really want to race. Being the first race, I think I subliminally had pre-race jitters in that I was not sure I was 'ready' for a competitive race and I did not want 'to fail'.
…
I checked out this crazy 350-meter run from the swim to transition... wow! This made the race really a swim/run/bike/run, good for runners.
The race is on. Swim: I noticed Amy Marsh way to the left of me (and later told her, 'Amy where were you going?!) but luckily by the first turn buoy, I had caught Amy and she and I swam very well together until the finish. We came out together, threw on the shoes and were off on Run #1. A long, rocky dirt path. But the legs felt ...surprisingly good.
Kelly
See the whole story on Kelly's blog
…
I checked out this crazy 350-meter run from the swim to transition... wow! This made the race really a swim/run/bike/run, good for runners.
The race is on. Swim: I noticed Amy Marsh way to the left of me (and later told her, 'Amy where were you going?!) but luckily by the first turn buoy, I had caught Amy and she and I swam very well together until the finish. We came out together, threw on the shoes and were off on Run #1. A long, rocky dirt path. But the legs felt ...surprisingly good.
Photo: Jake North
Bike: This was a 3-loop bike course on open roads (no traffic, or very little) and oh boy was it hilly! But, something about "3 loops" that makes it seem easier. I think in my head it is that you are never too far from home. :)
…
Photo: Jake North
Run: Yet again, I will reveal my insecurities. I was nervous for this because I have done a lot of run racing lately and the legs have felt rather trashed lately. But, I tried to ease into this. As I took off on the same dirt path that we ran on post-swim, and headed towards the woods, I told myself, "Aaah; this is just a run through the woods." (Self-talk does help!). By mile 5, I began to feel like crap. Luckily I had a strong 2nd place position that was not in jeopardy by slowing down a bit, which I did, and finally could see the finish line. It was probably the best thing I saw all day long; and we grilled out and drank beers that night, too; yes, the finish line was more enticing. That says a lot.
…
We think we have to be in tip-top shape to go and do a race (especially one that is more competitive). But really, any time we go out and challenge ourselves, it is a chance to get better, and a chance to learn something. I have learned over the (many) years of doing this stuff, it is usually when you least expect it that you perform the best. This was far from 'the best' to me, but it was a bit better than expected. So; my take home message is to not be afraid to get out there and simply give it what you've got, on the day, a good honest effort. After all; this is all we can do anyway, right? Enjoy the process and appreciate every moment. Thanks for reading!
Kelly
See the whole story on Kelly's blog
5/12/09
Governor meets Suunto talent Lorin Paley after successful season
Usually Lorin races around gates with free heels. Lorin is our fastest Telemarker and last season she competed in many races around the World. Lorin won two events in the Telemark Junior World Championships and earned an overall second-place finish.
Politicians always enjoy the glamour of successful athletes, so it didn’t surprise us when we heard the news about Bill Ritter’s invitation to Lorin and her teammates.
Politicians always enjoy the glamour of successful athletes, so it didn’t surprise us when we heard the news about Bill Ritter’s invitation to Lorin and her teammates.
Politicians meet Suunto Athlete Lorin.
And Governor Ritter wasn’t shy with big words for Lorin and her teammates (now her brother Ben is mad at us that we again “only” call him a teammate, sorry Ben!): “All of Colorado is extremely proud of their performances on the world stage in Europe and at the National Championships. Congratulations to Drew, Lorin and Ben. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of their accomplishments in the years to come.”
Lorin is now taking a short break in-between season before she will be competing on the Tennis court, battling her competitors as hard as the race gates in winter.
Check out the article in the local paper here:
5/11/09
Not just another win
Rebecca Rusch is one of the toughest women we ever met. Maybe she is the toughest. When Rebecca says it's a tough race, you better believe it.
Rebecca has seen some dirt and mud in her stellar career as Adventure Racer and professional dirt biker. But when Rebecca says she just finished the muddiest race in her life, you better believe it.
And if you are still not convinced, that Dirt, Sweat and Gear 2009 was the muddiest event the sport of Mountain biking has ever produced, check out these pics:
(By the way, Rebecca won! But as we mentioned, she is the toughest women we ever met!)
And if you are still not convinced, that Dirt, Sweat and Gear 2009 was the muddiest event the sport of Mountain biking has ever produced, check out these pics:
(By the way, Rebecca won! But as we mentioned, she is the toughest women we ever met!)
5/6/09
Jenny Fletcher...too fast for the timing chips
Jenny Fletcher, one of the most promising age group athletes in the country, finally raced her first full Triathlon this year. Earlier this year she raced the South Beach Tri with celebrities in a relay. Due to the rough water the swim at St. Anthony got cancelled.
See her report below how she put 12 minutes between her and the second placed athlete in her age group and took 2nd place overall. Or was it 3rd? Too fast to be timed….
Wildflower 2009, Monterey, CA
“I did it!!! I've finally raced my first race!! Swim, Bike, and Run!!! Woooohoooo!
I'm thrilled to say I had a personal best in the swim and was so glad to finally test out to see where I am at! This was another race to feel the body and continue to fine tune my race skill and performance level!
I LOVED that my coach Ian was there! His presence was so helpful, motivating, and sooo appreciated! Having Ian there before the race was so calming for me and helped me focus and then during the race he couldn't have said anything more perfect, he did help inspire me on the bike and dig deeper in the run and feel like I was flying!!!
This is a great challenging race!!! To go from a flat and fast bike last weekend to a race where there are major climbs and wind and many people to maneuver around and through.... I think I spent more energy yelling "On your left" during the bike than actually biking! There were cyclists all over the road! At one point I was flying down the road and two trucks were in our lane so I hopped over the double yellow line and felt like I was back in NY maneuvering between taxis and oncoming traffic!
I'm so excited that I felt great off the bike... And the first half of the 10k felt awesome! I was relaxed and in a perfect zone.... That's HUGE for me!!! The later half was all about digging deep, passing as many people as I could, and running hard to the finish making every second count!
The final results are not for sure...
I know for sure that I won my Age Group by over 12minutes!!! (favorite part of the race is to get off the bike and have an empty bike rack of bikes that's a good sign) I definitely podiumed OVERALL but we are not sure if it is second or third because there was a major mix-up in the timing and scoring!
Since we didn't have awards because of the mix-up I jumped right up on the podium for my own individual overall age group win just for the fun of it... Soon I hope to be standing in that exact spot for Top Overall Female!
Thank you ALL for your continued support and belief in me!! I'm thrilled to be on this journey... I have no doubt the PRO card is on it's way with you supporting me!!!”
South Beach Tri 2009, Miami, FL
“The Nautica South Beach Tri was a great success and such a fun race to be part of! It was a great first race of the season!
The night before the race as I was about to get all my gear ready for the morning, I received a call from Erik from K Swiss asking if I'd consider taking part in the K Swiss Dream Team Relay as one of the athletes had to cancel last minute, and they were in a jam. I think it took me about a second in my mind to think it through to say "YES"!!! Anything to help out my sponsor especially when this race was just a feeler anyway to see where I was at. Not to mention St. Anthonys is right around the corner and I will use that as my first race of the season. My "A" races aren't until late in the season so I figured this was the perfect race to partake in the bike portion of the relay and give back to K Swiss!
I have to admit I was excited that I was doing the bike portion as I just received my first ever race wheels from American Classic and was excited to feel them out on the course! They are amazing!!! While I was out there and the camera crew was filming me out there on the bike... I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be!
The Dream Team was Leanda Cave (Pro Triathlete) doing the swim, ME doing the bike, and Anna Kournikova (Tennis Star) doing the run. What a fun team. I was able to run the run portion with Anna and she beat her last years time, and to end a great morning...we won! It was fun to stand up on the podium with the other girls... I would definitely do it again!
Check out Anna’s blog about the race:
http://www.kournikova.com/blog/2009/04/07/2nd-annual-nautica-south-beach-triathlon
http://www.kournikova.com/photos/v/Nautica-South-Beach-Triathlon/leanda-AK-jenny.jpg.html
Looking forward to my next race and once again thank you for your support!!!
Jenny Fletcher”
See her report below how she put 12 minutes between her and the second placed athlete in her age group and took 2nd place overall. Or was it 3rd? Too fast to be timed….
Wildflower 2009, Monterey, CA
“I did it!!! I've finally raced my first race!! Swim, Bike, and Run!!! Woooohoooo!
I'm thrilled to say I had a personal best in the swim and was so glad to finally test out to see where I am at! This was another race to feel the body and continue to fine tune my race skill and performance level!
I LOVED that my coach Ian was there! His presence was so helpful, motivating, and sooo appreciated! Having Ian there before the race was so calming for me and helped me focus and then during the race he couldn't have said anything more perfect, he did help inspire me on the bike and dig deeper in the run and feel like I was flying!!!
This is a great challenging race!!! To go from a flat and fast bike last weekend to a race where there are major climbs and wind and many people to maneuver around and through.... I think I spent more energy yelling "On your left" during the bike than actually biking! There were cyclists all over the road! At one point I was flying down the road and two trucks were in our lane so I hopped over the double yellow line and felt like I was back in NY maneuvering between taxis and oncoming traffic!I'm so excited that I felt great off the bike... And the first half of the 10k felt awesome! I was relaxed and in a perfect zone.... That's HUGE for me!!! The later half was all about digging deep, passing as many people as I could, and running hard to the finish making every second count!
The final results are not for sure...
I know for sure that I won my Age Group by over 12minutes!!! (favorite part of the race is to get off the bike and have an empty bike rack of bikes that's a good sign) I definitely podiumed OVERALL but we are not sure if it is second or third because there was a major mix-up in the timing and scoring!
Since we didn't have awards because of the mix-up I jumped right up on the podium for my own individual overall age group win just for the fun of it... Soon I hope to be standing in that exact spot for Top Overall Female!Thank you ALL for your continued support and belief in me!! I'm thrilled to be on this journey... I have no doubt the PRO card is on it's way with you supporting me!!!”
South Beach Tri 2009, Miami, FL
“The Nautica South Beach Tri was a great success and such a fun race to be part of! It was a great first race of the season!
The night before the race as I was about to get all my gear ready for the morning, I received a call from Erik from K Swiss asking if I'd consider taking part in the K Swiss Dream Team Relay as one of the athletes had to cancel last minute, and they were in a jam. I think it took me about a second in my mind to think it through to say "YES"!!! Anything to help out my sponsor especially when this race was just a feeler anyway to see where I was at. Not to mention St. Anthonys is right around the corner and I will use that as my first race of the season. My "A" races aren't until late in the season so I figured this was the perfect race to partake in the bike portion of the relay and give back to K Swiss!
I have to admit I was excited that I was doing the bike portion as I just received my first ever race wheels from American Classic and was excited to feel them out on the course! They are amazing!!! While I was out there and the camera crew was filming me out there on the bike... I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be!
The Dream Team was Leanda Cave (Pro Triathlete) doing the swim, ME doing the bike, and Anna Kournikova (Tennis Star) doing the run. What a fun team. I was able to run the run portion with Anna and she beat her last years time, and to end a great morning...we won! It was fun to stand up on the podium with the other girls... I would definitely do it again!Check out Anna’s blog about the race:
http://www.kournikova.com/blog/2009/04/07/2nd-annual-nautica-south-beach-triathlon
http://www.kournikova.com/photos/v/Nautica-South-Beach-Triathlon/leanda-AK-jenny.jpg.html
Looking forward to my next race and once again thank you for your support!!!Jenny Fletcher”
5/4/09
ONE WEEKEND, THREE WINS FOR SUUNTO ATHLETES
From South Korea to California to Las Vegas, Suunto Athletes Earn Triathlon Wins
A monster weekend on the Triathlon schedule turned into a major success story for Suunto Athletes. Andy Potts won his second race in a row at the Wildflower Triathlon in California, Conrad Stoltz won the first XTERRA race of the season in Las Vegas and Emma Snowsill won the season opener for the Dextro Energy Triathlon- ITU World Championship Series in South Korea.
Suunto Athlete Andy Potts claimed victory at the Avia Wildflower Triathlon in Lake San Antonio, California. Potts stayed near the top of the field in the swim and the bike, before turning in a stellar run time to pull away from the group. The victory was the second in a row for Potts who won the St. Anthony’s Triathlon last week. Check out his interview on Triathlete Magazine.
A monster weekend on the Triathlon schedule turned into a major success story for Suunto Athletes. Andy Potts won his second race in a row at the Wildflower Triathlon in California, Conrad Stoltz won the first XTERRA race of the season in Las Vegas and Emma Snowsill won the season opener for the Dextro Energy Triathlon- ITU World Championship Series in South Korea.
Suunto Athlete Andy Potts claimed victory at the Avia Wildflower Triathlon in Lake San Antonio, California. Potts stayed near the top of the field in the swim and the bike, before turning in a stellar run time to pull away from the group. The victory was the second in a row for Potts who won the St. Anthony’s Triathlon last week. Check out his interview on Triathlete Magazine.
Andy Potts finishing, with his son on his shoulders, just below 4 hours. Photo by Jay Prasuhn
For the third year in a row Suunto Athlete Conrad Stoltz won the XTERRA West Cup. Stoltz hung tough on the swim, battled into second on the bike before taking the lead for good on the run. Stoltz is off to a good start in his attempt to defend his XTERRA US Pro Series Championship title. Las Vegas was the first regional championship of the season for the new 8-stop nationwide XTERRA Cup Series.
Caveman giving victory interview. Photo by Rich Cruse
Olympic Gold Medalist and Suunto Athlete Emma Snowsill claimed the inaugural Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Series race in South Korea. Snowsill used a late surge in the run to claim victory. Suunto also served as the official timing and date partner of the race which was the first of eight in the Championship Series.
Potts, Stoltz and Snowsill all train and compete with Suunto’s t6c wristop, heart rate monitor belts and PODs. 
5/2/09
Andy Potts just won the Wildflower Long Course Triathlon in LA
CONGRATULATIONS to Andy from all here at SUUNTO.
Conrad Stoltz just won the XTERRA opener in Las Vegas
CONGRATULATIONS to the Caveman from all here at Suunto!
5/1/09
Suunto USA athletes busy this weekend
This is what’s happening this weekend.
ASIA, Corea:
_________________________________________________________________________
USA, California:
_________________________________________________________________________
USA, Nevada:
And finally the off-road triathlon season starts with the XTERRA Season opener in Las Vegas on Saturday
http://www.xterraplanet.com/
US Champion Conrad Stoltz (Suunto Ambassador) and EU Champion Nicolas Lebrun (also Suunto ambassador) will compete for the victory!!!!!!!!
http://www.sunsetracing.com/events/xterra-west-cup
ASIA, Corea:
ITU's first stop in 2009 with Matty Reed and these Global Suunto Ambassadors: Javier Gomez, Jan Frodeno, Emma Snowsill
The Elite Women race will start Friday night 10pm PST time. Matty and th erest of the Elite Men will follow Saturday night 10pm PST time
The Elite Women race will start Friday night 10pm PST time. Matty and th erest of the Elite Men will follow Saturday night 10pm PST time
_________________________________________________________________________USA, California:
_________________________________________________________________________USA, Nevada:
And finally the off-road triathlon season starts with the XTERRA Season opener in Las Vegas on Saturday
http://www.xterraplanet.com/
US Champion Conrad Stoltz (Suunto Ambassador) and EU Champion Nicolas Lebrun (also Suunto ambassador) will compete for the victory!!!!!!!!
http://www.sunsetracing.com/events/xterra-west-cup
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