For anyone that watched the Ironman World Championship in Kona over the weekend, or for those of you who’ve followed our coverage of Mercedes-Benz and their vehicle sponsorship of Ironman Europe, you’ve likely questioned whether or not you yourself have the fortitude to complete such a daunting task. Here at eMercedesBenz several staff members have talked about it, and I myself took the daring leap and signed up for my very first Ironman. If you’re unfamiliar with the Ironman, it’s considered one of the world’s most difficult races, spanning a total of 140.6 total miles, and broken down into 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking and 26.2 miles of running. Endure the pain and complete the race, and you can forever consider yourself to be among the most elite endurance athletes.
Over the next few months, I’m going to be covering the gear that I personally am using to get ready for the Ironman. It’s gear that applies not only to those competing in the Ironman, but also to anyone with a passion for swimming, running and biking. Below is a sneak peek at a few of the brands and products that I’m going to be featuring, so stay tuned for more comprehensive looks at this gear and more.
Specialized SHIV Pro Race
Specialized Shiv Pro-Race
My weapon of choice for the biking portion of the Ironman, the Shiv Pro Race is one of the fastest bikes on the planet, delivering the perfect blend of stealthy power, drag-defying aerodynamics, and tailored fit options. I’m customizing it with a wealth of other gear (some of which you can see below), to ensure I’m maximizing my efficiency and technique.
Tacx i-Genius Multiplayer
Tacx iGenius Multiplayer
How do you train for an Ironman in the dead of winter? With an indoor trainer. My choice? The Tacx iGenius Multiplayer. Tacx has become a household name for cyclists all over the world for the simple fact that the Tacx trainer allows you to improve your power and fitness regardless of where you live and what the weather is like outside. The iGenius Multiplayer lets you accurately tackle grades up to 20% and simulate courses around the world without ever leaving your home. No matter what distance race you’re training for, this will ensure you’re ready. Want more incentive? Sebastian Kienle rides one, and did I mention he just took the top spot at the Kona Ironman?
fi’zi:k Tritone 6.5
Fi’zi:k Saddles
Comfort is key when long distance riding, and you don’t get better than fi’zi:k saddles. fi’zi:k is a racing brand that represents beauty, speed, passion and freedom for those who savor the feeling of competition, and and they also make the ultimate saddle for triathlons. Its shape allows for the best aereodynamic performance with the perfect blend of maximum riding comfort.
SRM Training System
SRM Training System
One of the biggest advantages you can have while training and completing an Ironman or long distance cycling race is a power meter, and there are a lot of options out there. The very best choice when training with power? SRM. First Patented in 1987, the SRM PowerMeter gave the cycling world one of its greatest innovations for performance based training tools. Training by the metric of power allows for cyclists to have truly objective data based on their performance, rather than rely on heart rate, speed and perceived exertion. It’s the easiest and most complete way to monitor each and every pedal stroke, and a must for anyone seriously competing in a competitive cycling event.
ROKA Maverick Pro
Roka Maverick Wetsuits
Forget what you know about wetsuits, ROKA westuis are unlike any others. They’re designed to make you faster in the water by keeping your body in the perfect position while still allowing proper arm rotation. The top of the ROKA line – the Maverick Pro – notes a completely revolutionary design. It’s formed out of the world’s best neoprene that’s thinner over your shoulder and back area for ultimate flexibility, but it’s thicker in the core and legs for the perfect level of stability. There’s nothing like like the ROKA Maverick Pro on the market, and it’s the wetsuit I’ll be wearing in next year’s Ironman.
While I’ve given you a glimpse at a few of the brands we’ll be featuring, there’s plenty more to come as well. Stay tuned as I’ll also be discussing my picks for pedals, shoes, helmets, glasses, goggles and more.
