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There had been a long time between drinks. It was 5 years since my last (and only) race on the Big Island – the biggest race of them all in non drafting triathlon; Ironman Kona. This goal of qualifying for Kona once again had essentially started two years beforehand when I was on the island supporting Ali on her very first attempt at the distance, but started for me in serious earnest just over one year ago at IM Wales. However, with some reasonable reflection since returning home I can now grasp why it was this very (drawn out!) process that resulted in my finish time being over an hour slower than ever before in an M-dot. Undeniably, once I had qualified for Kona it was ‘head down, bum up’ territory. You believe in yourself to be able to ready on that given day, which admittedly was not that far away anymore. But you tell yourself it’s far enough away. As a brief background, qualifying as a Professional for Kona is determined by a points scale (Kona Pro Rankings, or KRP). Athletes accrue points via 5 scoring races, at least one of which must be an Ironman, and up to ...

The season of cold, rain and shortened days has come. This might make some people want to curl up in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, but if you’re reading this blog there’s a good chance you’re not that kind of person. There are still nearly 10 hours of light per day to enjoy, and autumn is the best season to appreciate beautiful colors and landscapes, so it seems like a good opportunity to switch out the road bike for the mountain bike and hit the trails. Castelli is celebrating the transition from the road season to the MTB/cyclocross season with a series of videos made with Massimo Debertolis, a mountain biker from the Primiero valley, just 30 kilometers from the Castelli headquarters. Massimo was Italian MTB champion in 2004 and 2007 and world marathon champion in 2004. He is now building a team, which will wear Castelli for the 2015 season. Enjoy these videos, and stay tuned to discover the rest of Massimo’s story on blog.castelli-cycling.com, November 26, 2014. Castelli Servizio Corse Custom Division – Serviziocorse.com RELATED ARTICLES: Castelli Presents Massimo Debertolis – Part 2 Massimo Debertolis, Master Of The Trails  

This will be my last ride in the high mountains for 2015. It’s the end of October, and the weather is perfect for one last ride into the high mountains. The temperatures are an amazing 14C at the top today, but that will change tonight with the coming bad weather. This is the last chance to do one of the great climbs in Europe – the Timmelsjoch. The Timmelsjoch creates a link through the Ötztal Alps along the border between Austria and Italy. It’s also known as the Passo Rombo, but this was Austria long before it was Italy, and that’s what it was originally called back when it was first mentioned in records dating back to the 13th century, so I generally give a nod to the name that has been usef the longest and from the beginning – it’s the best you can do in a region where the languages are as fluid as they are here. At 2,474 meters (8,117 ft), it’s one of the higher passes in Europe, but certainly not the highest. It is, however, a monster. If you’re going to ride the Timmelsjoch (and you should), do it from the Italian side, starting in ...

Athletes – pros and amateurs – had to deal with one of the hottest days in recent Kona history at the 2015 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. Cloudless sky in the morning, almost no swell and temperatures up to 39°C exhausted the participants past Saturday. Almost all supposed race favorites reached T1 together and a few attacks within the big leading group with more than 15 athletes were unsuccessful. After the turning point in Hawi Timothy O’Donnell mustered up his courage, attacked and formed a small gap. Unfortunately he faced a mechanical shortly before entering T2 and had Frodeno to let pass who left T2 as the race leader. “Sometimes you get an opportunity and you just have to take it and not look back.”     O’Donnell – dressed in aerodynamic T1:Stealth Top and Free two piece kit – claimed the third fastest bike split of the day. He started the concluding marathon in second position, fought bravely and achieved his first Kona podium with third place in 8:18:50, behind winner Jan Frodeno and Andreas Raelert. The American after the race: „I am really proud of taking the risk on the bike. I expected I can have a performance like this ...

(7 October 2015, Fonzaso, IT) Castelli is proud to announce the contract renewal with Belgian top triathlete Frederik Van Lierde. The leading triathlon apparel manufacturer and Frederik Van Lierde prolong their fruitful collaboration until the end of 2018. The 2013 Ironman World Champion and multiple Ironman winner has already benefited from the performance advantage of Castelli’s triathlon collection in the past three seasons. He will have access to the full Castelli Free triathlon collection, form the revolutionary T1:Stealth Top and comfortable Free ITU Suit to the short sleeved Free Sanremo Suit, a true secret weapon and watt saver. With his experience and feedback Van Lierde has played a key role in the product development of the 2016 Free triathlon collection. “I’ve never worn a better suit in my 13-year pro career. The race suit provides superb aerodynamics and highest comfort for the run.” “I worked with Castelli over the last three seasons, it’s just amazing and a big honour for me to continue our excellent partnership for another three years.“ Van Lierde said. „Winning the Ironman World Champion in 2013 wearing the Castelli Free ITU Suit made a big difference for me. The ITU suit is the best and most ...