January is busy!

Hi All,

With NO races of note this week, I was surprised that so many things made headlines this past week. It promises to be a busy update ahead, so grab a Starbucks and settle in.

First off, big news in the world of Ironman races. WTC (World Triathlon Corporation), who own the Ironman brand worldwide, puchased the race assets of all the NAS (North American Sports) Ironman races in the US. This is big news because WTC appears to be reigning in its own licensees (NAS was the largest) and retain more power over its brand and trademark. For the last number of years, NAS has put on races including Ironman Canada, Lake Placid, and Florida, and has gradually expanded with races in Couer d'Alene, Wisconsin, and Arizona. As some of you may remember, WTC itself was bought a venture capital company in fall of 2008, leading to speculation over the future of the brand and its races. This re-purchase of US Ironman races might be the first step in the "evolution" of Ironman in North America.

What does this mean for the average Ironman triathlete? In the short term, probably not much, at least at the local race level. It appears that many of the key NAS executives (president Paula Newby-Fraser, race directors Paul Huddle and Roch Frey) will be transitioning into similar role with WTC. But with one corporation now running the show and looking to make changes, it would be safe to assume that prices could go up, race fields could get bigger (more relay teams?) and the races experience might become more homogenous.

Some of you might have noticed my awkward first sentence where I mentioned 'all of the NAS Ironman races in the US'. Curiously, and for still unknown reasons, Ironman Canada was not included in this transaction. And although it seems that Ironman Canada is still an official "Ironman" for now, this could be in jeopardy down the road. There could potentially be contract issues to be worked out down the road, but it is no sure that Ironman Canada 2012 will not be an Iron-distance race in distance only. However, I am optimistic that Graham Fraser, who is retaining the license for Ironman Canada, will continue to defend the best interests of Penticton and the 2400 athletes who descend on this area every August. Stay tuned.

More doping news - Chris McCormack was interviewed this week and alleged that "drug culture is huge in Europe" and is pervading the sport of triathlon. Although he didn't name any names, he said that drug use is "so blatant in Italy and Spain". He also mentioned that he used to get tested a lot under IOC testing and that testing in triathlon is more stringent than in cycling. Ha. Since McCormack has switched from ITU racing to Ironman racing, I doubt very much that he gets tested very much. With Ironman Hawaii only tests the Top 10 pro men and women post-race, the chances that Ironman has a potentially huge drug problem does exist.

Cycling news: Lance was spouting off this week that his Team Astana is so strong this year that they could sweep the Tour de France podium in July. I'll admit that they do have the two favorites (Armstrong and Contador) but can't imagine that they won't burn out the rest of their teammates so that Contador and Armstrong have lots left for the end of each stage. So I will go out on a ledge and predict that there is no chance that they sweep the podium...

Speaking of Team Astana, fave doper Alexander Vinokourov's status for 2009 is still up in the air. He was originally given just a one-year suspension by his Kazakhstan Cycling Federation when he was caught blood doping in the 2007 Tour, despite the UCI recommending the usual 2-year suspension. He "retired" soon after, so the matter was dropped. Now he is "unretiring" and the UCI wants the 2-year ban, which would last until mid-July 2009. So the courts are involved. Another 2007 cheater - fellow suspended bike racer Michael Rasmussen is also aiming at returning to racing in summer 2009. Assuming he can find a team to employ him. Again, stay tuned...

Tongue-in-cheek product of the week - the new Speedplay Nanogram Zero. What's so great about these? Well, they weigh nothing - only 65g per pedal. So light, in fact, that they are recommended only for race-day use! Actually, the regular Speedplay Titanium Zero's only weigh 82g per pedal. So you save 17g per pedal. Yep, for only $630 per pair. Which is a hefty $325 MORE than the already expensive Titanium pair. Ridiculous. Ha. Sounds like lots of age groupers will be stocking up on these!

Tongue-in-cheek product of the week part 2 - the new Schwinn Tailwind. It premiered this week at an electronics show, and is supposedly the world's fastest charging electric bicycle. Yep, for only $3200, you can own a bike that produces 180 watts of continuous power. I'm pretty sure that I don't produce 180 watts of continuous power! Wow. Anyhow, it's not likely that I'll ever own an electric bike, but it does warrant a mention since it is a velo-lutionary product! Terrible, i'll move on...

This week does get a real product of the week - the Trek District. This bike is cool for two reasons, the orange wheels and the uber-cool carbon fibre belt that takes the place of a chain. This singlespeed is virtually maintenance free, and definitely looks cooler riding down the street than some chunky & clunky mountain bike. And for around $1000, it is a much better investment than a pair and a half of stupidly light pedals!

Next Friday - lots of track and field news! And potentially a new world record in the marathon, as Haile Gebrselassie is racing Friday in Dubai with his eye on another world record!! And he says he's in better shape than last year...Go Geb Go...