The ITU World Championships will take place in Hamburg, Germany in 2007. Get an early look at the elite race course here...
http://www.triathlon.org/?call=TVRZeQ==&keep=sh
Race website here...
http://www.hamburgcityman.de/championships/zeittabelle.php?lang=en
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Winter cycling...it can be done
I'm the type of person who despises the arrival of holiday marketing before the preceding holiday has occurred (see: Xmass music played before Thxgiving). So, it pains me to write about winter cycling when, technically, it is still summer. Pet peeves notwithstanding, a little planning ahead in this case will keep you off the indoor trainer and on the road for a good part of the fall and winter. So, try not to think about snow just yet, but do inventory your cycling apparel before the frost sets in and identify what you need so you'll have it when the cooler days arrive.
Riding outside comfortably when the temps drop below 50 is a simple matter of dressing for the conditions. As young, developing athletes, it is unlikely that you've amassed an arsenal of clothing to combat the elements. If you take a piece-by-piece approach, in a few years you'll be ready for just about any conditions. Here are some tips for getting started:
1. Arm/Leg Warmers: The most basic cool weather items in your kit. Since most of you will race in the early a.m. it is important to pack these year round for those cool mornings. Arm/Leg warmers cover the exposed skin not covered by your short-sleeve jersey and shorts. Vortex Racing has team logo'd arm warmers in stock.
2. Base Layer: Short- and long-sleeve baselayers worn under your jersey are often just enough to take the edge off on a cool day. Add arm warmers and you have a virtual long-sleeve jersey for fall riding. Check out Craft products.
3. Gloves: Begin with insulated full-fingered glooves. If you anticipate riding on sub-35 days, pick up a pair of "lobster claw" two finger glooves. Pearl Izumi has a great selection.
4. Booties: Keep the toes warm with a pair of insulated shoe covers. For really cold days, tape over the vents in your shoes or stuff a bit of newspaper over the toes (between the shoe and bootie). Again, Pearl Izumi is well stocked with options.
5. Skull Cap/Balaclava: Keeping your head warm is important....and so is wearing your helmet. Choose a skull cap that fits comfortably under your helmet. For really cold days, a balaclava that covers your head and neck will keep you comfortable. You can also use clear packing tape to cover the vents in your helmet to keep the wind chill out.
6. Full-length bib-tights: When you need to add a second layer to your shorts, look to full-length bib-tights without a chamois (pad). The bib will keep the tights snug over your lower back.
I could go on.... The thing to remember is that you can add pieces to your kit over time and gradually extend your cycling season. Because these items will not get daily wear, you'll get years of use out of them...so invest in quality products that fit well.
Steve
Riding outside comfortably when the temps drop below 50 is a simple matter of dressing for the conditions. As young, developing athletes, it is unlikely that you've amassed an arsenal of clothing to combat the elements. If you take a piece-by-piece approach, in a few years you'll be ready for just about any conditions. Here are some tips for getting started:
1. Arm/Leg Warmers: The most basic cool weather items in your kit. Since most of you will race in the early a.m. it is important to pack these year round for those cool mornings. Arm/Leg warmers cover the exposed skin not covered by your short-sleeve jersey and shorts. Vortex Racing has team logo'd arm warmers in stock.
2. Base Layer: Short- and long-sleeve baselayers worn under your jersey are often just enough to take the edge off on a cool day. Add arm warmers and you have a virtual long-sleeve jersey for fall riding. Check out Craft products.
3. Gloves: Begin with insulated full-fingered glooves. If you anticipate riding on sub-35 days, pick up a pair of "lobster claw" two finger glooves. Pearl Izumi has a great selection.
4. Booties: Keep the toes warm with a pair of insulated shoe covers. For really cold days, tape over the vents in your shoes or stuff a bit of newspaper over the toes (between the shoe and bootie). Again, Pearl Izumi is well stocked with options.
5. Skull Cap/Balaclava: Keeping your head warm is important....and so is wearing your helmet. Choose a skull cap that fits comfortably under your helmet. For really cold days, a balaclava that covers your head and neck will keep you comfortable. You can also use clear packing tape to cover the vents in your helmet to keep the wind chill out.
6. Full-length bib-tights: When you need to add a second layer to your shorts, look to full-length bib-tights without a chamois (pad). The bib will keep the tights snug over your lower back.
I could go on.... The thing to remember is that you can add pieces to your kit over time and gradually extend your cycling season. Because these items will not get daily wear, you'll get years of use out of them...so invest in quality products that fit well.
Steve
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Kate Ross reps USA @ Worlds
Kate Ross competed in her first ITU Junior World Championships on Saturday. Here are a few photos courtesy of www.trilausanne.ch (hope they don't mind!)...
Video of the race is available at www.triathlon.org (click on Tricast)
Congrats Kate on a stellar season!
Video of the race is available at www.triathlon.org (click on Tricast)
Congrats Kate on a stellar season!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)