220 Triathlon October 2018

Certain races have a legendary reputation in the tri world. But what is it that creates that? I was lucky enough to be reporting at the Norseman this month, which is the perfect example of a race that generates huge interest for only a tiny (250) number of race starts. Yes the course is astounding – from jumping off a ferry at 5am to crawling up a brutal rock face, this event has it all – but the real sense of wonder I took away was at the grit of the competitors. From 2018 winner Allan Hovda’s meticulous prep and inch-perfect race plan, to the age-groupers screaming with victory before collapsing in a spent heap on the ground, it was the people and emotions that truly made this race. After…

We take gear testing seriously – you need to know that the kit you buy will help you reach your goals in all three disciplines and work as hard as you on race day. Our test team is made up of experienced triathletes, cyclists and runners who test each product that appears in 220 to the max during training and racing, rating it honestly for performance and value. JACK SEXTY A triathlete since blowing his student loan on a bike, sub-2hr Olympic athlete Jack moved to Ironman at Lanzarote in 2016. Favourite tri session? A progressive run finishing with an all-out sprint, somewhere scenic yet flat. HELEN WEBSTER 220’s editor made the move from marathons to tri four years ago. Happiest when in the open water, she also competes in…

There’s a story former pro triathlete Belinda Granger likes to tell about the 2007 Ironman World Championship when an unknown competitor from Norfolk cycles passed the line of established pro’s at the front of the race. “Well, there goes this year’s winner,” Granger calls out and is met with a collective ‘Who is she?’ “A new athlete I’ve been training with,” the Australian replies. “And her strength is the run.” That was the last the pick of the Ironman women’s crop would see of Chrissie Wellington at close quarters that day, and it was also the first time she really announced herself on the world stage. When Wellington quit undefeated in 2011, it ended an era of dominance that seemed unlikely to be repeated for a generation. Yet we’ve not…

A spin-off from an Israeli defence company who make displays for 90% of the world’s fighter jet helmets, Everysight launched their first augmented reality eyewear in 2015. And, after a Eurobike show launch in July, they’ve released their second generation Raptor AR, which seek to provide riders with the real-time data and information while riding. Where Raptor differ from the likes of fellow augmented cycling eyewear brands Recon Jet and 4iiii is that the display is integrated into the headset (instead of an extra unit on the arms), which then overlays data directly into the line of sight of the rider. Key real-time information includes speed, distance, heart rate, RPM and cadence, and the Raptor AR also records HD video, has navigation facilities and the ability to play music, meaning…

UNDER £50 PROVIZ REFLECT360 £49.99 Proviz are the masters of reflective sportswear, and this is their latest commuting backpack. The Reflect360 offers a 10L capacity, a mesh back ventilation system and four pockets. There are also adjustable waist and chest straps. provizsports.com UNDER £60 NEW BALANCE ENDURANCE £60 The 18L Endurance Backpack offers hydration bladder compatibility and includes an internal mesh pocket for phone and keys. There are also open pockets on the sides for water bottles, chest and waist straps, and a choice of colours. debenhams.co.uk UNDER £70 SALOMON AGILE 6 SET £70 The Agile 6 will handle both your commute and ventures into the trails, with a harness that flows over the shoulders to limit the bag moving on the run. There are pockets on the straps for…

1 The Oxford Data Max comes in wired (£19.99) and wireless (£24.99) versions, and offers eight functions for its measly outlay. These include the basics of record mode, speed, average speed and distance. Battery life is said to be a year. 2 Despite its sub-£30 price tag, the robust B’Twin RoadR 500 (£29.99) from Decathlon has modern racy looks, easy-to-adjust straps and 17 vents to keep you cool on the roads. 3 The Dhb Trinity Triathlon shoes (£45) offer decent power transfer, a light weight and tri-race day appeal, from the outsole bumpers for walking in to a reverse strap and heel loop. Post-swim drainage is also efficient due to the channels on the outsole. 4 Currently available for £12, the Road Cycling Performance Manual from long-term 220 Triathlon contributor…