Ironman Kona World Championships -A Brief History:
The IRONMAN World Championships in Kona is iconic. Although, the very first IRONMAN took place on the island of O'ahu in 1978, it was moved to Kona in 1981 and has been there since. The race began as a challenge among friends. Fifteen U.S. Navy and Marine Corps members who were stationed in Hawaii at the time wanted to see who was the fittest. 12 of the first 15 athletes finished the race - an even more impressive feat considering it was entirely unsupported. No closed roads, aid stations, or official transition zones. Also, they were competing on bikes far less sophisticated than what triathletes race on now. Gordon Haller was the very first Ironman finisher in 11:48:58, which would still be a very respectable time in todays standards, even with all the modern gear and training knowledge. Keep in mind, this had never been done before, he had no idea what he was getting himself into.
Photo: Dave Orlowski (3rd place in 13:59:13). Riding on a borrowed Sears brand bike in cutoff jean-shorts.
Why Two World Champs?
If you missed our write up a few weeks ago, here's a brief explanation of why there's currently 2 races:
In 2023 Ironman got experimental and divided the Men's and Women's races with the intent of giving each race more focus and spotlight. Equal representation for men's and women's racing is an important topic, so kudos to Ironman for trying something. Logistically, however, it became too difficult, and some athletes had qualms. Additionally, it's somewhat strange not calling it "KONA World Championships" - where the race has been held since 1981. Swimming with coral and tropical fish, riding along the Queen K through lava fields, and running through the "energy lab" are all legendary parts of Ironman World Championships. In 2026 Ironman will return to a joint event with both the men's and women's race happening in Kona, HI on the same day. Meaning next year the men will join the women again in Kona for one BIG epic day of multisport racing.
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Who are the favorites for this years race?
Returning World Champion Laura Philip is an obvious favorite, but she's lining up next to two previous Ironman World Champions Chelsea Sodaro and Lucy Charles-Barclay, which is sure to bring some heat.
Other athletes on the start line likely to shake things up:
- Kat Matthews, last year's Ironman Pro Series overall champion
- Taylor Knibb, three time Ironman 70.3 World Champ
- Holly Lawrence, prior Ironman 70.3 World Champ
- Jackie Hering, 2nd in 2024 Ironman Pro Series
- Solveig Lovseth
What Bike's I'd Choose to Race from TPC Right Now
For the men's race I picked my top 3 triathlon bikes currently for sale at TPC that I would ride if I were lining up for the World Championships this year. Well, those have all sold, so here are 3 new picks for the Ironman Kona Women's World Champs:
Trek Speed Concept SLR Ultegra Di2:
Why:
It took awhile, but Trek finally updated the Speed Concept in 2022 after it had remained unchanged since 2014. The new design features disc brakes, a more simplified and adjustable front end cockpit, more integrated storage, and a sophisticated IsoSpeed system directly below the saddle to deliver a more comfortable ride than most triathlon bikes on the market, among other weight and aerodynamic performance advantages.
The Trek Speed Concept has always been toward the top of my list both for it's comfortable, high performance design as well as being one of the more aesthetically pleasing triathlon/time trial bikes - in my opinion. This particular Speed Concept is well spec'd with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Bontrager Aeolus wheels that are deep enough for aero advantages, but shallow enough to stay stable in those notorious Queen K cross winds.
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Cervelo P-Series Force AXS 1 Disc:
Why:
Cervelo is always a top pick for racing any triathlon, they make really exceptional bikes when it comes to outright speed. The slightly less integrated cockpit on this P-Series makes traveling logistics easier. Breaking down and re-assembling a heavily integrated triathlon bike in a hotel room on race week is not the easiest thing. Plus, if something were to break in transport, the cockpit components on this bike are much easier to source at local shops.
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Felt IA 16
Why:
I picked a Felt in my last write up for IRONMAN World Champs in NICE as well. Felt makes incredible triathlon bikes that have been ridden to multiple Kona World titles by historic names like Mirinda "Rinny" Carfrae. From sport-defining performances by pros to life-changing finishes by age group athletes, Felt has been apart of triathlon stories for decades.
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