The Ironman World Championships are this weekend, for the men at least.
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 this weekend's men's race is in Nice France for one final time.
With powerhouse athletes like Sam Laidlow, Gustav Iden, Kristian Bummenfelt, and Patrick Lange lining up as well as a handful of other bold challengers, it's sure to be an exciting race and we're looking forward to seeing who will take the win. Do you have a favorite this year?
This time of year gives me a little jolt and has me casually browsing Triathlon bikes more than usual. The last Ironman I did was in 2014 (Kona). Truly, my swim, bike, run days are long behind me. Still, the energy and enthusiasm coming from the World Championships every year is somewhat contagious.
My Trusty Kona Steed: 2014 Trek Speed Concept Project One
If you've never ridden a Triathlon/Time Trial bike before, there's a certain oneness you feel with the bike when you've dialed in your fit. You feel like a rocket ship on flat open roads. It's a very unique feeling compared to riding any other type of bike and even after more than a decade away, I still have good memories of big rides on this machine.
It got me thinking, if I were buying a new triathlon bike from TPC today, which would I buy and why?
Here are my top 3 picks:
Cervelo P-Series:
Why:
Cervelo is synonymous with racing speed. Every bike they make is injected with pure adrenaline and the P-Series is no different. Cervelo has been a leader in the triathlon space for decades and continue to set the bar in both technology, integration, and aesthetics without getting too "out there" (a common occurrence in the triathlon space - hey, innovation requires taking risks). If we had a Cervelo P5, that would certainly be on this list, but the P-Series is a fantastic alternative that offers many of the same aerodynamic and performance gains as the P5 at a more affordable price.
Felt IA Advanced Ultegra Di2:
Why:
Freaking cool paint job aside (I'm a sucker for splatter paint - you should see my childhood bedroom) Felt is another brand that you'll see everywhere at triathlons ridden by age groupers and pro's claiming top podium spots. This bike looks fast standing still and delivers on the road.
The Felt IA was one of the bikes Mirinda “Rinny” Carfrae rode during her dominating streak of 3 Ironman Kona wins and 7 times total on the Kona podium, making her one of the greatest Ironman athletes of all time.
This particular build is dang close to what I would choose as well. Most riders don't need anything more than Shimano Ultegra Di2. It performs incredibly, holds up to big watts, and keeps cost down. The Reynolds wheels are light, stiff, and aero - perfect.
Canyon Speedmax:
Why:
The Canyon Speedmax is available in a wide price range and build specs. The Speedmax is also wildly adjustable to help dial in your perfect fit.
Last year the men's and women's World Champions were riding a Canyon Speedmax (Patrick Lange and Laura Philipp). Lange set a staggering new course record in 7:35:53. The prior year Sam Laidlow won, also on a Canyon Speedmax.
