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Cateye is putting up limited edition team color cycling computers for you to win.  To enter, go to their Tour de France contest homepage and make your guess as to the winner and average speed for any stage of Le Tour and you’ll be entered to win.

You can enter a prediction for each stage.

Yakima recently redesigned several of their bike racks, and just as they were about to send us their Holdup model, they decided to do some last minute design tweaks, so we received the Stickup to test and review in the meantime.

Before we delve into the specifics of this rack, let me say this: Yakima has a rack for anything and everything, and a dizzying array of bicycle racks.  The Holdup and Stickup are the two tray-mount hitch models, the others (of which there are plenty of options) use arms that slide under the top tubes and strap onto the frame.  For me, tray mounts are the way to go.  They’re simple, they are unlikely to scratch your frame and your bike stays put…no swaying, swinging or sliding.

The Stickup is the less expensive model of the two, and is compatible with both 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitches using a spacer sleeve.  It holds two bikes, it’s fairly lightweight and keeps them spaced well enough that you don’t have to worry about bumping seatposts and handlebars.

So, how did it do over a couple months of testing and several trips?  Hit ‘more’ to read the full review…

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Ritchey recently sent out a press release assuring that its WCS Carbon Hammerhead and WCS Carbon Interval Time Trial bars (both shown below, left to right…click to enlarge) are UCI legal…just in time for any teams making last minute gear swaps (yeah, right) to avoid UCI crackdowns.

While looking into it, we found these “under development” prototype aero bits (above) that are currently being tested by Team Ouch.  Called the “Sliver,” they replace traditional cup-shaped arm rests, allowing more fluid forearm movement and a lower profile and lower resting position than previous versions from Ritchey.  The result is a more tucked aero position for better drag reduction.

More pics of the Sliver after the break…

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USA Triathlon has issued the 11 most commonly violated rules of triathlon:

11. Abandonment:
All personal equipment and belongings taken out onto the course must stay on the athlete the entire time. No garbage, clothing, etc. shall be thrown on the course.
Penalty: Variable time penalty

10. Wetsuits:
Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided, however that participants who wears a wetsuit within such temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited.

9. Race numbers:
All athletes are required to wear race numbers at all times during the run. Numbers must face the front and be clearly visible at all times. Numbers may not be cut or folded or altered in any way. DO NOT transfer your number to any other athlete or take a number from an athlete that is not competing.
Penalty: Variable time penalty for missing or altered number, Disqualification and one year suspension from membership in USAT for transferring a number without race director permission.

8. Headphones:
Headphones, headsets, walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc. are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race.
Penalty: Variable time penalty

7. Unsportsmanlike-Like Conduct:
Foul, harsh, argumentative or abusive language or other unsportsmanlike conduct directed at race officials, USA Triathlon officials, volunteers, spectators or fellow athletes is forbidden.
Penalty: Disqualification

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Your heart doesn’t need to rest at 36 bpm to do the Ironman World Championship event…it just has to be big.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation is hosting a fund-raising auction at a gala dinner in New York City on June 10, and the winner gets a slot to compete in either 2009 or 2010…or they can choose someone else to race in their place.  Proceeds from the auction will fund specialized equipment, training and coaching for physically challenged athletes.  You can submit a proxy bid if you can’t make it to the event, info is on their website or call 858-866-0958.

Get the full story here.  This is certainly a better way to get into the event than being a celebutive.

Steve Larsen passed away Tuesday of an apparent heart attack at the age of 39 after collapsing during a track running workout.  Medical attention was provided immediately, but they were unable to resuscitate him.  He leaves behind a wife and five children.

While most of his recent athletic accomplishments were focused on Triathlon, Steve Larsen got his start in pro cycling with the legendary Motorola squad before becoming one of the top pro mountain bike racers in the world during the 90s.  Following his cycling-centric career, he moved to Triathlon and immediately became a threat to the established leaders because of his crushing bike leg performances.

Later, he moved to the business side of things with an equity ownership in Steve Larsen Properties (real estate brokerage) and Worldtri.com (online tri goods retailer).  He competed until the end, most recently placing 83rd in the Pro Men’s field at the 2009 Sea Otter Classic.  Dan Empfield posted a very nice story on Larsen yesterday on SlowTwitch.com.

Besides the SuperLogic carbon mountain bike wheels in the previous post, Ritchey had a LOT of other stuff on display…some new, some not, but plenty worth showing.

Above is a collection of their new “wet white” components, including their Single Bolt seatpost clamp design (detail below).  One of the neatest things was their Carbon Rigid Mountain Bike Fork.  It had some beefy round legs with carbon dropouts, but the steerer tube was aluminum.  Click the pics of it below to enlarge.

There’s lots more to see…hit “more” to come inside…

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What’s typically trade-only is now opening to the public for two days of bike demoing fun.

Interbike’s Outdoor Demo East will welcome non-industry (ie. anyone) to come try new bikes, gear and components on Saturday Oct. 10 and Sunday Oct. 11, 2009 at Roger Williams Park in Providence, R.I. The first two days of OutDoor Demo East, Thursday Oct. 8 and Friday Oct. 9, will be open to members of the cycling industry only.

“Last year’s inaugural OutDoor Demo East gathered dealers and manufacturers for product demos, business deals and networking. However, we recognize these groups are just two of the three pieces of the entire cycling community mix,” said Andy Tompkins, Interbike show director. “Opening the last two days of OutDoor Demo East for consumer participation is a great way to incorporate that final piece.”

In addition to two new consumer days for product demos, OutDoor Demo East is contracted with GSD Event Productions LLC, a New England-based promotional firm, to produce the Providence Cyclo-Cross Festival, a USA Cycling-sanctioned professional and amateur cyclo-cross race event.

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Apparently in cahoots with Team Columbia-Highroad, Scott Bicycles is developing a time trial secret weapon that’s straight outta carbon heaven.  The video above shows the frame in various stages of wind tunnel testing, and when you’re done convulsing from it, click “more” to see some screen shots that show the frame close up.  All I can say is, it’s pretty much entirely proprietary except for your wheel choice and likely the derailleurs and parts of the drivetrain…

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Scott has signed on as the official sponsor of the Dresdner Kleinwort triathlon team and will be providing them with the Scott Plasma bicycle shown above.  Bike = sexy.  Bunch of dudes in tights looking serious = not so much (for this editor, anyway…and no, we don’t want to touch your monkey).  The team will compete internationally with German, Swiss, Belgian and Scottish athletes on the roster.

They’re also providing the team with their Makani RC running shoe, shown below (click to enlarge).

PRESS RELEASE: Lynskey Performance is introducing the T230 triathlon specific frame. This stunning frame is durable and offers the magical ride you have come to expect from titanium. Handcrafted in Chattanooga, TN, this frame is designed for the triathlete that not only wants the aerodynamics and efficiencies of the F.I.S.T geometry pioneered by Dan Empfield; but also needs a bike that is low maintenance, and will withstand all the rigors of traveling and abuse in the transition area. The T230 responds with swift forward acceleration to the tiniest bit of power input and quickly moves the rider from T1 to T2.

This frame is available at the incredible MSRP of $995.

- Strong durable frame with aero tubing and external cable routing is timeless and very easy to maintain.

- Meticulously crafted rear entry dropouts with adjusters allow the wheel to be tucked close to the seat tube for a maximum aero benefit.

T230 frameset with an AlphaQ TS-20 fork and a Cane Creek S3 headset: $1,295

Complete bikes starting at $1,995.00

PRESS RELEASE: World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of Ironman, Ironman 70.3 and Iron Girl, announces the growth of its brand portfolio. IronKids, the newest member of the WTC family, will consist of a triathlon series for youth ranging in age from six to 15 years old.

The 2009 IronKids National Triathlon Series will kick-off in triathlon’s hotbed, San Diego, CA, and will move to locations such as St. Petersburg, FL, Raleigh, NC and Tucson, AZ. National partners such as Aqua Sphere, CLIF Bar, Foster Grant, Life Science Nutritionals and Timex will support the series in 2009.

IronKids National Triathlon Series

• San Diego, California: May 2, 2009
• St. Petersburg, Florida: June 7, 2009
• Raleigh, North Carolina: July 5, 2009
• Carmel, Indiana: July 19, 2009
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: August 9, 2009
• Avon, Colorado: September 6, 2009
• Alpharetta, Georgia: September 13, 2009
• Tucson, Arizona: October 4, 2009

Read “more” to see event distances and other details…

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Starting March 23, Evolve Multisport is offering 10-weeks of structured training, which includes online TrainingPeaks account with daily emails of your training plan, speakers and clinics covering topics including: bike maintenance, bike fitting, yoga, nutrition, transition strategies, group running, cycling, and swimming workouts. They’ll also have a running clinic and get to preview Nike’s hottest running gear with the NIKE East Running Van on March 30th. Cost is $140 USD.

If you’re in the Greensboro, NC, area and want more information or to sign up, click here.

Joe Friel’s been busy lately, we just got the release for this and his updated Cyclist’s Training Bible in the same week. You can get all of the VeloPress books cheaper on Amazon.

From VeloPress: Internationally recognized coach and best-selling author Joe Friel teams up with ultra-endurance guru Gordon Byrn in this second edition of Going Long, the most comprehensive guide to racing Ironman-distance triathlons ever written. Combining science with personal experience, Friel and Byrn prepare every triathlete, from the working age-grouper to the podium contender, for success in triathlon’s ultimate endurance event.

Since the publication of the first edition of Going Long, registration numbers for Ironman-distance races have soared. Every year, tens of thousands of additional triathletes commit to the sport’s greatest challenge. This new second edition embraces this growing group of triathletes who are juggling training, family time and full-time jobs.

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World Triathlon Corporation, owner of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 brands, announces the launch of the Ironman Executive Challenge (XC). The program targets top-level executives and provides its members with the opportunity to compete at the following sold-out events in 2009: Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene, Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman Germany, Ford Ironman Lake Placid, Ford Ironman Louisville, Ford Ironman World Championship (by qualification only) and Ford Ironman Arizona.

The mission of the Ironman Executive Challenge (XC) is to provide the ultimate Ironman experience for the world’s top business leaders. This exclusive, members-only program offers privileges such as guaranteed entry into select Ironman events, VIP treatment for athletes and their families, first-class accommodations, personalized coaching, interaction with Ironman icons and much more. Members of Ironman XC will also have the opportunity to win multiple coveted slots to the renowned Ford Ironman World Championship, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

“We are pleased to announce this new program, one that showcases the synergies of today’s most passionate business leaders and the unique qualities of Ironman. We look forward to providing a group of select athletes with a one-of-a-kind experience, while allowing them with the opportunity to compete among their peers at the world’s most challenging endurance event,” said Ironman Executive Challenge Director, Troy Ford.

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