Association News

SAN DIEGO, CA – February 12, 2013 – Triathlon Business International (TBI), an industry organization dedicated to promoting the sport and the business of triathlon, announced its male and female winners of the Ron Smith Triathlete of the Year Award, winner of the most innovative triathlon product, the best published triathlon article and image, and the Top 10 Retailers at its TBI/Active Network Awards Celebration dinner last night as part of TBI’s 3^rd annual conference Feb. 10 – 12 in San Diego.

Ron Smith Triathletes of the Year – The award, named after Ron Smith, one of triathlon’s earliest pioneers, recognizes a male and female triathlete who best demonstrate a combination of strong moral character, athletic performance and professionalism in the sport of triathlon. The award acknowledges triathletes who are not only strong competitors, but also are a role model to all; and who help promote the sport and pave the way for future triathletes.

• Jordan Rapp – Rapp elbowed his way into triathlon from a background that included neither swim, bike nor run. He entered the 2012 season as the reigning ITU World Long Course champion, and as a 3-time Ironman champion and Leadman champion. He exited 2012 as a 2-time Leadman winner and 5-time Ironman champion, winning Ironman Texas and New York, the latter the U.S. Ironman Championship. He has raised $160,000 for World Bicycle Relief, including donating his Specialized Shiv as a part of his WBR fundraising efforts. Through Rapp’s efforts alone 1,200 bicycles are ridden today by people in sub-Saharan Africa who desperately needed transportation. Rapp is the CTO for Slowtwitch.com, and as the first-ever F.I.S.T. instructor remains one of the foremost experts worldwide in triathlon bike fit. In 2010 he survived an almost-life-ending bicycle accident that cost him a year of training and racing.

• Kathleen McCartney Hearst and Julie Moss – Hearst and Moss arguably changed the course of triathlon in 1982 after ABC Wide World of Sports aired their battle to win and finally, Moss crawling her way to the finish line to complete the Ironman World Championship. Participant numbers jumped in competitions immediately. This past October, Julie Moss and Kathleen McCartney Hearst returned to the Ironman in Kona 30 years after their historic battle.

Most Innovative Triathlon Product:

• Cervélo P5-Six – The Cervélo P5-Six brings the most advanced and the most aerodynamic triathlon/TT bike possible. Designed using Formula 1-level Computational Fluid Dynamics software (CFD) and proven in the wind tunnel, the P5 is six to 11 watts faster than other so-called “superbikes”. Working with Magura brakes and 3T handlebars Cervelo has improved frame aerodynamics to the best level in the industry while providing the best braking performance, most adjustable fit and highly advanced component integration. Nominations were solicited from retailers across the country and finalists were selected based on award criteria by a panel of TBI founding members, board members and representatives of the general membership.

Best Triathlon Published Article and Image:

• “Junior’s Roots,” article by Jay Prasuhn, published in LAVA, June 2012
• “Parting Shot of Manny Huerta,” photo by Nils Nilsen, published in Inside Triathlon, July/August 2012

Top 10 Retailers:

• Trisports.com, Tucson, AZ
• Nytro Multisport, Encinitas, CA
• All3Sports, Atlanta, GA
• Jack and Adams, Austin, TX
• Athletes Lounge, Portland, OR
• R&A Cycles, Brooklyn, NY
• Gear West Bike, Long Lake, MN
• Inside Out Sports, Cary, NC
• Triathlon LAB, Santa Monica, CA
• Speedy Reedy, Seattle, WA

All winners and the Top 10 retailers were presented with specially-designed crystal awards from TBI member Ashworth Awards.

The TBI conference continues through lunchtime on Tuesday, Feb. 12 and provides wide-ranging and timely information for everyone involved in the business and sport of triathlon, and the related sports of cycling and running.