Posted: August 6, 2004

Triathlon: Bowden Back With Specialized

Lori Bowden has come full circle. The two-time and current Ironman World Champion is back with bike and equipment sponsor Specialized. After a year hiatus in her relationship with Specialized to try out different bikes and experiment with positioning, Lori inked a new sponsorship agreement with Specialized for bikes, helmets, cycling shoes and other equipment. "I enjoyed the freedom to try out other bikes and geometries but, in the end, there is no better equipment for my racing and training needs," said Bowden. "I'm happy to be back with Specialized so that we can work together to get me back in my ideal race position on the best equipment available. I'm also excited about all the changes and innovations they have made with their cycling shoes, which are now my favorite ever."

Specialized founder and president, Mike Sinyard, was equally enthusiastic. "It's great having Lori back on the Specialized team", he said. "Lori's presence underscores out commitment both to our Designs for Women initiative and to the sport of triathlon. In addition to being an incredible athlete, she's always a pleasure to work with."

Lori will campaign this year on a new Specialized bike with 700c wheels and a triathlon-specific geometry (to be formally introduced later this summer), plus Designs for Women shoes, saddle, and other equipment. "Last year I was convinced that 26" wheels were the way to go for certain courses," said Bowden. "My thinking about wheel sizes has changed over the year. My 700c S-Works is light and aerodynamically clean -- it's perfect for most situations, even in small frame sizes." (Lori rides a 47cm frame). As for Kona, Bowden's only comment is "let's just say I'm working with Specialized's engineers on something "extra-Specialized" for this race."

Bowden To Race Ironman Canada

After taking time off to be with a friend recently diagnosed with Leukemia, Lori Bowden revised her race schedule and will race Ironman Canada on August 29th. Lori is a 5-time winner of this race, her last win coming in 2002. “It’s been a bumpy ride so far this year but now I’m really on-track” said Bowden. “I want to get in an Ironman before Kona and Ironman Canada is my favorite race.”

Mild Seven Outdoor Quest On OLN TV

The 2003 Mild Seven Outdoor Quest, the world’s foremost adventure race, airs on OLN TV this month. The race, staged in Malaysian Borneo last December, is a 5 stage, 7 sport adventure race featuring the world’s top adventure teams. MSOQ’s five hours of TV programming are high quality, high drama TV – a must see for all endurance sports fans.

Outdoor Quest on OLN TV (all times are EST)

Aug 16             12pm – 1pm
Aug 17             12pm – 1pm
Aug 18             12pm – 1pm
Aug 19             12pm – 1pm
Aug 23             12pm – 1pm  

Legh Wins Hotter Than Hell

Coming off his win at Ironman Coeur d’Alene, Chris Legh won the Hotter than Hell Triathlon last weekend. Wendy Ingraham came out from behind her desk at TYR Sports to take 2nd in the women’s race.

Hotter Than Hell Half Ironman Triathlon August 1, 2004 - Kansas Speedway Men 1 Chris Legh 3:56:29 21:34\2:15:00\1:17:45 2 Austin Jackson 4:16:00 24:12\2:22:08\1:28:08 3 Rick Mann 4:18:12 23:18\ 2:22:31\1:30:29 Women 1 Leslie Curley 4:46:20 31:49\2:36:54\1:35:06 2 Wendy Ingraham 5:01:04 22:34\2:48:44\1:46:35 3 Elizabeth Weidling 5:12:07 23:26\NA\1:42:37

Visit the PCH Sports web site at: www.pchsports.com.