After holding the top spot for in 2011 and 2012 as the most worn Aero helmet at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, Rudy Project is making plans for this October’s event in October. The company has unveiled ‘an incredible sponsorship deal aimed to give any athlete racing at the world’s most prestigious triathlon a leading edge’ – The Kona Racing Kit – a fully customizable set of gear including helmet, sunglasses, extra lenses and deluxe cases for the astonishingly low price of just US$65 / €50.
Available to all 2013 Ironman Championship event racers ‘from anywhere on earth’, The Kona Racing Kit includes the athlete’s choice from one of the three most popular Rudy Project helmets: The Wingspan TT, Windmax or Sterling; in a range of 18 different styles & sizes – along with one of Rudy’s 8 most popular sunglasses models, which will include Laser Blue, Racing Red and Transparent lenses, all inside a Rudy Deluxe Case.
Furthermore, anyone purchasing the kit will be eligible to buy any extra Rudy Project gear at an additional 40% off. Together, all of these orders will be shipped for free to the Ironman Championship race in Kona, where they may be picked up between 6-9 October.
“We’ve seen the overwhelming demand for our technologically advanced helmets and sunglasses at Kona over the last two years,” said Rudy Project North America President and Co-founder Paul Craig.
“This year we’re aiming to make sure that everyone who’s racing at the world’s most notable Ironman event has the gear they need to break records. This kit is the best of the best, for none but the best. If you’re racing at Kona you’ve earned that honour, and you deserve nothing but top-of-the-line equipment to rely upon.”
Putting a lid on
When selecting a helmet, athletes will have their choice of the three most popular Rudy designs: The Wingspan, Windmax or Sterling. The Wingspan Aero/TT helmet will be available in seven different colours. Designed with Aeronautics Guru John Cobb, the Wingspan ‘has set the benchmark for aero helmets and has become an icon at triathlons and time trial races around the world.’ Available in a small / medium size, according to Rudy Project this sleek, performance oriented helmet will save watts and shave minutes off any ride.
For anyone who may need a larger size, The Windmax is the preferred helmet of the Cannondale Racing team at this year’s Tour de France. This state-of-the-art helmet is the lightest ever produced by Rudy Project, weighting in at just 220g. The Windmax features 21 vents for maximum airflow and easy one-handed on-the-fly adjustment via the RSR8 Disc retention system.
Finally, the Sterling helmet takes comfort to heart and is billed as ‘The world’s most comfortable helmet’. Available to athletes in 14 colours and sizes including Fluo Pink, Green, Yellow and Orange – the Sterling not only looks good but has safety cornered by being easy to spot.
Eyes on the glasses
The Kona Racing Kit sunglasses selection will feature several Rudy Project favourites, such as the Rydon, Noyz, Hypermask, and Ability – all of which allow for a custom, individual face fit and easy lens swapping thanks to the Rudy Project Quick Change system.
Each pair will come equipped with Laser Blue lenses that block 100% UV light and leave a strong impression with their mirrored blue finish. These may be easily changed out with the included Racing Red lenses, which help to block blue light wavelengths and increase contrast and visual acuity. Finally, transparent lenses are supplied to keep bugs and wind out of athletes’ eyes when training and racing later into the night. All of this is packed within a deluxe Rudy Project hard case and comes with an additional microfibre pouch.
Ordering for The Kona Racing Kit opened on Friday 26 July and continue through to 2 September. The Kona Racing Kit is available to anyone participating in the Ironman World Championship race at Kona, Hawaii, on 12 October and will require verification of racer status via wristband to pick up at the Rudy Project shop in Kona.
Upon pickup, the racer will become a sponsored athlete of Rudy Project and agrees to race the Kona event in their Rudy gear. The athlete will also be deemed an ambassador for Rudy Project helmets and/or glasses for 12 months.
