Castelli’s new signing, Belgian long course triathlete Frederik Van Lierde, is a modern day Ironman legend with three successive wins and a course-record at Ironman France in Nice.
(This latest sponsorship deal bolsters Castelli’s recent push into the triathlon industry, having signed a long term sponsorship deal with Alessandro Fabian, the Italian pro triathlete (and part time policeman) earlier this year.)
Last year Castelli turned its triathlon department into an independent division. With the same goal as for its premium cycling apparel: Castelli aims to ‘make the athlete faster and offer the best possible race comfort.’
Van Lierde, who achieved a third place podium place at the Ironman World Championships 2012 and who scooped the win and course-record Ironman France at Nice (which he set wearing the Castelli Free Tri Suit) finds himself in good company at Castelli with the likes of long course triathletes Timothy O’Donnell and Mirinda Carfrae.
“Castelli is just top, every cyclist knows that,” said Van Lierde. “Once they started with triathlon clothing I was immediately very enthusiastic and I’m proud to wear the Scorpion.
“At Ironman Nice, The Free Tri Suit was an instant hit, not only in performance but also in terms of comfort. I never felt so comfortable during an Ironman! The Castelli suit breathes exceptionally well, is extremely aerodynamic, and the chamois is super,” he added.
2013 has already been a successful season for Van Lierde with victories at Abu Dhabi and Salou as well as his third successive win at Nice. The next goal is Kona, the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, where he aims to improve on last year’s bronze medal performance. Van Lierde heads to the race as a favourite and ‘will rely on Castelli triathlon clothing for a competitive advantage.’
