Rudy Project, the Italian crafter of high-tech sunglasses and helmets, has announced a new partnership with the only current African American pro triathlete, Max Fennell. In a release confirming the sponsorship deal, Rudy Project points out, ‘Not only is Max’s athletic ability fiercely strong, but his passion, determination, and never give up attitude is putting him on course to change the sport of triathlon forever.’
“I first got introduced to Rudy Project when I had just started racing triathlons, which really wasn’t all that long ago,” said Max. The 27-year-old Philadelphian was pursuing his dream of becoming a professional soccer player when a casual pick-up game in 2011 led to a sprained MCL.
“I was working in a coffee shop at the time, and one of our regulars who did triathlons saw me limping around and asked what I was going to do. After talking with him for a while, he convinced me to try it out. I said alright, I’ll try just doing one.”
As it turns out, ‘just doing one’ wasn’t nearly enough. After a successful first race where he took seventh in his group, Max decided to see where triathlon could take him. Three years later with a pro card in hand, Max discovered that he was the only current African American pro triathlete.
“As a family brand dedicated to expanding the sport, we are proud to be working with this incredible athlete to further his professional and charitable causes,” said Paul Craig, President and Co-Founder of Rudy Project North America. “Max has limitless potential, and we’re excited to help in in his journey by supplying the best possible helmets, sunglasses and triathlon equipment.”
“Rudy Project gear is absolutely top notch. I like the Sterling helmet a lot, simply because it’s comfortable and has a bug net. I’ve been on numerous rides in the past where a bee has gone down my shirt or through my helmet,” Max said. “I also like the Magster glasses with photochromic lenses. Yesterday I went on a run, and the lenses changed with the fading of the light. I wear those sunglasses all the time.”
Not only is Max an athletic powerhouse, but he is driven to make a change in the triathlon community. By working with the Black Triathlete Association, Max aims to introduce triathlon to more minorities. As the only African American pro triathlete, Max feels his new role enables him to make a difference in the world.
“It allows me to show young kids that there’s more than just football or basketball. Triathlon develops you in a much different way in terms of your character, work ethic, and your integrity. I want to be a driving force of inspiring for these kids to try something different.”
For the 2015 season, Max will be training with ‘The Triathlon Squad’ out of San Diego, under the guide of Coach Paulo Sousa, and will be primarily focused on racing Olympic distance in order to showcase his raw speed and power. He also plans on competing at the IRONMAN 70.3 Vineman in July, and Challenge Bahrain in December.
Over the next few years, Max hopes to clinch world championship titles and join Team USA at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.
If all of this sounds ambitious from someone relatively new to the world of triathlon, it’s because it is. Max’s dreams have shifted and he’s holding nothing back. “If someone was to come and say, ‘Hey, do you want to play football?’ or ‘Hey would you want to play soccer?’ I would just be another name,” Max said. “I now have an opportunity to be somebody in the tri-world and with my background, I know I’m going to dominate.”
Designed and crafted in Italy since 1985, Rudy Project has grown quickly as a premier brand throughout North America. Rudy helmets were recognized as the number one most worn aero / time-trial brand at the IRONMAN World Championships Presented by GoPro in Kona, Hawaii for the last four consecutive years, and have been designated the Official Helmet of IRONMAN for North America. Rudy Project aims to offer ‘unparalleled customer service backed by a Lifetime Replacement Lens Guarantee and an industry-leading three-year frame warranty.’
www.e-rudy.com
www.maxfennell.net
