The latest release from Xterra Wetsuits champions its new Velocity-M speedsuit, which, for the fourth consecutive year, had the distinct honour of being ‘first out of the water’ among age-group triathletes racing at the Ironman World Championships.
The brand new Velocity-M speedsuit made its debut at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. Andy Gardner, a 30 year old physician assistant from Kingwood, Texas, entered the choppy waters of Kailua-Kona with over 1,800 triathletes from around the globe. Gardner finished the 2.4 mile swim in just over 52 minutes wearing his Velocity-M.
The Ironman World Championship is held every year on the Big Island of Hawaii, and, according to Xterra Wetsuits ‘there is no better place to showcase a new product.’ Because of the warm waters of Hawaii, wetsuits are illegal and competitors are only permitted to wear one-piece speedsuits.
“We tested our new speedsuit on average swimmers, elite swimmers and an Olympian in order to ensure it was fast at all speeds,” said CEO Glynn Turquand, who was in Kona for race-day.
As ‘North America’s best selling triathlon wetsuit brand’, Xterra Wetsuits lays down its claim to have ‘consistently led the market with the most technologically advanced speedsuits, all designed and tested by age-group triathletes.’
According to the company, in 2009, Xterra Wetsuits ‘became the best-selling triathlon wetsuit brand in North America and maintains that dominance today.’
Due to a recent rule change by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner of the Ironman World Championship, Xterra had to quickly design and test a new speedsuit with new material. Hence, the Velocity-M speedsuit was born.
The Velocity-M is made of a hydrophobic, composite material ‘for maximum drag reduction and flexibility. Its single-layer technology reduces water absorption and weight, making a men’s suit weigh a mere 85g. The Velocity-M is constructed of strategically placed panels designed for compression and optimal fit.’
“As a company, we are in awe of all athletes who race at any distance, especially Ironman, and we’ve created a speedsuit that makes swimmers faster at all distances,” added Brian Walters, President of Xterra Wetsuits.
“While professionals like Chris Lieto or Linsey Corbin may be known in Ironman-circles, it’s the age-groupers that support our company the greatest.”
