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Returning events lead the way in the USA, as IRONMAN 70.3 finishers up 8% overall

IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside

Tracking finisher numbers for IRONMAN 70.3 events in the USA this year, there is a positive momentum in participation – with total finisher numbers reaching 31,553.

According to analysis by Thom Richmond at Cal Tri Events, overall finisher counts grew by 8.0% year-on-year across all races in the USA, up from 29,029 in 2025.

When assessing returning events, finisher numbers increased 7.3% year-on-year, rising to 26,985 versus 25,024. This is across 17 repeat races. When including new events, total finishers are up 8.0%.

For returning events, growth was registered across 12 of the 17 returning races, led by significant gains at IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley (+47%), IRONMAN 70.3 Musselman (+34%), and IRONMAN 70.3 Muncie (+25%).

Additional gains were posted at IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast (+24%), IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii (+24%), IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio (+20%), IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman (+19%), IRONMAN 70.3 Western Massachusetts (+18%), IRONMAN 70.3 Maine (+11%), IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon (+9%), IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside (+8%), and IRONMAN 70.3 Coeur d’Alene (+5%).

Five returning events experienced a decline in finisher numbers: IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford (-1%), IRONMAN 70.3 Texas (-8%), IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga (-11%), IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder (-13%), and IRONMAN 70.3 Boise (-20%).

Four new additions to the domestic calendar – Ruidoso, Northern California, Omaha, and Dallas-Little Elm – contributed 4,568 total finishers. However, participation at new venues lagged behind established options, averaging 1,142 finishers per event compared to the average of 1,588 finishers recorded across returning races.

The analysis by Cal Tri Events includes a full breakdown of event performances, year on year, and can be viewed online.

Wrapping up this year’s international IRONMAN 70.3 series, the 2026 Precision Fuel & Hydration IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is taking place in Nice, France. The event is being held across two days, with the women’s world championship set for Saturday, September 12, 2026, and the men’s race following on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

www.ironman.com

 

YouTube viewing figures jump fivefold for Lloyds Tour of Britain Women

2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women

Nearly 250,000 people tuned into the official YouTube channel for the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, representing a fivefold increase compared to the 2025 edition.

The five-stage race, which forms part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour calendar, featured nine of the world’s top ten ranked teams. Running from Cockermouth to Royal Leamington Spa, the event saw Kim Le Court-Pienaar secure her first stage race victory, becoming the first African rider to win the event. The 2026 edition marked the first time the women’s race achieved parity with the men’s event in terms of the number of stages.

Darren Henry, Managing Director at British Cycling Ventures said “At such an exciting time for women’s sport, it was fantastic to see some of the best riders in the world racing on British roads. It was equally encouraging to see the audience for the race continue to grow, with our live YouTube viewership more than five times higher than last year.

“Reinforced through the coverage across our broadcast partners ITV and TNT Sports, and through our growing network of international broadcast partners, the 2026 edition has taken the Tour to fans around the world. When we took on the Tour in 2023, we had a clear ambition to grow the women’s race and ensure parity with the men’s event.

“Expanding from four to five days this year means both races will now take place over five stages, an important milestone for the Tour and one we’re really proud to have achieved.”

Following the conclusion of the women’s event, organiser British Cycling will host the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men starting on September 2, 2026 in Lincoln. Additional fan participation activities include the Ride the Route sportive in North Yorkshire on August 30, 2026, alongside the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival at East Park in Hull on September 4, 2026.

www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain

 

Benchmark steps out with Team Marathon concept for social running era

Benchmark launches new Team Marathon concept for the social running era

Sports event organisation Benchmark has announced the launch of Team Marathon, a new event concept designed to combine running with a festival experience.

Debut event Team Marathon London will take place in Hackney Wick, East London, on May 22, 2027, with plans to expand across three major UK cities in 2027 before rolling out into Europe.

The format allows runners to split the 42.2km marathon distance into four equal legs of 10.55km. Unlike traditional relay races, all four team members start and run together on a short-loop course centred around a main race village featuring live music stages, a brass band, DJs, cheer zones, and spectator viewing areas.

The concept was developed in response to shifts in runner demographics and community participation. Citing industry data showing that 80% of 18–24 year-olds sign up for events with others alongside a 59% increase in run club participation globally, the organisers designed the event to focus on shared lifestyle experiences rather than sole performances or individual competition.

Nick Keller, Chief Executive Officer at Benchmark said “80% of 18-24 year-olds are signing up with others, and a 59% increase in run club participation has been seen globally – the numbers don’t lie – but, while running has become increasingly social and community-driven, most race formats still centre on competition and individual achievement.

“Put simply, the events market has not kept up. Existing events serve performance or participation. But the market is lacking an event that is a lifestyle-led, shared-experience, where running has become a cultural touchpoint on par with meeting a mate for coffee, for a gig, or to watch the match.”

He added “We’re excited to be stepping out with something different, having seen first-hand how powerful a team-based running concept can be. Shared experience will be at the heart of everything we do. So yes, you’ll get a shared marathon time and we still want runners to feel that sense of achievement – but, we also want them to have fun with their mates.

“Staggered waves will roll through the afternoon to create something truly special for the growing network of formal and informal running communities emerging across major cities.”

The event site will feature food vendors, brand activations, screen broadcasts, and stage entertainment throughout the event, with staggered wave starts scheduled across the afternoon. Pre-sale registration opens on August 26, 2026 at 10:00 BST, offering an initial tier of 100 founding team tickets priced at £26.20 per person.

Founded by Nick Keller, event creator Benchmark has delivered over 80 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay events across 13 cities internationally since 2008, hosting over 100,000 participants.

www.teammarathon.com

 

With race and endurance focus, VAN RYSEL launches RCR-G and EDR-G gravel bikes

VAN RYSEL RCR-G - image credit VAN RYSEL

VAN RYSEL has introduced two new models to its gravel bike range, the RCR-G and the EDR-G, which offer distinct setups for gravel racing and long-distance endurance riding.

The two distinct bikes are engineered to address separate ends of the gravel spectrum, offering purpose-built setups for high-speed racing and long-distance endurance riding.

The brand, which was founded in 2019 and serves as an official technical partner to the DECATHLON – CMA CGM WorldTour team, engineered the RCR-G specifically for high-intensity gravel competition.

Drawing directly on the aerodynamic expertise developed through its RCR-R Pro road platform, engineers utilised computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, virtual prototyping, and wind tunnel testing to optimise every surface of the frame.

Wind tunnel evaluations demonstrated an 8.6-watt aerodynamic saving over the previous-generation VAN RYSEL GCR gravel platform. Designed to handle modern, high-speed courses, the frame incorporates clearance for tyres up to 50mm, allowing riders to maintain higher speeds across both paved sections and unpaved terrain.

At the core of the RCR-G is an 885g high-modulus carbon frame in size medium unpainted, paired with a 415g carbon fork. The layup was developed specifically for gravel to maximize power transfer while retaining off-road durability. The flagship model, equipped with a SRAM RED drivetrain, weighs 7.7kg in a size medium and features an integrated monocoque cockpit, lightweight thru-axles, and a vibration-damping carbon seatpost.

Additional race-focused features include Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) compatibility, three bottle cage mounts, top-tube bento box storage compatibility, and chainring clearance for up to 50T in single-chainring (1x) setups or 52T in double-chainring (2x) configurations.

Development of the RCR-G involved close collaboration with riders from the DECATHLON – CMA CGM squad, who tested and refined multiple frame prototypes.

Jéremie Debeuf, Race Product Manager at VAN RYSEL said “With the RCR-G, we didn’t want to adapt an adventure bike into a race bike, we wanted to develop a true gravel race platform from the ground up. Modern gravel racing is faster, more technical and more demanding than ever before, so every decision we made was driven by performance.

“We combined the aerodynamic expertise we’ve developed through the RCR-R and RCR-F road bikes, with a lightweight carbon construction and geometry designed specifically for gravel competition. The result is a bike that gives riders the confidence to push harder, maintain speed over mixed terrain and compete at the highest level.”
 
VAN RYSEL EDR-G - image credit Quentin Le Blanc - VAN RYSEL
 
Developing alongside the race model, the EDR-G was created with a focus on all-day comfort, stability, and versatility over extended distances. Positioned within the company’s endurance line, the carbon frame uses an optimized layup designed to reduce vibration-induced fatigue across tarmac, cobbles, forest tracks, and rough gravel.

A defining characteristic of the EDR-G is its integrated frame toolbox, a design feature carried over from the VAN RYSEL EDR road bike. The discrete internal compartment remains accessible even when the frame is fully loaded with bikepacking bags, keeping repair weight centered low on the frame.

The included repair kit contains a frame storage pack, compact inner tube, multi-tool, two tyre levers, and a mini-pump capable of inflating tyres up to 4 bar.

The EDR-G features over 15 mounting points across the frame and fork to configure water bottles, luggage, and accessories. It also includes 50mm tyre clearance and a Deda Gera gravel handlebar featuring a 24-degree flare for varied hand positioning on technical terrain. Select builds come equipped with the brand’s 1,600g VR32 carbon wheelset, while options featuring a RockShox Rudy XPLR 40mm suspension fork are available for rougher terrain.

According to VAN RYSEL, the EDR-G underwent over two years of real-world testing involving 30 riders covering more than 25,000km. It was also tested by ultra-distance cyclist Juliette Coqueret during a self-supported 10,000km expedition across Europe.

Rachel Gassier, Endurance Product Manager at VAN RYSEL said “With the EDR-G, our ambition wasn’t to create another gravel bike, it was to create a bike that encourages riders to keep exploring. Whether you’re heading out for a few hours, taking on an ultra-distance challenge or setting off on a multi-day bikepacking adventure, comfort and confidence become just as important as performance.

“That’s why we focused on reducing fatigue, improving stability and integrating practical features like the frame toolbox, so riders can stay self-sufficient and enjoy every kilometre. The result is a bike that’s built to go further, whatever route you choose.”

www.vanrysel.com

 

Zafiri rolls out interactive map platform for travelling endurance athletes

Zafiri sports travel site update

Independent media company Zafiri has announced an update to its sports travel platform, introducing an interactive mapping experience that is designed to help endurance athletes maintain their training routines while travelling.

By plotting athletics tracks, bike hire options, lap pools, group rides, and post-session coffee spots on a single navigable layer, the business has evolved from a written guide library into a connected travel tool.

The new feature aims to support athletes throughout their journey rather than acting solely as a pre-trip guide. Users can locate facilities such as a 400m track, a Saturday group ride in an unfamiliar city, or a 50m pool and coffee shop within walking distance of their hotel.

Will Ross, Founder and Editor at Zafiri said “Endurance athletes don’t stop being endurance athletes when they travel – they just lose their routine. Global Companion is built around that reality. Land anywhere in our network and Zafiri travels with you: sessions, hotels, food, recovery, all on one map where Favorites can be saved and workouts planned.”

The interactive map covers more than 75 cities across the catalogue, including Tokyo, Barcelona, Cape Town, Berlin, Denver, Bangkok, Mumbai, Helsinki, Hamburg, and Marseille.

Key capabilities of the platform include:

  • Visualising facilities, services, events, and workouts on one unified, navigable map
  • Filtering by location type, including 400m tracks, 25m or 50m pools, bike hire, and hotels
  • Saving locations to a user profile for access to full write-ups

Alongside the update, the business has refreshed its subscription tiers. The ‘Plus’ tier allows for unlimited saved favourites and unlocks exclusive filters, while ‘PRO’ members gain access to attend Zafiri trips.

Founded in 2010 and based in London, Zafiri operates as an independent media company focused on the intersection of endurance sport and travel experiences. The platform expands its city catalogue on a quarterly basis.

www.zafiri.com

 

Castelli Transition range aims to bridge the gap between traditional summer and winter collections

Castelli Transition apparel

Italian cycling apparel brand Castelli has launched Transition, a collection of garments designed to bridge the gap between traditional summer and winter collections.

The range responds to changing weather patterns and higher temperatures that can leave cyclists riding in variable conditions, typically between 12–20°C (54–68°F), for an extended period.

Rather than switching straight from lightweight short-sleeve kit to thermal winter layers, the collection focuses on versatile items such as long-sleeve jerseys, lightweight bib tights, thermal bib shorts, packable insulation, and lightweight protective layers.

Andrew Montgomery, Product Line Manager at Castelli said “The old way of riding was simple; summer gear in summer, winter gear in winter. Today, due to factors like climate change, cycling moves at a different pace. Seasons don’t hit like a switch; they transition gradually over a more prolonged period, giving us an expanded window of riding.

“That realization led us to define what we call Transition: a period between summer and winter that has become increasingly important for cyclists, yet remains largely underserved. While the wider industry is still complying with a rigid, dual-season calendar, we’d rather tailor our range to the real-world conditions people are actually riding in.”

He added “Transition represents a completely different way of thinking about this time of year. It focuses on a nucleus of core products riders genuinely reach for during these widening months – long-sleeve jerseys, lightweight bib tights, thermal bib shorts, packable insulation, and lightweight protective layers. The future of cycling apparel isn’t simply creating better summer and winter kit; it’s also about creating high-performance clothing for all the conditions in between.”

Ushering in the range is the Corretto LS Jersey, designed for when summer heat begins to wane. The long-sleeve top utilizes lightweight, breathable, and aerodynamic fabrics to provide increased coverage without causing the rider to overheat.

Key product specifications for the Corretto LS Jersey include:

  • Three back pockets alongside a fourth zippered security pocket
  • Full-length YKK Vislon zipper with an integrated pull
  • Elastic silicone waist gripper to maintain positioning
  • Weight of 194g for the men’s version and 170g for the women’s version

The men’s jersey is available in sizes XS–3XL in Steel Fade/Chestnut-Vivid and Night Shade/Elmwood-Rosa Giro colourways. The women’s jersey is available in sizes XXS–XL in a Paprika/Winter Sky colourway. Additional products prioritizing higher insulation and element protection will follow in the coming months. The jersey retails at US$210 / €170 / £175.

Founded in 1876 and based in Fonzaso, Italy, Castelli develops technical cycling apparel tested alongside UCI WorldTour athletes.

www.castelli-cycling.com

 

Speed and tempo run focus for Altra’s new Vanish Pulse road shoe

Vanish Pulse by Altra

Footwear brand Altra has released its new road running shoe, the Vanish Pulse. Launched on August 17, 2026, the shoe is priced at £130 and is designed for speedwork, tempo runs, as well as being a race day option.

The new model incorporates an all-new FAST PCE midsole foam, which the company claims is designed to deliver a ‘poppy, lightweight ride’. The shoe features a rubber outsole and a low 22mm stack height with a 0mm heel-to-toe drop.

The upper consists of a wide gauge knit construction, a heel webbing pull tab, and a flat tongue to enhance breathability. In line with the brand’s standard design approach, the shoe utilises its Original FootShape Fit, incorporating a roomy toe box and space through the midfoot to allow natural foot movement.

The neutral support shoe weighs 200g for the women’s version and 238g for the men’s version. It is available online and at selected retailers.

www.altrarunning.com

 

As final stop before IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, IRONMAN Pro Series heads to Austria at IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun

IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun 2027

The Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series returns to Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria, on August 30, 2026, for the final series stop ahead of the 2026 Precision Fuel & Hydration IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.

At IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun, event organiser IRONMAN will offer a US$50,000 professional prize purse and 2,500 series points. The race will be streamed free globally across IRONMAN YouTube, ironman.com/proseries, and DAZN.

In the women’s professional field in Zell am See-Kapru, Laura Philipp, who won the IRONMAN Kalmar triathlon, heads the start list alongside 2025 runner-up Lisa Perterer. Perterer currently holds 11th place in the IRONMAN Pro Series, while Philipp sits sixth. Elite athletes challenging for the title include Marta Lagonwik, India Lee, Rebecca Anderbury, Nikki Bartlett, and Daniela Kleiser.

The men’s field heading to Austria features defending champion Fabian Kraft and two-time IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Jelle Geens. Trevor Foley, currently second in the IRONMAN Pro Series standings, could move to the top of the table with a victory. The field also features Gregor Payet, Kieran Lindars, Valdemar Solok, and Paris 2024 Olympic Games representative Pierre Le Corre.

Professional start lists (subject to change): 
 

Women’s pro field
Bib 
First name 
Last name 
Country represented 
F1
Laura
Philipp
DEU
F2
Lisa
Perterer
AUT
F3
Marta
Lagownik
POL
F4
India
Lee
GBR
F5
Daniela
Kleiser
DEU
F6
Rebecca
Anderbury
GBR
F7
Nikki
Bartlett
GBR
F8
Skye
Wallace
AUS
F9
Anastacia Damm
Nielsen
DEN
F10
Diede
Diederiks
NLD
F11
Leana
Bissig
SUI
F12
Johanna
Ahrens
DEU
F13
Franziska
Hofmann
DEU
F14
Rhianne
Hughes
GBR
F15
Saskia
Haug
DEU
F16
Luisa
Iogna Prat
ITA
F17
Sarah
Schönfelder
DEU
F18
Nikita
Paskiewiez
FRA
F19
Shiva
Leisner
DEN
F20
Minttu
Hukka
FIN
F21
Desirée
Knecht
SUI
F22
Stephanie
Wunderle
DEU
F23
Larissa
Jasper
DEU
F24
Kristina
Grieger
DEU
F25
Eva
Marsac
FRA
F26
Valentina
D’angeli
ITA
F27
Caterina
Poletti-mariani
SUI
F28
Anja
Koller
SUI
F29
Rani
Škrabanja
NLD
Men’s pro field 
Bib 
First name 
Last name 
Country represented
M1
Fabian
Kraft
DEU
M2
Jelle
Geens
BEL
M3
Trevor
Foley
USA
M4
Kieran
Lindars
GBR
M5
Simon
Viain
FRA
M6
Pierre
Le Corre
FRA
M7
Jonas
Hoffmann
DEU
M8
Valdemar
Solok
DEN
M9
Lasse
Nygaard Priester
DEU
M10
Gregor
Payet
LUX
M11
Damien
Le Mesnager
FRA
M12
Joran
Driesen
BEL
M13
Johannes
Vogel
DEU
M14
James
Teagle
GBR
M15
Guillem
Montiel Moreno
ESP
M16
Wilhelm
Hirsch
DEU
M17
Cameron
Wurf
AUS
M18
Rostyslav
Pevtsov
UKR
M19
Michele
Sarzilla
ITA
M20
Luis
Steiert
DEU
M21
Rafael
Lukatsch
AUT
M22
Yvan
Jarrige
FRA
M23
Filippo
Candeo
ITA
M24
Tom 
Hug
DEU
M25
Samuel
Böttinger
DEU
M26
Jan
Stratmann
DEU
M27
Matthew
Palmer
DEN
M28
Antonio
Limoli
ITA
M29
Neilan
Kempmann
DEU
M30
Nicolò
Basso
ITA
M31
Thomas
Ott
DEU
M32
Sam
Wordley
GBR
M33
Thomas
Williams
NZL
M34
Nick
Thijs
BEL
M35
Patrick 
Cometta
SUI
M36
Morten
Schmidt
DEU
M37
Nils
Huckschlag
DEU
M38
Georg
Enzenberger
AUT
M39
Julian
Becker
DEU
M40
Fabian
Schönke
DEU
M41
Tjebbe
Kaindl
AUT
M42
Samuel
Studer
SUI
M43
Sebastian
Marx
DEU
M44
Laurin
Wehrle
DEU
M45
Joona
Lehtonen
FIN
M46
Alexander
Richter
DEU
M47
Patrik
Glaser
SLO
M48
Jakob
Heeß
DEU
M49
Sönke
Droska
DEU
M50
Leonardo
Allegri
ITA
M51
Jan
Ortjohann
DEU
M52
Jonas
Wechsler
DEU
M53
Paul
Weigand
DEU
M54
Matej
Machácek
SVK

 

www.ironman.com

 

Alien invasion… SCARPA lands with Alien Ultra and Alien Sky trail-running shoes

SCARPA Alien shoe range hits the ground

Mountain footwear manufacturer SCARPA has launched two limited-edition trail-running models, the Alien Sky and Alien Ultra. Released on August 20, 2026, the designs preview a broader release planned as part of SCARPA’s spring/summer 2027 collection.

The company, which produces footwear for climbing, hiking and trail running, developed the technical alpine running shoes with input from its athlete team. Ambassador runner Peter Frano contributed to the Alien Ultra, while Luca Del Pero and Marcos Villamuera helped develop the Alien Sky.
 
SCARPA new shoes - Alien Sky, left, Alien Ultra, right
 
According to SCARPA, the Alien Sky is built for vertical races and technical terrain. It weighs 235g, features a 26–20mm stack height, and incorporates a forefoot Adaptive Propulsion Plate made from nylon reinforced with 20% glass fibre. The model retails at US$279.

The Alien Ultra is aimed at ultra-distance events. It weighs 295g, has a 38–32mm stack height, and includes a full-length Pebax propulsion plate reinforced with 30% carbon fibre. The model is priced at US$249.

Both new shoe models feature a dual-layer midsole constructed from Aliphatic-TPU supercritical foam, an integrated gaiter, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole. The shoes are available in limited quantities in North America.

www.scarpa.com

 

PhD Nutrition relaunch focuses on female wellness

PhD Nutrition relaunch focuses on female wellness

PhD Nutrition has announced a relaunch in the UK built around a new positioning: ‘Feel Good Science, wellness for the way women actually live.’

The brand’s new take on health and fitness aims to fit into busy lifestyles rather than promote rigid routines or idealised perfection.

Designed for wellness seekers looking to prioritise long-term health using scientific recommendations rather than short-term fixes, the brand is looking to champion women’s nutrition through clear guidance, smart supplementation, and everyday reassurance.

Alongside the relaunch, PhD Nutrition has unveiled the Feel Good Collective, a community of women dedicated to changing the conversation around health, strength, longevity, and wellbeing. The collective features prominent British figures, including elite athletes and Olympic medallists Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Dame Laura Kenny, alongside five-time Paralympian Lucy Shuker, broadcaster Clara Amfo, and Women’s Health editor Claire Sanderson.

A release from the brand added that… ‘United by the belief that feeling good looks different for everyone, the collective focuses on building strength, creating sustainable habits, and embracing confidence over perfection. Members will encourage women to invest in movement, nutrition, recovery, and self-care, supported by evidence-backed products and expert advice.”

The product range covers everyday demands from energy to immunity, supporting women to perform, grow, maintain, and recover using PhD Purity-Certified quality products. The collection includes:

  • Protein powders
  • Vegan protein
  • Creatine
  • Vitamins
  • Supplements

Additionally, PhD Nutrition has created an online hub with practical, evidence-led content, including recipes, nutrition advice, wellbeing tips, and training guides to help users build lasting habits.

Daniel Lampard, Chief Commercial Officer at PhD Nutrition said “PhD helped introduce millions of consumers to sports nutrition. Today we’re taking the next step in that journey. Wellness has evolved. Consumers are looking for trusted science rather than trends, products that fit real lives rather than perfect routines, and brands that make healthier living simpler rather than more complicated.

“Feel Good Science represents a new chapter for PhD. It combines over 20 years of nutrition expertise with a modern approach to everyday wellbeing, creating a brand that supports people wherever they are on their health journey.”

PhD Nutrition products are available via the brand’s website, Amazon, and retailers including Sainsbury’s, Holland & Barrett, and Tesco.
Founded in 1992, parent organisation Science in Sport Group is an international performance nutrition company that develops, manufactures, and distributes products across its Science in Sport and PhD Nutrition brands.

www.phd.com

 

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