Ironman Launches Cyclesmart Initiative

Program focuses on introducing proper cycling techniques and education for athletes of all backgrounds
TAMPA, Fla. (June 8, 2017) – As part of its ongoing efforts to improve athletes’ race experience, IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, announced today the launch of the CycleSmart™ Initiative in conjunction with the IRONMAN Foundation®. The goal of the program is to provide cyclists basic and easily digestible information on how to prepare for cycling outdoors and within a competitive atmosphere in order to have the safest and best race-day experience possible.
“We want our athletes to enjoy training and racing. To be fully prepared, it’s important that athletes arrive on event day healthy, fit, and equipped with the proper gear and training to have a successful and enjoyable race experience,” said Shane Facteau, Chief Operating Officer for IRONMAN.
“We think it is critical for athletes to be educated on proper techniques for both training and racing environments. Fitness can be built indoors through trainers, but competing with a group requires athletes to learn how to ride safely and competently outdoors. Following basic cycling habits can assist athletes in becoming lifelong cyclists. Whether you have been training for decades or just starting in the sport, these guidelines apply to all levels of athletes.”
The CycleSmart™ Checklist and video provides guidelines for athletes to follow and includes two major focuses – Before you Ride and During the Ride. These guidelines include the following:
Before you Ride
It Starts with your Bike
Learn the Basics
Suit Up
Be Prepared to Ride
Plan Ahead
Inform Others
During the Ride
Stay Alert
Obey the Law
Communicate
Safety First
To view the CycleSmart video tutorial, please visit https://youtu.be/s4z46cDky28. To view the checklist, click here.
The CycleSmart program builds on IRONMAN’s SwimSmart™ initiative launched in 2013. Guidelines from the CycleSmart™ program will be included in athlete guides for IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 races in North America as a pilot program before expanding to other regions across the globe.
To learn more about the CycleSmart™ initiative, please visit here.