I would be remiss if I didn't reprint this article, which was posted in our local Multisport club newsletter (April 1, 2010). The best part was that the local newspaper is on our distribution list, and they ended up printing parts of it. Ironman Cornwall Update With less than five months to go until the innaugural Ironman Cornwall, things are falling into place nicely for event organizers. "It's amazing how the community of Cornwall has come together to make this event a reality, " remarked Bill Giancola of the World Triathlon Corporatioin (WTC). "When Penticton did not renew their contract for the 2010 Ironman, we thought this was the end for Ironman racing in Canada - Simply not so."
Tim Horton's as Title Sponsor A Canadian institution and a pillar of the Cornwall community, Tim Hortons, has stepped up replacing Subaru as the title sponsor. "It was a natural fit for us, Cornwall is a leading market for Tim Horton's, what better place to test our newest offering" noted Tim Horton's Sports Nutrionist Mark Puntous. "In addition to the traditional electroylte drinks at the bike route, we will be offering racers, a sports variation of our Iced Cappucino. Independant lab tests confirm that riders who use our new 'Sport-achino' energy drink remain 18% more alert and focused compared to other sports drinks."
Tim's Power Bits on the Run Course After a successful test market in the maritime provinces, Power-Bits will also be available on the run course. Power Bits are about 3 quarters the size of a traditional Tim Bit, but are scientifically designed to release energy in 3 discreet stages to the various energy intake receptors of the body. Resembling a small powdered jelly timbit. The outer powdered coating is quickly absorbed by the glands of the mouth providing an immediate boost of energy. The secondary shell of the Power Bit is designed to quickly dissolve as it passes through the esophagus where the long simple carbohydrate chains can be quickly metabolized, producing a secondary energy boost. The final component - the soft gel within, is engineered to break down slower inside the stomach, thereby sustaining and maintaining energy output.
Final Route Announcement Last week's highly anticipated announcement of the race course and route was met with cheers from the athletes, sponsors and local municipalities. "It's truly a win-win-win for the region" stated an official with the United Counties of SD&G. The hub of all activity will be based in Lamoureux Park. The 2.4 mile swim course will take athletes along the shores of Cornwall and parallel with Cornwall Island. The 112 mile bike course will have riders pass through the historic communities of Glen Walter, Lancaster, Williamstown, Martintown, St. Andrews and through to Williamsburg and then down to Morrisburg, through Upper Canada Village and onto the Long Sault Parkway at Ingleside. The run route be spectator friendly hitting most of the major roads in Cornwall and featuring a oneof a kind, bridge crossing, with portions of the run on Cornwall Island. The announcement confirmed earlier reports where Slowtwitch sleuthers tracked back various GMAP links to IP addresses owned by WTC .
Federal Government Action Plan The $850,000 construction and resurfacing of the Long Sault parkway will be commencing in the next week. Bryan Bontrager, an official with the Parks of the St. Lawrence, remarked "We've been waiting years for this. Finally, the gem of South Stormont will be restored thanks to Ironman and the Infrastructure development program."
WTC to waive "Calf" premium on Ironman Tattoos - confirms all local parlours are compliant Following through on their commitment to protect the integrity of the Ironman brand, the new licensing structure for all Ironman (M-Dot type) tattoos will be in place for the Cornwall race. The Seaway Valley Tattooists Association (SVTA) has confirmed that all member establishments have been authorized through independent quality control audits to apply M-Dot tattoos under the following fee structure: less than 2 inches ($65 royalty), 2 to 4 inch ($160 royalty), over 4 inches ($400 royalty). Royalties are in addition to regular tattoo pricing. The good news however, according the SVTA is that WTC has waived the controversial additional $100 premium for placement of the M-Dot tattoo on the participant's calf.
Speculation on Armstrong It has been interesting to watch Lance Armstrong's Twitter feed over the last couple of weeks, where he has publically mused over the possibility of an Ironman Cornwall appearance. Armstrong would be in peak physical shape coming off the Tour de France. Pundits have speculated that he would be a shoe-in to win, if he could maintain his bike-fitness and reaquant himself with his running legs.
Pro Start List Grows Regardless of an Armstrong appearance, the already "star studded" starter list will get a boost on Friday, when it is expected that reigning Ironman Netherlands champion, Vikus Lipraloof will confirm his intention to compete. Other notables include the married Quebec Long-course duo of Jean-Paul Poisson and Avril Chretien.
Multisport Club Recognized WTC has recognized the efforts of the Cornwall Multisport Club, for their tiring commitment to make this event world class, and has reserved five (5) lottery-style spots for the club to award. To be considered for a lottery-spot, proponents must email the club before noon (Eastern Time) on April 1. The email subject line is to read: Ironman Cornwall Lottery.