Kona gossip

The triathlon community is a gossipy and geeky bunch. I realize that the following will appeal to about five people but I think it is very funny.

Crowie posing with his Ordu

Here is the scoop – 2 x IM world champion Craig Alexander showed up at the Ironman World Championship 70.3 race in Las Vegas (which he won) on an unbranded Cervelo P4. This is interesting since last year he signed a “lifetime” bike sponsorship deal with Orbea (6-year contract – click here). Tony Karlins, Managing Director fo Orbea USA issued the following statement:

We acknowledge the fact that Craig Alexander, an Orbea sponsored triathlete, competed in the 70.3 World Championships on an unbranded bicycle and not his Orbea Ordu. While we did not condone this breach of his endorsement contract, it is not a complete surprise to Orbea. Delays in the development of our next generation triathlon-specific bike pushed back the release date to late 2011 and we expect that this factored into Craig’s decision. We will address this matter directly with Craig once he has had an opportunity to savor his victory today. In the meantime, we are continuing to work towards presenting our new tri bike to the market later this year.

Select corners of the triathlon community have been discussing the ramifications of this event in minute detail. It is also rumored that Crowie is riding a new “Shiv” from Specialized that will be debuted in Kona.

Specialized crate at interbike

non-UCI legal Shiv

Now for the funny:

Ordu they?