Sugoi News

Chrissie Wellington breaks Ironman triathlon world record in Roth, Germany

7/19/2010

The Briton’s time of 8hrs 19mins 13secs was little more than 25 minutes over men’s race winner Rasmus Henning of Denmark, who also came close to breaking the world record on a notoriously fast course.

Wellington, 33, is the reigning World Ironman Champion, having won the title for the third year in a row in Hawaii last October. She was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours list last month with an MBE and her performance in Roth is her ninth win from nine Iron-distance starts. She obliterated her 2009 world record of 8hrs 31mins 59secs, which was also set in Roth.

Wellington’s marathon time of 2hrs 48mins 54secs after completing a 3,800m swim and 112mile bike ride was the fastest ever achieved by a woman in Ironman racing.

“I’m overjoyed, yet overwhelmed,” said an emotional Wellington. “Hopefully I have redefined the limits for myself, and for others, of what is possible. It has been one of the best days of my life.

“Challenge Roth epitomises everything that is great about triathlon.” Henning proved with his devastating victory what many have believed for a time that he is set to be a major force in long course triathlon this season and beyond.

His time of 7hrs 52mins 36secs on his Roth debut fell just two minutes over the course record and world's best mark that has stood here since Luc van Lierde went 7hrs 50mins 27secs in 1997.

Henning, who finished fifth at the Ironman World Championships last year despite taking to the start line with a broken hand, validated his billing as pre-race favourite and, according to the Dane, the best is yet to come.

"I've proven today that [setting a new world record] definitely is possible," Henning said.

Sugoi offers race slots for German Ironman events

6/29/2010

Sugoi Performance Apparel, a division of Dorel Industries, is offering race entries through an online contest for this year’s Ironman Regensburg on 1 August 2010 and for the Ironman 70.3 European Championships, held in Wiesbaden on 15 August.

In tandem with the motto ‘Be Incredible with Sugoi’ interested triathletes are invited to apply at winIRONMAN2010@SUGOI.com. Triathletes are asked to tell Sugoi why they are incredible and how Sugoi helps them to reach their personal best.

The application also contains details about triathlon experience, name, age, the desired event and ideally a photo. Sugoi will announce the winner in the non-transferable and non-cashable prize competition. Data privacy is guaranteed by the company, and the winner will be chosen by a Sugoi appointed jury.

Closing dates are 7 July 2010 for Ironman Regensburg and 28 July for the Ironman 70.3 European Championships.

Known for its high quality triathlon, cycling and running clothing – Sugoi is the official supplier of Ironman technical wear for the Ironman European Championship 2010, for Ironman Regensburg 2010 and for the Ironman 70.3 European Championship 2010.

Further details of the competition can be found at www.sugoi.com/ironman2010germany.

www.sugoi.com
www.ironman.com
www.ironman-regensburg.de

SUGOI Chosen as Official Cycling Apparel Sponsor for Ride to Conquer Cancer

6/14/2010

June 14, 2010 – SUGOI Performance Apparel, a division of Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A), is pleased to announce being named the Official Cycling Apparel Sponsor for Ride to Conquer Cancer – Canada’s premier and most successful cycling event.

SUGOI is the exclusive Official Cycling Apparel Sponsor for Ride to Conquer Cancer as part of a multi-year partnership. The Ride to Conquer Cancer holds four epic two-day rides that clock over 200 kilometers, starting in four Canadian provinces to raise money for cancer research. In its third year, the Ride to Conquer Cancer expects to exceed the 12,000 riders and $34 million raised in 2009.

There are four rides starting in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Each unique, two-day cycling event covers over 200 kilometers, and the money raised from each ride goes to each province’s respective cancer research associations.

“SUGOI is a proud Canadian company, and to be involved in grassroots events is a vital part of who we are,” says Chris Fuentes, President of SUGOI. “We are honored and excited to partner with the Ride to Conquer Cancer, to help raise money for cancer research in our own backyard, and to provide the riders who participate in the event with the best quality of apparel, as well as offering clinics to prepare for the event.”

SUGOI will also be partnering with Sport Chek to promote the event. Thirty two Sport Chek locations will hold eight clinics in each Ride to Conquer Cancer region. Additionally, for any Ride to Conquer Cancer team that orders SUGOI Custom, SUGOI will donate $50 per team to the cause.

SUGOI is proud to be named the Official Cycling Apparel Sponsor for the Ride to Conquer Cancer - four epic two day cycling rides starting in four different provinces of distances over 200 kilometers.

More news to come from our end soon. For more about the Ride to Conquer Cancer, visit their website at http://www.conquercancer.ca

Startplätze für 3 IRONMAN 2010 Events in Germany

6/9/2010

Gewinnen Sie mit SUGOI einen Startplatz für den IRONMAN European Championship in Frankfurt, IRONMAN Regensburg oder IRONMAN 70.3 European Championship in Wiesbaden. Für weitere Informationen klicken Sie bitte hier.

SUGOI Piston 200 Compression Tights win Editor's Choice Award

12/16/2009

220 Triathlon, the UK's biggest and best-selling triathlon magazine, tested SUGOI's new Piston 200 Compression Tight in their January edition. The compression tights won the "EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD" - a highly sought after award from the 20-year-old publication.

"If you've never ventured into recovery garments or tried SUGOI clothing, this is a great garment to do both in one leap," the article states.

The Piston 200 tights were described as "brilliantly ergonomic" and the writer noted that the tight "makes the wearer feel like their muscles are warm and protected."

Check out our SUGOI compression collection here.

Also featured in the article was the SUGOI RS Zero, which is said to permit "great flexibility on and off the bike". Noted too was the RS Zero's "superb fit for the most dynamic of riders!"

Top Ranked Riders in Women's World MTB wear SUGOI

6/3/2009

Luna team member, Catharine Pendrel, has had another victory this past weekend in the US Pro XCT race in Alabama.

Decked out in SUGOI custom LUNA Team clothing, Pendrel has made quite a huge name for herself in the mountain biking world. This weekend, she will compete at the Madrid World Cup, and is currently ranked first in the UCI world ranking for mountain bike cross-country, putting her 31 points ahead of Spanish favorite, Marga Fullana. SUGOI wishes Pendrel the best of luck this weekend!

Also making her way up the in the MTB world is young rider, Emily Batty, who is ranked number one in the nation, with a 1,075 point lead over the United States. Batty rides for Trek Store Toronto – another team with a SUGOI custom kit.

NY Times Review

10/22/2009

Treasure Island Crash! SUGOI Tri Suit Saves a Race

9/18/2009

Race Report by Brice Winkler

The crash happened so fast. My front wheel scraped along the curb, and then I immediately was sliding on the pavement. My face was pointed towards the sky, and for a split second, I thought that this could not be happening to me. This race, the 2009 San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island, the race where my triathlon career had begun less than a year ago, was where I had planned to finish earning my professional triathlete's license. And now, because I had followed the wrong set of cones into a curb while blasting along at 24 miles per hour, my plan now had a incredible chance of being thwarted.

"Are you all right?" a concerned voice shouted. "Are you hurt? Are you hurt?" I didn't look back to see who was asking because I was in too big of a hurry to get back on my bike and continue racing. Did I considering stopping right there? Yes, of course. And I think if I had seen how serious my injuries were, if I had had the ability to look at myself from somebody else's perspective and see that my whole left side looked like burger meat from the butcher's shop, or if I had known that my helmet had completely split on the left side, then I would have stopped. No doubt about it.

But I was up and back on my bike. My right shifter was severely bent, and I used it sparingly because I knew my bike was injured and probably wouldn't be able to take very much abuse. My forehead hurt, my knuckles were torn to shreds, and my SUGOI tri suit looked like Swiss cheese, but the adrenaline was screaming through my body, and my mind had already reverted back to my original goal. Win this race. Earn my pro license.

The one thing that all my friends agree on, and I'll even tell you this, is that I'm driven. I always have been almost to the point of being a cliché: class valedictorian, 4.72 high school GPA, captain of my track and cross country teams, and now a junior at UC Berkeley majoring in Applied Mathematics and minoring in Spanish. You have to be driven to be able to give up your dreams of running for Cal's top-tier cross country program because you're simply not fast enough and be able to transition to something else-in this case, being a pro triathlete. And as all triathletes know, you have to be driven just to be a triathlete. All the pool sessions, 40-mile bike rides, long runs, and balancing an academic workload with professional dreams is taxing. Very taxing. Just getting to the race is enough work, and I owe a huge thanks to my mom and dad for acting as my pit crew in almost all of my races.

Here, my intense drive was keeping me in the race. The pro license was calling me. I wanted it. I had been third out of the water and had started the bike in third as well. Surprisingly, I had not relinquished any positions during my crash, and I came into T2 with a fifty second deficit. Running is my strongest discipline, and fortunately, I could see the two leaders up the road. It was a two-loop 5k course, and by the first loop, I had caught the leaders. As I passed them, I was wondering if they were going to counterattack, and I was thinking to myself, "Okay guys, we can turn this into a cross country race if you like," but there was no counterattack. By the end of the race, I had opened up a thirty second gap on the second place finisher. I claimed the overall victory in a time of 58:53. It wasn't until after the race that I realized the true severity of my wounds and that my suit looked as if it had been put through a shredder. Ultimately, it had saved my race. I'm sure there are some tattered pieces of cloth still out at the accident site. But hey, better the cloth than my skin, right?

The overall win punched my pro ticket, and as I was tended to in the medical tent afterwards, I started reflecting on my triathlon career. There are a variety of criteria one can satisfy to be a professional triathlete, but the criteria I was going for required I finish top-8 overall and within 8 percent of the overall winner's time in at least three USAT sanctioned events with at least 500 participants. Treasure Island now was my third event. I remembered how I had finished 5^th or 6^th overall in a lot of races but within 9% or 10% of the winner's time. Honestly, those near misses had bothered me a lot. But at the same time, they made me hungrier and got me to train harder. I would work more on my transitions. I became cognizant of little things like having a high cycling cadence. During swim workouts, I would experiment with a variety of techniques and took note of the ones that worked the best. Because when that next race came, whenever it did, I was not going to finish outside of that 8% margin. Now, having earned my pro license, I realized that good things came to those who wait. Ultimately, those near-miss races had emphasized a monumentally important tenet: patience. Moreover, they forced me to hone my skills and be even more prepared for my next race. Sometimes not getting what you want at first can actually be the best thing for you.

A few of my friends have told me my pro license now gives me the right to finish last since I'll now be competing against other powerful professionals. And it's true. I still have a lot to learn, and I'm now a medium-sized fish in a monstrosity of an ocean. But I have confidence that I'll be in the hunt for top honors soon. I wish all of you the best of luck in training, and I hope to see you at my next race. Stay driven. Stay patient. And remember, good things come to those who wait.

A Message From The Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation

7/29/2009

On behalf of all of us at the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation, I want to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation for all of your support of the 2009 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. Since we completed the event in late June, we have been doing follow up, returning/sorting equipment and recently have completing other events on behalf of kids cancer such as Tour for Kids in Alberta this past weekend and many Inside Ride fundraising events.

As a volunteer based organization committed to given 100% of donations to the childhood cancer charities we support, events such as the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, are simply NOT possible without the generosity and help of sponsors like you. Your commitment to the cause of childhood cancer through sponsorship of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride allowed us to fulfil a dream for the second year in a row: a dream to bring together Canadians across the country to create a caring, passionate community that IS making a real difference in the quality of life and survivorship of children living with and beyond cancer.

When we began the planning for 2009 event, we had some lofty ambitions:
•   First, to raise significantly more funds for childhood cancer programs and initiatives across the country than we did in 2008;
•   Second, to design the event to be scalable for 2010 and beyond; and
•   Third, to create a differentiated experience for the riders, volunteers and our sponsors to raise awareness, garner media attention and increase community involvement and volunteerism across Canada.

And I am proud to say that we have significantly fulfilled those ambitions, creating what we believe to be the biggest fundraiser on behalf of childhood cancer in the world!

The 2009 Event saw our 36 selected National Cyclists and 44 National Volunteers cycle in teams 7,200 km across Canada in 12 days while visiting local pediatric oncology hospitals, participating in community events and meeting thousands of ordinary Canadians. We visited literally hundreds of communities and stopped at 163 of them for rest stops, local community events and ride along events with hundreds of local cyclists.   Along the way, press (both local and national) expanded their coverage of the event with hundreds of interviews and stories posted on radio, TV the internet, and newspapers/magazines from coast to coast.

You can read my final thoughts or watch the video and see other comments by going to some of the links off the main page.   The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride is an emotional but important journey that is truly making a difference in funding for childhood cancer across Canada; a disease that is still the leading cause of non-accidental death of kids in Canada.

As for the experience for our participants, a post-event survey by riders and volunteers provided a strong endorsement for the event:
•   83% rated the event and overall experience an 8 or higher (on a scale of 1 (lowest) -10 (highest)),
•   81% rated the event better or much better than other similar charity events
•   85% said they were likely or very likely they would recommend others to participate in future events
….. and from a sponsor perspective, participants provided very strong support for your involvement:
•   89% of participants said they had a more favourable impression of sponsors involved in the event
•   84% of participants said it was more likely that they would shop/do business with sponsors because of their involvement

More importantly, with funding still coming in we believe we have raised approximately $1.5 million to date and counting with 100% of that flowing through to the charities we support. This is a significant increase over last year which will result in increased funding for both national research and local oncology unit initiatives on behalf of childhood cancer in each Canadian province.

And all of this was made possible because of your support. It meant that we could again launch an event of this scale and magnitude on a national basis. It meant that we will be able to distribute 100% of individual donations to the charities we support. It will mean that we have set the stage to create an even bigger and better event for 2010. In other words, we couldn’t have done it without you!!

We have already started to plan the 2010 Event. To date, we have already received dozens of applications from 2010 National Riders who want to complete the entire 7,200 km route. Many of our 2008 & 2009 riders and volunteer crew have also indicated that they want to participate next year.

We will continue this fight until we can truly fulfill our motto: Destination: Beyond Cancer. We will fight this fight every day, every month and every year until parents no longer hear the words “your child has cancer”. We are honoured and humbled that you have chosen to be part of this journey and this cause.

Thanks again for your generosity and support,

Jeff Rushton
Founder and Passionate Volunteer

Rockstar Pink Wears SUGOI

6/22/2009

Rock star Pink, with her "newly-reclaimed" husband, Carey Hart graced the pages of this week's People Magazine (June 22, 2009), next to other superstar couples like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and the infamous Jon and Kate Gosselin.

Pink and Carey are spotted in Sydney, Australia, riding bikes and wearing SUGOI. Both are sporting Helium Jackets (Pink's is a pink one, of course)... Rumors are that Pink also bought SUGOI Bib Shorts from one of our sales reps in Australia.

The two are among several superstars who have sported SUGOI, most notably Brad Pitt, and Jennifer Lopez.

To view our Helium line in the US, click here.
To view our Helium line in Canada, click here.

TIMEX News - A Weekend of Great Results

6/17/2009

June 14, 2009

San Francisco, CA

Accenture Escape from Alcatraz -

For the second time this year, Mary Beth Ellis stormed across a finish line well ahead of the rest of the pack. Racing against big names like Leanda Cave, Becky Lavelle, and Michellie Jones, Mary Beth had little trouble staying away from everyone after gaining control of the race early in the bike. She crossed the finish line in a time of 2:21:23 a full minute and thirty-nine seconds ahead of second place finisher Leanda Cave.

June 13, 2009

Boise, ID

Ironman Boise 70.3 -

This year’s Boise 70.3 marked first year pro Janelle Morrison’s professional debut. With high hopes but realistic goals, Janelle took on a strong field of women including former 70.3 world champ and Olympian Samantha McGlone and 6th place 2008 Kona finisher Linsey Corbin. After a disappointing swim, Janelle managed to charge back into contention on the bike and then ran her way into 6th place overall. Janelle was very pleased with her finish and is extremely excited to continue her dream as a professional triathlete. Janelle will be finishing up her full time position as a teacher next month and will focus all of her energy towards progressing as an athlete.

June 14, 2009

Lawrence, KS

Ironman Kansas 70.3 -

Three Pro Timex athletes ran across the yellow brick road finish at this year’s Kansas 70.3 and all three placed among the top 10 overall. James Cotter crossed the line in a time of 3:54:05 securing a 4th place finish while Andrew Hodges was a few minutes back placing 8th overall. Gabriela Loskotova finished in a time of 4:41:56 to match Andrews 8th place finish in the women’s pro field. Tim Hola also finished the day atop the podium taking high honors in the 35-39 age group. Tim had the fastest swim, bike, and run splits for his age group and finished in a time of 4:05:53.

*Photos courtesy of Larry Rosa
of Larry Rosa Photography.

Book Review: Running from the Devil

6/8/2009

SUGOI encourages the incredible! Jamie Freveletti is a trial attorney, martial artist, SUGOI brand champion and avid runner. She has crewed for an elite ultra-marathon runner at 50 mile, 100 mile, and twenty-four hour races across the country. Now Freveletti can add ‘bestselling author’ to her resume with her debut thriller novel: Running from the Devil. This fast-paced, hair-raising story has already been featured by Book of the Month Club, Mystery Guild and The Literary Guild!

The action is ignited in the first few lines, as we meet Emma, a chemist and endurance marathon runner who is en route from Miami to Bogota when her plane is hijacked and crashes deep in Columbian jungle. Thrown unhurt from the wreckage, she can do nothing but watch as mercenaries take the other passengers hostage.

Emma silently trails the guerrillas and their captives, using her athletic prowess and scientific knowledge to stay alive.

Running from the Devil is a breathtaking debut from a bold and daring new author.

Frevelleti is an advocate for SUGOI apparel and can often be seen wearing the incredible gear. View the exciting video trailer of her fantastic novel and let as know what SUGOI items are showcased for your chance to WIN a copy of Running from the Devil! Email us with the SUGOI product names, the first 25 to email with the correct answer will win!

Click Here to watch the trailer

Craig's Journey

6/4/2009

Craig Goozee is an extraordinary man, dedicated to raising $1 million dollars for childhood cancer research by doing a 12,500 km marathon around Australia.

Using a combination of running, cycling and ocean paddling, Craig will make his way around the continent through some of Australia’s most beautiful yet harshest terrain. Sharks, crocodiles, severe weather conditions and physical exhaustion are just a few of the challenges that Craig will face on a day to day basis.

The journey which is expected to take approximately 95 days to complete and will be the ultimate test of physical endurance.

His website explains his motivation: "On Friday, May 29, Craig Goozee set out on the journey of a lifetime. He's not a famous athlete or a celebrity, yet Craig aims to complete a 12,500 km marathon around Australia in an attempt to raise $1 million dollars for childhood cancer research. The journey will take Craig from A to B for C, Australia Square to Bennelong Point for Cancer... the long way round in memory of his eldest daughter, Jessica, who died of cancer in 1999 at the age of nine."

SUGOI has provided Craig with apparel, Cannondale has provided Craig with bicycles.

7 days in, Craig has already raised $211,260. Visit http://www.a2b4c.com.au/ for more information. All donations are welcome.

TIMEX Athlete Victorious in Canada

5/26/2009

Victoria, BC Canada

Subaru Shawnigan Lake International Tri -

First year Timex athlete Lisa Mensink took top honors at the Subaru half Ironman in Victoria, BC on Sunday. In only her second appearance in a half Ironman distance race, her first being Oceanside 70.3, Lisa took control early and never looked back. Posting a new swim course record, Lisa came out of the water a full minute ahead of defending champion Rachel Kiers. Kiers managed to pull Lisa back on the bike but couldn’t hold her off on the run. Lisa ran her way to victory defeating Kiers by over five minutes.

1. Lisa Mensink, 4:31:09
2. Rachel Kiers, 4:36:36
3. Annett Kamenz, 4:37:43

Lisa is scheduled to race at the Rev3 Triathlon in June where she will compete against some of the biggest names in the sport.

Book Review: Great Runs in Boston

5/17/2009

Outdoor enthusiast, SUGOI Brand Champion and seasoned runner Mark Lowenstein has transformed his passion into a self-published book designed to enhance the jogging experience for the casual runner. Lowenstein believes that motivating people to use running as an exploration tool will allow them to reach new levels of fulfillment from their run.

Compiling 25 years of discovering new trails through the quiet streets of Boston’s exclusive neighborhoods, off-road paths, historic ponds and parkways, Lowenstein has developed 30 unique circuits for his book, “Great Runs in Boston”. Each route is presented through a user-friendly design, beginning with a catchy title and an ‘Essentials’ index depicting the basic characteristics of the route from terrain, bathroom stops and landmarks. Every path has been meticulously researched to create the most scenic and pleasant journey possible. Offering clear directions accompanied by a highlighted map for a variety of circuits suiting different styles, moods and conditions, this book makes it easy for any runner to keep their runs fresh and exciting.

Find out more here: http://www.greatruns.net/

TIMEX Multisport Team Athlete Wins in Japan!

4/28/2009

TIMEX Multisport Team Athlete, Tamara Kozulina, took first place in the 25th Strongman All Japan Triathlon, in Miyako, Japan. Click Here to read more.

Brad Pennington Sports SUGOI

4/24/2009

Brad Pennington is North America’s best and best-known endurance paddler. The tricky thing is, to be the best endurance paddler in North America usually means you’re not going to be very well-known. Pennington is a bit different, in that he’s the best AND about to be well-known, as he’s due to be featured on NBC’s “Jeep World of Adventure.”

Endurance, or long distance, paddling is unimaginably arduous. It requires backbreaking labor, Herculean training discipline and the cardiovascular system of a horse. Perhaps more importantly, it requires the mental discipline of a yogi, because the pain of competition beggars that of even other brutal endurance sports such as Ironman, adventure races and ultrarunning.

Pennington, a Houston resident, is the current champion and record-holder in the solo kayak division of the Yukon River Quest, a monumentally brutal paddling competition of 460 miles that takes place in Canada each summer. In 2008, he paddled nearly continuously for just over 44 hours to capture the title, an effort that, months later, left him without feeling or movement in his left index finger.

A veteran adventure racer, the 41-year-old Pennington is no stranger to discomfort, but as he told the Houston Chronicle, “"The thing about this sport is that no matter how bad it is, pain is a fleeting sensation, and once the pain dissipates over the next few days you are left with the memories of the experiences."

As a SUGOI fan for years, Brad wrote to tell us, “I recently won the 8-mile Green's Bayou Kayak Race in Houston, Texas, wearing SUGOI's new Velocity Tri Suit, which I really like, for several key performance features. A proper kayak racing stroke is a complex movement that incorporates all the body's muscles simultaneously. The legs drive off a footboard as the hips rotate about 2 degrees to facilitate a more pronounced rotation in the shoulders, which in turn incorporates the larger muscles of the back. The Velocity Tri Suit offers a tight-fitting fabric that does not inhibit the necessary muscle movements, nor does it inhibit leg-drive off the footboard. Most kayak racers eschew padding their seats as it tends to hinder hip rotation. The Velocity's Trilite chamois offers just enough padding to eliminate the dilemma of sacrificing performance for comfort.”

Helium Jacket Covers Denver

3/23/2009

Rebecca Heaton, the editor of Rocky Mountain Sports, is a long-time fan of SUGOI. She not only writes about the Helium but also reviews it here on KUSA, Denver's NBC affiliate.

WHO'S IN SUGOI

3/16/2009

GT Golden Race Series

2/20/2009

Amateur racers are the unsung heroes of mountain biking. They work full-time. They have families and personal commitments. Yet they still make time to train and race.

GT is championing these racers and giving them a shot at cycling immortality. The GT Golden Race Series includes 7 cross country races across the U.S and 21 internationally. At each of these races, GT will crown the fastest amateur racer as the Golden Bike Winner.

The prize at stake includes a commemorative GT Golden Bike, a $250 SUGOI gift certificate and a swag bag of cycling gear.

La Sportiva

1/20/2009

SUGOI is the official apparel sponsor of La Sportiva

LA SPORTIVA MOUNTAIN RUNNING®

In a concerted effort to support the growth of trail running, in 2003 La Sportiva formed the premier trail and adventure running team in North America. 35 Great athletes pushing the boundaries of personal achievement and enjoyment. For information and news, visit our website at http://mountainrunning.com.

For 82 years La Sportiva has been the world's leading manufacturer of climbing and mountaineering footwear, and has been making award- winning mountain running shoes for six years. Always inventing, always rethinking and always dreaming ... just like the top athletes who use our products ... and just like you. We combine old-world craftsmanship with modern design to help you do what you need to do.

Innovation with Passion.

New Years Resolutions from SUGOI

1/5/2009

The SUGOI office is filled with athletes - from triathletes, hard-core bikers, cyclocross fanatics and runners to yoga freaks, ball players, and martial artists. We are passionate about sports, and we embody our company's mission to Fuel Personal Bests.

We thought it would be fun to share some of our New Years resolutions with you!

From the simplest things, to big lifestyle changes, here are TEN New Years Resolutions from SUGOI:

1) Ride your bike to work at least once a week
2) Explore new healthy foods
3) Do sit-ups every day
4) Strengthen your rotation muscles
5) Take the stairs, not the elevator
6) Find a training buddy
7) Drink more water
8) Always wear a bike helmet
9) Go out and enjoy the outdoors
10) Become a SUGOI Brand Champion!

SUGOI wishes all of you the best for 2009!

NATHAN CANADA TEAM Looks to Recruit

12/22/2008

From January 1st to March 31st 2009, NATHAN will look for 10 Canadian individual amateur athletes across Canada, men and women, in sports such as road running, trail running, duathlon or triathlon to join the 2009 NATHAN CANADA TEAM.

Who is NATHAN looking to recruit?
People who have a personal goal (it can be running a first 10K, beating a half-marathon PB, running a marathon under 4 hours or qualifying for Boston, moving from road to trail running, trying a tri, completing an Olympic distance duathlon or doing an Ironman), a character, a dedication, a conviction, a story, a message to share and a unique approach to the sport or to the objective they want to reach; inspired people who can inspire others are invited to apply. Even if having won a race or having personal records are great accomplishments it won’t be of first importance in the selection process.

In 2009, candidates selected as members of the NATHAN CANADA TEAM will:
* get free NATHAN products and accessories
* get a free SUGOI running or triathlon technical outfit
* get a free pair of END road or trail running shoes and sandals
* get free GU energy gels and sport drinks
* get a free one year subscription to Canadian Running and/or Triathlon Magazine Canada
* have up to $250 of training clinics costs and sporting events registration fees paid
* have the chance to be part of a great team with local and national recognition
* feel the satisfaction of challenging themselves during the season and hopefully achieve their goal

Candidates can find detailed information on the NATHAN CANADA TEAM recruitment campaign on http://www.nathansports.ca/Team

SUGOI Brand Champion Website Launches!

11/28/2008

The Brand Champions social network site is up and running!

Visit the site to see what SUGOI ambassadors are up to.

Who are SUGOI Brand Champions? Well, here’s a bit of history…

SUGOI’s heart beats within the vibrant, athletic town of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; the roots of the company name stems from Japanese decent – the word SUGOI meaning incredible.

The roots run deep and SUGOI’s Brand Champion program represents the Sumo tradition in Japan, where each kingdom would put forth their champion, or Sumo, to represent their kingdom in symbolic battle. Today, SUGOI honors our modern day champions.

SUGOI has created a unique Brand Champion program which supports and encourages outstanding people who differ from your average athlete – those who set themselves apart from other athletes by their passion and commitment to push themselves to inspire others and to embody a motivating attitude, wherever they go.

Our mission as a company is to Fuel Personal Bests. The SUGOI Brand Champions program is geared towards supporting those athletes who choose to wear SUGOI and inspire others on a daily basis.

The main criterion for inclusion to the program is not always the people who are fastest in the competition, but it is the person who inspires other by chasing their own personal bests. Many SUGOI Brand Champions are podium finishers in major international events; many others are everyday athletes whose personal bests come in different forms other than winning. All athletes are successful at what is important to SUGOI: the ability to be inspirational and to make a difference.

One of the benefits for SUGOI Brand Champions includes limited discount deals and access to limited edition product for both training and racing.

Brand Champion limited edition apparel features the northwest aboriginal artwork of David Franklin. The prominent Thunderbird in the design is an aboriginal symbol of power.

David is a ten year resident of Kitsap County in Washington State in the USA, where he has been studying wood carving, tool making, painting and design under Master Carver Duane Pasco. David has experience with public art commissions, including the Don Pratt Memorial at the Transportation Centre in Bremerton. He has also created several carvings at the Kids Up Play Park on Bainbridge Island, and major carvings, design work and painting at the newly remodeled Poulsbo library.

Much of his work is based on aboriginal traditions he has studied with Mr. Pasco, as well as some traditional Norwegian work. David is a member of the Washington State Arts Commission’s Artist Resource Band and has taught carving classes at Olympic Park Institute.

Visit the website at http://brandchampions.sugoi.com

SUGOI Raises Funds for Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society

11/19/2008

Donations to The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) have dropped almost 30% this calendar year - just one of the reasons why SUGOI wanted to raise money for the society. At our annual warehouse sale, a monetary or food donation acted as admission to the event.

Through our fundraiser, SUGOI was able to raise $7,411.50 in cash for the Food Bank, as well as a significant amount of food.

The GVFBS helps feed more than 9,000 people each week in 16 depots located in Greater Vancouver. Additionally, the GVFBS aids over 100 agencies within these areas, providing help to another 16,000 individuals weekly.

Up to 25,000 people receive food from the GVFBS each week. 41% of recipients are children. For every dollar donated, the Food Bank can purchase $3 worth of food.

To find out more on how you can help the GVFBS provide healthy food for hungry families, visit their website.

Photo: Stan Mavis, President of SUGOI presents Heidi Magnuson-Ford, Director of Development, Susan Brennan, Director of Special Projects, Alene Kravitz, Director of Communications of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society with a cheque and food donations.

Riding Down Under with High Hopes

11/5/2008

Sometimes, the people who wear SUGOI are hard-core competitive athletes, pro-level marathon or triathlon competitors, mountain biking enthusiasts, road or track cyclists. Most often though, the people who wear SUGOI are regular people who do regular things.

Sarah Steiner and Hans Berndt fall somewhere in the middle – not professional athletes, but not quite your average pair either. The couple’s story caught SUGOI’s eye when it was clear that part of their mission is similar to ours: to fuel personal bests. Not only are these two young people fueling their personal bests, but they are also inspiring others to do the same.

In September of this year, Steiner and Berndt set out on a long cycling journey down the east coast of Australia, in the hopes of making it from Cairns, Queensland to Melbourne, Victoria. Just having finished their university careers, the two hope to cycle 3700 kms (2300 miles) in total, not only as a personal challenge, but also an opportunity to support a good cause.

“We are excited to find out if even unprofessional bike riders can do this,” they posted on their website. Although the two are taking the time to explore the country of Australia for themselves, their cycling is fueled by a passion to raise funds for Welthungerhilfe, a humanitarian organization that aids when crisis and disaster strikes. On their website, Steiner and Berndt give the opportunity to anyone who wants to help the couple raise funds for Welthungerhilfe, by donating per kilometer they bike.

Welthungerhilfe is a private, politically and confessional autonomous aid organization. It provides immediate first aid after environmental disasters and humanitarian crises and also supports long-term projects with local partners. Since its formation in 1962, the organization has aided about 5000 projects in more than 70 countries. To overcome hunger means to overcome poverty. Welthungerhilfe supports people in need irrespective of their skin colour, confession or ideology. Efficient aid is to provide chances, to create a future free of hunger and need: Help people to help themselves!

If you are interested in donating to Steiner and Berndt’s cause, see them decked out in SUGOI gear, or if you want to read the blog they’ve been keeping of their experiences, visit http://www.shtravelpage.com. Although the two are almost getting ready to return to “work-life,” they have already planned a biking trip around Tasmania!

Photos: Berndt in Gustov Shorts, a Wallaroo Classic Shirt and R+R Ped Socks. Steiner in Wallaroo also.

Barbara Tesar - SUGOI Ambassador and Brand Champion

11/4/2008

From Kumberg, Austria – dubbed the green heart of Europe – there is a rising star that shines brighter and brighter by the day… especially on race day.

At only 26 years old, long-time SUGOI Brand Champion and ambassador, Barbara Tesar, is already quite a veteran when it comes to triathlons. She started triathlons ten years ago, with kid-triathlon, and before that, dabbled in bike racing with her dad, racing marathon-length distances.

Tesar’s family has made a huge difference in her athletic life. “The most inspiring reason” that Tesar became an Ironman was “my two brothers, Bernd and Stefan, who started competiting in Ironman races when I started kids-triathlons,” Tesar explains. “I always went with them to the races to support them and to cheer for them.” Watching them was the reason Tesar started getting involved in Ironman: “It was such a great experience for me that I decided to do my first Ironman at the age of 20 years, which was very early.”

With 6 years of experience already, Tesar competed in the 2008 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii – the 30th anniversary of the event. At the World Championships, Tesar finished fourth in her age category, just months after an incredible finish at Ironman Austria.

Besides Ironman Florida, Ironman Austria is the biggest race of the world series. Here, Tesar clocked a personal best of 9:45:55, which she calls her proudest moment in a race, winning her age category, and placing 12th overall in the pro category.

We all want to know how it feels to cross the finish line as an Ironman, and Tesar’s testimonial speaks wonders: “It is awesome! It motivates you in such a way that you will never stop doing Ironman again. In that moment, you forget all the pain you had during the race.”
Tesar calls her training “hard and smart,” and credits both herself and her coach for finding a “good middle between work and training.” But in the midst of an intense training regime, Tesar’s main focus – and the one she encourages others to focus on – is fun. “Never be too dogged in races or training,” she advises, “Give your best and enjoy the race as much as you can… and never stop laughing!”

Tesar’s theory of incorporating fun into intense physical activity is obviously working for her. Over the winter, Tesar will work on her swim and run, and has high hopes for the 2009 season. At SUGOI, we share those hopes, and wish Barbara Tesar the best on her journey upwards.

As for Tesar’s favourite SUGOI items? “There are so many SUGOI items I love!” she exclaims. For racing, the Brand Champions Tri Tank together with the Tri Short, which Tesar calls “comfortable and feminine,” tops the list, while the new Hatha Hoody is her favourite for leisure time. “I’m really in love with that thing.”

Photo credits: Matthias Popp - www.mpopp.at

Featured Athlete: Ironman Johannes Volck

10/31/2008

It was not that long ago that SUGOI Brand Champion and Rep, Johannes Volck started training for Ironman. In fact, the 28 year-old from Giessen, Germany, always did some kind of sport for fun, but it wasn’t until he was working at the Ironman expo in Frankfurt that he got serious about Ironman Triathlon.

“When I saw the athletes crossing the finish line at the Römer, and the fantastic crowd, it inspired me so much that I signed for the next year’s Ironman the following day and started training,” Volck explains.

Volck has only been racing in Ironman events since last year, but has done half marathons, and also cross-country running when he was younger. He’s also been involved in tennis, fencing, and riding his MTB as a kid. Volck stresses that he participates in sports more for the fun than the competition, and when it comes to training, he usually does it with friends who are also doing Ironman, although he does attend one training camp in early spring, in Mallorca.

When asked how it feels to cross the finish line as an Ironman, Volck sums it up pretty powerfully: “After more than 10 hours of swimming, biking, and running, it’s an incredible feeling to cross the line, meeting your family and friends. All the pain and struggle is gone in that moment and you just feel happy.”

Volck has been a SUGOI rep for eight years, and a Brand Champion since the beginning of the program, so he knows his stuff when it comes to SUGOI apparel. Some of Volck’s favorite SUGOI items include the RS Bib Short, Finostretch L/S Zip, the Helium Jacket and the all-purpose Swag-o-Bago.

Asked what advice he would give someone who is interested in getting involved with triathlons, Volck again stresses the importance of enjoyment: “Take it easy. Sport should be fun and a good balance in life. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Having a goal makes it easier to go out for training,” says Volck, whose next big event will be the Quelle Challenge in Roth in July 2009.

Chip Berezny wins World Masters Track Cycling Championship

10/28/2008

Photo credit: Ron Bonham – PhotoAction www.photoaction.net.au

Chip Berezny of Easton, Pennsylvania just arrived home from Sydney, Australia, with a new title: Current Masters World Champion in Track Racing.

Racing in the master’s age group, Berezny – a 7 time USA National Champion – won his first World title by a about a wheel at the line in the Scratch Race; a race that Berezny says requires all-around ability. Track racing takes place on a single speed, direct drive, and no brakes bike. Scratch Race has a mass start, and the rider that covers the distance first is the winner. In his words, the race requires “being able to do the distance and have the speed to finish the event.”

Berezny was introduced to cycling initially for rehabilitation after a knee injury in college, where he played many sports. After college, Berezny moved back home, became involved with the Lehigh Valley Velodrome through an Air Products developmental program, and got “really hooked.” Berezny says that his inspiration to start track racing was influenced by living close to “one of the best Velodromes in the USA,” and because track racing “seemed like a natural thing to do.”

Now, Berezny, who is also a road racer, logs about 10,000 miles a year and competes in 100 races each year. He has had an amateur racing license for 28 years, and has made the trip to the World Masters Track Championships for the past three years. Earning several bronze and silver medals in the previous years of the event, Berezny states that the decision to make the trek again was “because I felt I could win at that level.”

And indeed he did. “It was one of those days that you know you have good legs,” he describes. When asked if there was any turning point in the race when he believed he could win it, Berezny explains the need to “be patient during the race and not over extend yourself early in the race. I did not get caught up in going with the early moves. With about 10 laps to go, I really positioned myself for the end of the race. Then with one lap to go, Peter Gumbley from Australia made a hard move down the back stretch, and that is the one I went after. There were five of us that swept around that final corner. I had the better finishing kick to the line.” As the picture shows, it was a photo finish for 2nd through 5th.

SUGOI outfitted Chip Berezny for the race – a custom order of the RS Skinsuit, RS Short, and RS Jersey (short and long sleeve). “I really like the Skinsuit!!” Berezny exclaims. And SUGOI really likes the athlete, who is a true embodiment of SUGOI’s mission to Fuel Personal Bests.

Another photo of Chip Berezny - from his 2007 Points Race win on Track National.

Another hit in the New York Times!

10/23/2008

Our R+R Knee High Sock got a big hit today in the New York Times ("Compression Socks Make An Impression", Physical Culture, Fashion & Style: Thursday, October 23rd, 2008).

Professional Triathlete, Hilary Biscay, tested SUGOI's R+R Sock among compression socks from other sporting goods companies such as Zoot, 2XU, and CEP. The article stressed the importance of compression socks for athletes, backed up by medical studies, and perhaps most importantly, testimonials.

Hilary Biscay’s testimonial for the SUGOI R+R sock was more than favorable. You can find the entire full New York Times article here.

More about the R+R Sock:
No ordinary sock, the Race + Recovery (R+ R) has been developed based on medically proven and tested technology to promote vasal support and speed blood circulation. The sock is designed to reduce fatigue by minimizing wasted muscle motion through its graduated support starting at the foot with separate zones, matching the lower extremities, up to the knee. The R+R sock foot bed also massages the foot while reducing stress where maximum impact occurs. With features like thermoregulating mesh channels, reverse Lin-Toe®, a lace pad, comfort band, and sculpted terry comfort foot bed with a reinforced heel, the R & R Knee High is designed to reduce slippage and also to eliminate chaffing. Additionally, each sock is anatomically correct for left and right foot providing an even better fit. . Made with nylon-Tactel® and Polypropylene yarns, the sock has a seamless feel, provides superior moisture transfer, as well as durability with an extremely low thermal conductivity to keep feet cool and dry.

SUGOI Brand Champion Website Launches!