Over the last few days I have had a number of thoughts running around in my head but as is always the case, finding time to put them down in writing has been tough. Not that I am complaining, being busy is a nice problem to have but when you see something that you just have to share, it’s frustrating having to wait to do so. I could use twitter but sometimes I need more than 140 characters to express myself so I will bundle them all together into this one post and if you like, it might become a more regular feature.

Ekoi Corsa Lite

Unless you are a avid follower of cycling you probably have never heard of French accessory company Ekoi but they have been around for a while and make some awesome helmets, sunglasses and clothing. I have heard a rumour that Lucie Zelenkova will be using their Chrono helmet at Ironman South Africa so it may not be long before they explode onto the triathlon scene.

Their signature item has to be the Corsa Lite helmet that comes in at a ridiculous 180g without compromising safety in any way. It’s 26 vents, including a huge one in the front, will provide exceptional cooling on even the hottest of days and ‘mosquito net’ interior will prevent those pesky bugs from hitching an unwelcome ride. The single hand size adjuster ensures a snug fit for most sizes and the Coolmax inner padding should do a great job of keeping you dry.

The only problem you might have is getting your hands on one but they do have a website that offers online ordering. Problem is that its in French so unless tu parles français you might have to use Google Translate to make sense of it. Check them out at www.ekoi.fr for more information

Fi’zi:k Arione VS & Antares VS Saddles

Not a whole lot is known about Fi’zi:k’s new saddles other than they have gone the route of many other saddle manufacturers and introduced anatomic relief to their top of the range Arione and Antares models.

This will come as welcome news for those hardcore Fi’zi:k fans and also for many of those that might have loved the design but could never quite get comfortable on the current models.

I have used the Arione ever since it first came out, starting with the Wing Flex before moving to the Tri2 Carbon Braided version and while I have no need for anatomical relief (just yet?), I do know a few people that will definitely go back to Fi’zi:k when these are released.

World Triathlon Corporation rules – good or bad?

At the end of last year the WTC announced a set of new rules relating to Kona slots and prize money for the professionals. While the intentions were probably good, they may actually end up doing more harm to the sport but it is their latest ruling around wetsuits and swimskins that I find incredibly narrow minded.

Yes, from September 2010, the start of the Ironman 2011 season, you will no longer be able to use your swimskins at WTC (Ironman and 70.3) races in the USA, including the World Championships in Kona and Clearwater.

The WTC has followed the route of FINA in banning technology and giving the manufacturers that support their sport the middle finger.

Sure one can argue that the reason for a non-wetsuit swim is exactly that and certain athletes should not then be aided by a swimskin but when everyone is using one the playing field is level and I see no harm in it. Triathlon has after all being at the forefront of technology for a long time and we can lay claim to many technological advances made in other sports.

To now go back and say that we are banning certain items is absurd, even more so when it is only in the USA. This means that an athlete can head off to a European Ironman event and qualify with a swimskin that is illegal in Kona? How does that benefit everyone?