If you are a fast and motivated triathlete who typically qualifies for Kona you could be part of the new Zwift Academy Tri Team- a partnership effort of Specialized and Zwift.
According to a press release, the Specialized Zwift Academy Tri Team athletes will benefit from an amazing support package that includes smart trainers and treadmills, and Specialized will help to ensure each athlete’s performance is optimized through a Retül fitting and Win Tunnel testing session at their Morgan Hill, CA headquarters. And all selected athletes will be outfitted with a Specialized S-Works Shiv bike, Specialized S-Works 7 Road shoes, Specialized S-Works Evade Helmet and Specialized Race Apparel.
“We are fired up to partner up to build the Specialized Zwift Triathlon Academy.” said Mark Cote, Head of Global Marketing and Innovation at Specialized. “The four athletes chosen will get pro level support including Zwift training, Retül Fit, Win Tunnel optimization, and the best Specialized equipment. I know we’ll help these athletes elevate their game towards Kona 2018.”
But wait, there is more. Zwift will apparently also be covering associated expenses for the team throughout the season. A US $1,500 budget contribution will be provided towards a qualifying event of the athlete’s choosing. And once qualified, entry fees, flights and accommodation will be provided for the Kona IRONMAN World Championships
in Hawaii.
Furthermore, Specialized and Zwift pros Tim Don and Lucy Charles will be available for mentoring to these 4 athletes.
"Zwift is about turning goals into achievements. On a professional level I can vouch for this," said 2017 Kona runner-up Lucy Charles. "Amateur athletes want to be inspired, so I’m delighted I can play my part by supporting Tim [Don] and the team members as they strive for a podium place at Kona." Charles by the way is a level 25 Zwifter.
How do you get to be part of these Zwift Academy Tri team? You need to have some impressive results on your resume and ought to be at least a level 10 Zwifter. Then you go to the sign-up page and see if you have what it takes.
Registration for the Specialized Zwift Academy Tri Team ends on Sunday March 18th , and word has it that the team will be announced on April 5th.
So get on it.
