Germany’s Franz Loeschke outran Aussie James Seear and Great Britain’s Hollie Avil did the same to countrywoman Jodie Stimpson to take the Under 23 world titles on Australia’s Gold Coast

On this Friday we look closer at derailleur cables from Gore, a speedsuit from Aquasphere, lighting from Knog, a t-shirt from Swobo and a great money “hiding” idea.

Setting triathlon championship odds is a thankless task which invariably holds the prognosticator’s shortcomings up for ridicule. But Slowtwitch senior correspondent Timothy Carlson is once again up for his stint in the post race hall of shame.

Who could bet against young Alistair Brownlee, who has a shockingly perfect World Championship Series record? Well, some daring punters (bettors) might look at the crack in his invulnerability revealed with a loss to Javier Gomez at Europeans.

After heated discussions about the recently announced compression sock ban for Kona, the WTC announced today that covering the calves at the Ironman World Championships would no longer be considered an infraction of a rule.

At the ITU World Championship Series Grand Final, Alistair Brownlee has a commanding points lead over Javier Gomez and the rest of a strong men’s field; while Emma Moffat must finish within a place or two of Lisa Norden to secure the title.

WTC has taken a bold and affirmative step, and has set several industry standards with its new anti-doping program. But AGers as well as pros? That’ll require uncommon smarts and agility.

Ironman’s owner to test pros and elite age-group athletes both in and out of competition. Will AGers have to register with ADAMS? Details to follow.

Giant’s Trinity 1 for 2010 was, in most respects, its Trinity 2 in 2009. It’s an 09 Trinity 2 with a new color, and like last year’s “2” it’s a great frame with a forgettable spec.

Gash in foot incurred at Knokke Triathlon in Belgium knocks Rutger Beke, one of the Kona’s most consistent performers, out of the 2009 Ironman World Championship

Australian Ironman athlete Chris McDonald has lightened up his racing schedule this year as he returns this weekend to defend his 2008 Ironman Wisconsin title. He lives in New Zealand but maintains that he is true blue kangaroo.

In bikes and fine art, sometimes value is not appreciated contemporaneous with its introduction. So with the Trinity 0 (last year’s Trinity 1), and most retailers who carry it won’t grasp this model’s importance.

In 1997 I entered my first triathlon in Lititz, Pennsylvania. This is the same triathlon that lost its support from the local fire department in 2002 due to an unfortunate association with Harry Potter and alleged witchcraft.

You’re more than a third of the way to the goal. In a couple of weeks you’ll be halfway to the goal. You could probably do a triathlon right now and survive.

Featured here is a day in the life of 3-time Life Time Series champion Greg Bennett at home in Boulder with wife Laura.

Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run takes a great shot at the title, with his amazing, weird, wonderful, learned, hilarious tale of a secret race and culture clash between soulful U.S. ultrarunners and the legendary Tarahumaras of Mexico.

A few weeks ago Jenna Shoemaker narrowly missed out on winning the USAT Elite National Championships in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but with so many greatly results this year she must be quite happy and looking forward to 2010.

Axel Zeebroek led from start to finish as he won the 2009 Ironman 70.3 Monaco race in convincing fashion. In the women’s race, Christel Robin helped herself to a great 22nd birthday gift with an equally impressive win.

Andy Potts bike crash at the Chicago Triathlon raised some serious medical concerns and raised doubts about his chances to perform at Kona -and prompted suggestions for improved safety.

The Chicago Triathlon is one of the world’s largest and had more than 9,000 age group triathletes competing. Photo Gallery by Timothy Carlson

The 27th Chicago Triathlon rewarded Matt Reed and Sarah Haskins with their first wins in the Windy City classic. Images by Timothy Carlson.

In January 2009 Caterpillar offered Andrew Starykowicz a severance package and he accepted it to pursue the dream of being a Pro triathlete. He is known for his bike prowess, but Sunday’s Chicago Triathlon did not go as planned.

You might think it’s still 2009, but it isn’t, at least, not according to bike manufacturers. It’s 2010 already for many of them, and here is what you can expect to see.

We’ve added some long sessions: one long run (1 hour) and one ride in which we’re looking for a given distance to be covered (30 miles). You’re entering the big time!