How much does it cost to race in Kona? Sam Laidlow's kit in detail
El IRONMAN Kona It is one of the most demanding and prestigious events in the world of triathlon.
Today we're going to look at how much it really costs to compete at the level of a PRO like Laidlow, last year's champion in Nice, breaking down each piece of his equipment to give a clear idea of the investment involved in reaching the elite of triathlon.
On October 26, Sam Laidlow He once again demonstrated his quality in cycling by marking his best time in this segment with a record time of 3:57:22However, the effort took its toll. At kilometer 17, the German Patrick Lange snatched the lead from him, and the Frenchman eventually finished in position ª 18.
Essential Equipment for Kona
The centerpiece of the team Sam Laidlow is the Canyon speedmax, valued at approximately $11.500.
This model is specifically designed for long-distance events and has been customized with gold details that, in addition to giving it a distinctive aesthetic touch, highlight the importance of a winning mentality at each stage of the race.
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In terms of protection and aerodynamics, laidlow He uses two specific helmets: one for the road and one for time trials, each costing $250. These helmets guarantee maximum safety and optimized performance in each part of the race.
For the cycling and running segments, the Oakley Encode Ellipse sunglasses They do their job of protecting from the sun without compromising vision. Their wraparound design and quality lenses justify their $275 price tag for an elite athlete who can't afford distractions.
The choice of footwear is vital for any triathlete, and laidlow does not skimp in this area.
For cycling use the Nimble Ultimates, at a cost of $600, while for the running race he relies on the HOKA Rocket X2, of which he has three pairs, each valued at $250.
On the other hand, laidlow Always travel prepared, carrying with you a Canyon bag valued at $500.
The triathlon suit of laidlow It is worth $350 and has become an extension of his body during competition.
For swimming, use a Sailfish swimskin, valued at $400, which allows him to reduce friction in the water and improve his speed. He completes his swimming equipment with goggles and a cap, whose combined cost amounts to $200.
One of the fundamental aspects of an elite athlete's preparation is nutrition. laidlow uses Ketone IQ, a ketone supplement that helps you maintain a constant energy level.
The Total Cost of Racing in Kona
Adding up all the equipment, the total value amounts to more than U.S. dollar 15.000.
This equipment is so expensive because of the high technology and customization required to optimize performance in each discipline of triathlon.
Although this figure may seem exorbitant, it must be remembered that the majority of these items are provided by the athletes' sponsors, who seek to maximize the visibility of their brands by supporting the best triathletes in the world.
