In 2014, Trek will unify and broaden its triathlon presence under the Trek Factory Racing banner. The premiere season for the new international triathlon program will feature a fifteen-athlete roster featuring some of the sports’ most notable IronMan threats, established short distance competitors, as well as a promising core of youth competing across a wide range of triathlon disciplines. All team members will deploy the Trek Speed Concept 9 Series and have access to a full arsenal of Bontrager wheels and speed product and as always the unrivaled race support of Trek’s Waterloo-based Race Shop.
Headlining the fresh faces on the 2014 roster is triathlon super-couple Greg (AUS) and Laura Bennett (USA). The Bennett’s mantle houses three top-five Olympic results as well as wins and podiums at most of triathlons biggest professional races. Their move to Trek Factory Racing for the 2014 season will help the team expand its presence in Olympic distance racing. “The races are getting faster and the margins of victory smaller, said Greg Bennett. “I had to find a brand that would work closely with me and back me a hundred percent. When I looked at all of the options, Trek was the answer.”
Welcoming the Bennetts to the program are returning Trek athletes Lindsey Corbin (USA), Tim O’Donnell (USA), Julie Dibens (GBR), Melanie McQuaid (USA), Joe Gambles (AUS), Matt Lieto (USA), Rebekah Keat (AUS), and Fraser Cartmell (SCO). O’Donnell is coming off of an impressive 2013 season in which he set the course record on his way to winning Ironman Brazil and has his sights on big things in 2014. “After a fantastic first season riding Trek, I am thrilled to see the development and launch of the Trek Factory Racing Team,” said O’Donnell. “It has been 12 years since an American has won the Ironman World Championships and with the support of Trek Factory Racing, I plan to end that streak!”
Corbin’s 2013 season, her second aboard Trek, included a win at the Mont-Tremblant 70.3 and a top ten finish at the Ironman World Championships. “Personally, I will be focusing on Kona in 2014.” Corbin said when asked about her upcoming year. “All of my races between now and October will be working towards my ultimate goal: winning in Kona. I plan to compete in several domestic 70.3 events this spring and early summer and will make my second appearance in Europe at an Iron-distance event mid-summer.”
In addition to experienced triathlon veterans, Trek Factory Racing welcomes several promising young talents to the team’s inaugural roster. Lauren Goss (USA) will make her debut aboard Trek in 2014 after a season that included wins across the United States’ Short Course circuit. Goss has quickly risen through the ranks and has developed a formidable record as one of the fastest Olympic, non-drafting triathletes in the world. At just 21 Ben Kanute (USA) and James Hodge (AUS) are the youngest members of the team and represent the future of a range of triathlon’s distances. The two-time Junior Elite National Champion and Team USA World Team Championships member, Kanute, will look to learn from his veteran teammates as he pursues success in ITU and Short Course racing in 2014. Hodge will look to improve on his podium finish at the 2013 Ironman 70.3 Brussels.
Trek Factory Racing’s 2014 roster is rounded out by two of triathlon’s most recognizable athletes, Jenny Fletcher (USA) as well as 2013 IronMan Switzerland podium and IronMan World Championship top 10 finisher, Mathias Hect (SUI).
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.