Rudy Project, world-renowned Italian designers of endurance sports gear since 1985, just smashed all records by earning the prestigious title of “Most Worn Helmet at the IRONMAN® World Championship” for the SIXTH consecutive year – a modern day feat that has never been achieved in the helmet industry before. LAVA Magazine released their official product count numbers Friday evening, announcing that Rudy Project was again #1 with 550 helmets, commanding 112 helmets over the nearest competitor Giro and 280 over second closest competitor Specialized. This marks the sixth year in a row that athletes racing in Kona have overwhelmingly placed their trust in Rudy Project helmets, to keep them aerodynamic, well-ventilated, safe, and looking their absolute best while battling all the elements on the grueling Queen K Highway.
“I’m speechless!” said President and Co-Founder of Rudy Project North America, Paul Craig. “Last year I was absolutely blown away when we won the count for the fifth consecutive year, but this tops all my expectations. For those who have never worn a Rudy Project helmet, we hope they realize that our products are trusted and loved by everyone from pro athletes to age groupers to weekend warriors. Our mission is simple: to provide athletes with the highest quality and most technologically advanced helmets and sunglasses, and this sixth title in a row is proof that we have the best gear out there. Thank you to all of our supporters, and congratulations to the 2016 competitors and all of our tens of thousands of athletes worldwide.”
The Rudy Project logo was displayed prominently at Friday’s bike check-in, with pros like Andy Potts, Sarah Piampiano, Matt Russell, Heather Jackson, Pedro Gomes, Mary Beth Ellis, and Meredith Kessler wearing their Rudy helmets and gear, along with a handful of other competitors. The Wing57 aero helmet was a favorite on the field, but many were spotted in Rudy’s tried and trusted Wingspan, or the all new Boost 01, Rudy Project’s first ever road aero helmet. There was also solid representation in the field of the eye-catching, colorful Sterling and the carbon fiber Windmax road helmets.
All of Rudy Project’s aero/TT helmets were designed with the aid of aerodynamics guru John Cobb and wind-tunnel tested to demonstrate their advantages over the competition. The Wingspan has been named ‘Best Aero Helmet’ by Triathlete Magazine, the Wing57 was given the esteemed ‘Best Triathlon Helmet’ award by Gear Patrol, and the Boost 01 is already receiving rave reviews throughout the triathlon industry. The Wingspan and Wing57 showcase timeless design allowing them to remain favorites amongst triathletes worldwide, but the Boost 01 is radically becoming the top dog in Rudy Project’s helmet lineup. For anyone looking to step up their game with a lightweight, compact, and undeniably aero lid, the Boost 01 is the answer.
While Rudy Project’s helmets were the star of the bike check-in on Friday afternoon, the Italian brand’s sunglasses were spotted on the faces of athletes from all over the world, particularly the Tralyx and all new Fotonyk performance frames. With fully adjustable nosepieces, plus lenses that feature maximum ventilation, the Tralyx and Fotonyk are customizable for any face shape and provide ultimate comfort. Since its launch a month ago, the Fotonyk has received rave reviews from all types of athletes, while the Tralyx has received numerous accolades such as Triathlete Magazine’s ‘Best in Fit,’ Ultra Running Magazine’s ‘Most Innovative,’ and a perfect 10 out of 10 score from Cycling Active Magazine since its debut a year ago.