FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EUGENE, OR, Apr 10, 2006
Lovato Wins Ironman Arizona on Rolf Prima Carbon TT Wheels
EUGENE, OR – Boulder’s Michael Lovato took his second career Ironman victory in a most unusual way: leading off the bike -- and holding off a late charge by Britain’s Spencer Smith to take the win Sunday in Tempe at Ironman Arizona in 8:20:56.
Lovato’s swim in Tempe Town Lake was slower than anticipated which meant he had to play a game of catch-up and pick his way up through the world-class field on the bike segment. Riding atop a set of the new Rolf Prima Carbon TT wheels, Michael was able to join and eventually pass a group including two-time Ironman world champ Tim DeBoom and Spain’s Hector Llanos before the bike’s midpoint.
As Lovato picked his way steadily through the pack of elite athletes Spencer Smith maintained close contact throughout the marathon, but was unable to close the gap which fell to about 30 seconds at one point. Lovato’s strong bike leg and steady pace through the marathon was just enough to hold off the British Bulldog and give him his second Ironman title.
All Rolf Prima carbon wheel systems are engineered to advance lightweight aerodynamic performance and were developed for individuals with top-level performance in mind. Rolf Dietrich is the inventor of the paired-spoke bicycle wheel design. All Rolf Prima wheel systems are hand-built in Eugene, Oregon and are protected by numerous patents in the US and other countries with several non-exclusive license agreements in force.
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Contact: TJ Walsh [tj@rolfprima.com]
Rolf Prima Incorporated
750 Commercial Street, Suite 1
Eugene, OR 97402 USA
Voice: 541.868.1715
Web: rolfprima.com