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First Words
Rebecca Adlington really is a class act. The world-record holder for the 800m Freestyle since an awe-inspiring performance at the Beijing Olympics, there have been choppy waters for the Mansfield swimmer since: she finished fourth to be shoved off the podium in her favoured event in the World Champs last year, and then let nerves get to her in the recent Europeans to slump to 7th place.
Olympian joins SkillsActive board
Anna Hemmings appointed to SkillsActive board to help set strategic direction and enhance leadership, management and delivery of the sports SSC
Brooks Sports Ghost 3 notches up industry awards
Running footwear company, Brooks Sports has seen its Ghost 3 shoe win the Editor’s Choice in the Runner’s World shoe guide this month, scoring highest out of 24 performance running shoes tested and reviewed over the course of a month. At the same time, the shoe was also voted Editor’s Choice by Endurance Sports Media Group, publisher of more than 20 regional running and endurance athlete publications throughout North America.
Running legend celebrates 40th anniversary of marathon win
Running legend, Dr Ron Hill, MBE, recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of his gold medal marathon win in the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970. He took the medal in a world record time. Earlier that year he had also become the first Briton to win the Boston Marathon in a course record.
To celebrate his achievements, staff at the Bollin Group gave Ron a special presentation and video footage of his successes.
Precision team up with Schmeichel
Precision Goalkeeping has teamed up with Leeds United star Kasper Schmeichel to produce his own range of goalkeeping gloves.
The company launched its goalkeeping range in May and has been working closely with Schmeichel to design and develop his own range. This season he will be wearing a negative cut glove made from supersoft latex, adorned with the Danish flag and coloured white and gold. “As a goalkeeper it is vitally important that you trust the gloves you are wearing and I couldn’t be happier with them,” Schmeichel said.
Andy "The Viking" Fordham Signs New Deal with Winmau
Winmau have signed a new sponsorship agreement with darts World Champion Andy Fordham in a 3-year sponsorship deal that will run to 2013.
Fordham became a major TV celebrity when he was crowned the 2004 Lakeside World Professional Darts Champion and his darting talent and larger than life appeal has seen him remain as one of the most popular dart players in the World.
Ian Flack, Winmau's Sales and Marketing Director said: "This contract renewal is great news for Winmau and Andy as he strives to get back to winning ways. Darts fans all over the world warm to this huge character and icon of the darts world, and he is never too busy to sign an autograph and share a joke with his legion of fans. We have been proud to support Andy for the past five years and I am privileged to class Andy as a friend."
UK Gear launch 1,000 mile shoe
UK Gear is set to steal a march on sports footwear with the launch of a new running and trail shoe expected to redefine the athletic shoe market.
The new PT-1000 has been designed to last 1,000 running miles and is thought to be the first of its kind on the market. Set to redefine the athletic shoe market, the PT-1000 features UK Gear’s Force Dynamic System technology, built on a foundation of proprietary compounds and materials, which has taken over 8 years to develop in conjunction with the Army Physical Training Corps (APTC).
ON THE WING
Precision Goalkeeping sees World Cup action
Precision Goalkeeping have signed England Blind Football International, Lewis Skyers who has been selected as one of the two authorised sighted goalkeepers for England’s bid in the World Championship campaign, which kicked off last month. The Malvern Town keeper will be wearing Precision Goalkeeping’s new Supersoft Roll gloves and padded shorts throughout the tournament.
Slazenger
Endorsed by England Twenty20 Captain, Paul Collingwood, the Slazenger V1 offers a lightweight bat to enable maximum response and shot accuracy. Featuring a premium cane oval handle, this bat is designed to deliver improved power, feel and grip, Slazenger say. This model also features a concave back spine, designed for manoeuvrability for all round stroke play.
RRP £350
Slazenger
Designed for the player wanting maximum power, the V3, endorsed by Matt Prior, has an enlarged sweet spot combined with a chiselled toe to help create ultimate power whilst maintaining a light pick up.
RRP £350
Adidas
The Elite glove features finger wraps for protection and reduced padding movement. A new palm design in quality leather offers improvements to fit, comfort and visual ID, taking its influence from motor cycling and cycling gloves. Other features include AdiPrene inserts, high density foam padding with TPU inserts, high density foam side bar, towelling wrist band, PU finger roll material and ventilation throughout the palm and side mesh panels to help keep hands cool.
RRP £55
Adidas
Adidas’ ClimaCool technology has been used in its England test shirt, designed to improve airflow through the garment, while the company’s Formotion tehnology is designed to give complete freedom of movement during play. In brilliant white, the shirt has a red stripe and stand-up collar for UV protection.
RRP £44.99
Adidas
The Twenty2yds Lite boot features a lightweight 3 layer spacer construction for ventilation and a ClimaCool sock liner for increased air flow. Other design features include an adiPRENE outsole for shock absorption and the company’s Torsion System bar for midfoot arch protection.
RRP £54.95
Asics
Asics has used its technological expertise to produce a cricket shoe intended to be extremely light and durable, using a combination of mesh/synthetic upper, Solyte Midsole and a new PU outsole. Other features include rear foot gel to provide cushioning and shock absorption. The Gel-Advance 2 also comes complete with a combination of screw-in metal and PU soft studs.
RRP £85
Newbery
Trialled in the Twenty20 Cup, this high impact bat is handmade using the finest English willow for enhanced performance. Design features include shaved shoulders intended to allow redistribution of weight to an enlarged hitting zone for improved power whilst maintaining a light balanced pick up. The handle has been slightly lengthened too, to create additional flex for power and speed.
RRP £249.99
Newbery
Newbery has used IG technology for shock absorption and protection in this glove, allowing the energy to be dissipated within the material instead of transferring the force to the play. Also in the Thruxton range is a new pad featuring a rounded high density/low rebound foam construction with seven-bar configuration outer shell and angled top hat and new buckle protection flaps.
RRP Gloves £64.99 Pad £99.99
Kookaburra
The 2011 footwear collection sees significant technical development with the launch of two more quality sports specific designs. The Vision offers players an ultra lightweight dual option shoe featuring running shoe technology for comfort. New Spirit also features running shoe technologies and is available in a full spike option, which can be transformed into a half spike, alongside a full rubber style.
RRP Vision £60
Kookaburra
This helmet continues to be one of Kookaburra’s most popular lines in this market. The lightweight style features a shock resistant polymer liner and durable rubberised finish giving a strong product for players of all levels. It is available in three sizes – mini, junior and senior, each fully adjustable through the Kookaburra Control System.
RRP £35
Puma
A lightweight bat targeted at high impact players, Puma’s Iridium 6000 features a large hitting zone and flexible spine. Puma say most of the driving power has been positioned higher up the bat, aimed at creating improved power and stability. With contoured edges, the blade profile is intended to improve balance and control. It features striking cosmetics and a modern design.
RRP £340
Puma
Puma’s Iridium footwear, as worn by Andrew Flintoff, is designed for batting and bowling and is available in Iridium Rubber for indoor and synthetic surfaces and Iridium Spike for outdoor wear. With a lightweight ventilated upper, design features include motion control technology, cushioning and improved support and foot stability.
RRP Full Spike £60
Readers
Readers says its Challenger range offers Test Match quality and performance in contemporary style. The 2011 season will see the top of the range Challenger cricket bat, manufactured in unbleached four star willow along with batting leg guards, gloves and a wheelie bag to complete the range.
RRP Bat £150
Woodworm
The Tough Nut helmet from Woodworm boasts a wealth of features including a multi view lightweight steel faceguard and contrast colour air vents for comfort with adjustable chin cup and retention straps. In a smart black and red design, it’s available in Men’s 57-63cm and Boy’s 49-56cm sizes.
RRP £24.99
Gloworm
The Glowworm Mega is crafted from Grade 4 English willow and features a concave profile, high spine, thick edges, nine-cane handle and 'octopus style' non-slip grip as well as pro-facing and a fluorescent toe guard for protection. Glowworm Fizz uses English willow with expanded sweetspot and thick, contoured edges, while entry-level Glowworm Buzz features Kashmir willow with a multi-piece cane handle, fitted toe guard.
RRP £79.99
Quad-Netz
The Quad-NetZ range of cricket bowling and batting practice nets is a patent-pending system that can incorporate four sports into one product. The company says the nets are simple to assemble and modify for different sports. There are three net systems that incorporate cricket– Quad-NetZ2 ,Quad-NetZ3, and Quad-NetZ4.
RRP From £219.99
Gray-Nicolls
The Ignite is shaped with a steep spine and large sweetspot and is intended for all-round play. The over-sized face is designed to inspire confidence at the crease, and the bat comes in six different options to suit different levels, from professional to club cricketer.
RRP: £349.99
Gray-Nicolls
This striking bat from Gray-Nicolls breaks with bat-making tradition by
employing chrome effects and grooves on the back of the bat with a view to enhancing pick-up. As played by England vice-captain Alastair Cook, the bat is fitted with a premium Octopus Grip for maximum control.
RRP: £349.99
Kookaburra
The new range of cricket bats from Kookaburra promises innovation, quality, performance as well as value for money, the company says. With cutting edge graphics, the new Rogue 850 as played by Australia’s Mike Hussey, is a powerful profile with a high spine designed for the power plays of T/20.
RRP £75-£320
Have ‘advances’ taken us backwards?
Dr Ron Hill, MBE really needs no introduction, so we’ll cut right to the chase…
“2010 is a significant year for me, as it is the 40th anniversary of me forming Ronhill Sports and also the 40th anniversary of me winning the Boston Marathon and the Commonwealth Marathon. From a running perspective it was my ‘purple patch’ as the previous year I had won the European Marathon, in Athens. My win in Boston was a course record (2 hours 10 minutes) and I was the first Briton to win this prestigious event. In July of that year, I won the Commonwealth marathon, in 2.09.28 – a world record.
Trading Intelligence
Shop name: MOTI
Location: Bristol, Cardiff, Reading, Online
Owner: Amy Newton and Shaun Lancaster
Opened: 2007
Affiliation: STAG
Number of staff: 33
Speciality: Running, Triathlon
Changing into Neutral
Brooks recently scored a success with a Runner’s World USA Editor’s Choice award for the Ghost 3 neutral running shoe; UK Sales Manager Martin Exley explains more about the shoe and the company’s ethos
2XU
Using a newly engineered high gauge performance fabric, the latest range of specialist compression garments from 2XU have been designed to maximise blood flow through targeted graduation compression technology delivered to the distal area of the appendage. By combining a 250/70 denier circular knit fabric with a graduated, seamless design, blood flow through the venous system is maximised to enhance recovery.
RRP: £36
K Swiss
Fantastic footfeel thanks to taped seams, the K•Swiss K-Ona C can be worn sockless for shorter races which makes it a very fast option in transition. It’s well cushioned and supportive, exceptionally breathable, and is used by world-class triathletes like Chris Lieto, Andreas Realert, Leanda Cave and Belinda Granger.
RRP: £70
Polar
The new Polar CS500 is designed for serious riders who are passionate about the sport and who are determined to improve. This innovative cycling computer contains a wide range of features that help cyclists stay in control of their performance. With a unique rocker switch operation, an oversized display and a new bike mount, the CS500 allows effortless operation.
RRP from: £234.50
New Balance
A lightweight supportive shoe, built for the runner seeking a lighter option for running and triathlon. ABZORB cushioning and TS2 Medial Post give a great balance of impact absorption and support. The EVA used in the 905 is called ACTEVA LITE which is 33% lighter than ACTEVA, which might help give you an edge on race.
RRP: £75
Orca
Orca Killa Kompression Perform Full Tight
Orca’s new Killa Kompression Perform Tight uses Killaskn Kompress fabric to provide graduated compression from the ankle area, helping increase circulation and improve muscle recovery. The Graduated Compression Zone is a panel of double thickness compression fabric, contoured to major muscle groups for additional effectiveness.
RRP: £65
Asics
An extremely bright coloured shoe, the Gel Noosa Tri will be easy to spot when it comes to your transition! Lightweight support, elastic easy laces and a PU tongue that’s easy to handle when wet – Asics really have designed this with tri in mind.
RRP: £90
Timex
Tap your inner strength with innovative TapScreen Technology from Timex, Official Timing Sponsor of the Virgin London Marathon. Launching the next generation of performance tools, and helping you access key information without breaking your stride, giving you the edge when every second counts.
RRP: £79.99
Saucony
Engineered by Saucony specifically for triathletes, this is a lightweight shoe that dries quickly thanks to its breathable mesh upper. This fast racer features drainage channels through the midsole and outsole, and crucially is fast in transition thanks to heel and tongue loops and a gusseted elastic tongue.
RRP: £70
Brooks
Now with a handy roll-and-stow hood, Brooks L.S.D. Lite Jacket in NightLife offers 360 degrees of 3M Scotchlight retroreflectivity, weighs 4.3 ounces, and stows in its own pocket. It's an indispensable companion for running, walking, and travel. Also features a back vent and storm guard on front zip.
RRP: £56
Zoggs
Predator Flex is an innovative new goggle offering comfort and performance.
On top of the great features of the existing Predator range, Predator Flex also offers four-point, Flexpoint technology for a contoured and comfortable fit. The flex points allow the frame to flex to the face for a comfortable fit. It also enables the nose-bridge to flex around the eye to enhance the fit.
RRP: £19.99 Mirrored: £22.99
Aqua Sphere
Aqua Sphere’s Kayenne goggle dramatically increases the field of vision, delivering wide-angle 180-degree peripheral sight plus up and down vision. Combine this with a comfortable leak resistant seal and Quick-Fit technology which allows for the easiest ever fit and you have a visibly better goggle.
RRP: £17.99
Speedo
The Speedo LZR Racer Tri-Pro suit spearheads a new amphibious generation of high performance sportswear. Speedo says its LZR Racer suit is the lightest and fastest drying, high performance tri-suit on the market, adding that it is 42% lighter than the nearest competitor suit when wet, and 26% lighter when dry. It also, they say, dries up to twice as fast as the nearest competitor.
RRP: £130
Skins
After their success in the world of compression wear, Skins turns its attention to triathlon with the Tri400 range, which comprises a suit, shorts and a top, each developed using laser body-mapping, motion-capture technology.
The Tri400 suit features a front zip and comes in a choice of colourways: black/white/yellow and royal blue/black/yellow. The shorts and sleeveless top come in b/w/y.
RRP: Suit: £124.99; Shorts: £54.99; Sleeveless top: £59.99.
All products are currently male-only, with female versions TBA.
Aqua Sphere
Goggle guru Aqua Sphere has partnered with Ironman to create a superb line of tri wetsuits. Available in three classifications - Beginner PURSUIT, Intermediate Mens RACER and womens W-RACER, and Elite ICON - all are packaged in a durable carry case which also acts as a transition mat during races.
RRP: Beginner Pursuit £179.99, Intermediate Mens Racer and womens W-racer £329.99, and Elite Icon £399.99.
Raising the brand profile
It’s been a busy year for Intersport with membership soaring and a strong branding and consumer marketing campaign rolling out across the UK. Yvonne Holberton talks to Susan Herbert, Intersport’s marketing and communications manager to find out how plans are taking effect to raise the brand profile.
X-Bionic – Turn sweat into energy
Ardblair Sports, X-Bionic® and X-Socks® UK Distributor, explains what makes their products so very, very impressive . . .
X-Bionic® and its products are unique. That applies not only to the technical know-how but also to the materials selected – all to give the customer the highest benefits.
Research and development guarantee you an advantage.
