The Kona Ironman took place in Hawaii on October 6th.As always, it was the highlight of the triathlon season with the awarding of the Ironman world champion title. Among the protagonists of the Kona event we can certainly count Kask. The Italian company, a point of reference in cycling helmets for several years now, has provided technical support to several prominent names on the starting list of the Hawaiian event. Among these, those who certainly deserve a mention are: Lucy Charles-Barclay (opening photo hollycharlesphotography) and Braden Currie.
World stars
We're talking about two world-renowned athletes. Lucy Charles-Barclay recently signed a deal with Kask until 2024. She's one of the world's top triathletes. He can boast three consecutive silver medals in Kona, from 2017 to 2019., as well as two wins at Ironman South Africa in 2018 and 2019, along with a win at the 2019 Challenge Roth.
Among his most recent successes, in September 2021 he won his first world title at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in America. Over the same distance, but at the European Championships held just three months earlier, he achieved his best performance of all time.
Braden Currie's sporting record is no less prestigious, New Zealand athlete born in 1986, winner of the Asia Pacific Ironman Championship title for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019 and silver medal in 2022. In 2021 he was able to enrich his palmares with a third place at the Ironman World Championship St George.
Aerodynamics at the centre
For every triathlete, an Ironman is a challenge against their opponents, but also against themselves. In the cycling leg, unable to draft, the race becomes a grueling 180-kilometer time trial. Aerodynamics therefore plays a decisive role and it becomes equally fundamental to be able to have products that are up to the task..
At the Kona Ironman, Lucy Charles-Barclay and Braden Currie were able to use top-of-the-range products made by Kask specifically for triathlon. We are talking about Child Pro, Bambino Pro Evo e Mistral.
In detail, Bambino Pro and Bambino Pro Evo are characterised by an innovative design with several ventilation holes on the front that offer freshness and comfort. They also feature 5mm thick padding which allows for very rapid moisture dissipation., ideal for more intense rides, and a visor integrated with a magnetic system. They differ in their tail. The Bambino Pro has a truncated tail, while the Bambino Pro Evo has a long one. Mistral, in addition to six front openings, has two rear vents and a design that includes extended internal ducts, to offer the cyclist constant comfort.
We close with Lucy Charles-Barclay's thoughts on Kask products: «In addition to the strong aerodynamic connotation, I appreciate the lightness of these helmets. Thanks to their characteristics they manage to keep me cool even in extreme situations, like in Kona. It gives me extraordinary confidence knowing that every watt I save is delivered at the speed of the bike."
