TARPON SPRINGS, FL (BRAIN)—Triathlete Magazine will host a consumer event called Demo Days at this year’s Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
This event will kick off immediately after the Ironman Parade of Nations on October 7 and concludes on October 10. The Ford Ironman World Championship follows on October 11.
“Ironman has opened up its expo to the entire industry,” said Triathlete magazine publisher John Duke. “This move will certainly benefit the sport as a whole. The Ironman is more than just a triathlon, and it is great that the event is embracing all companies.”
Demo Days will be conveniently located inside the Ford Ironman Village at Hale Halawai in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona on Alii Drive. It will provide athletes with an exciting, hands-on opportunity to test the latest in high-end bikes, wheels, pedals, components, helmets and running shoes.
Some of the industry’s leading companies have already committed to booths for the inaugural event including Cannondale, Felt, Kuota and Zoot Sports. Many more are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
“Test rides are a crucial sales tool. From my experience, someone who rides a Felt bike goes home with it,” said Jim Felt, owner of Felt Bicycles. “We are excited that the WTC has chosen to add this event, and we look forward to being a part of it.”
For more on this story with commentary from Triathlete Magazine’s Sean Watkins, be sure to read the May 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.
—Jason Norman
