KOBLENZ, GERMANY | EMBARGO: WEDNESDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2023, 17:00 (CET) — Chelsea Sodaro’s sporting life reads like a journey to find the best home for her exceptional talents. From high school running prodigy and competitive soccer player to sports scholarship at the University of California. From cross-country and track running champion to entering the world of triathlon. From stunning victories at 70.3 to full Ironman distance. From athlete to motherhood. From rookie to Champion. And now to Canyon sponsorship.
The accolades and whirlwind success of victory in her maiden Kona Ironman could only be topped by the high of becoming a parent 18 months beforehand.
Like all new parents, the family had to settle into a new routine which revolved around Chelsea’s 25-30 hour training weeks in preparation for her first Kona. It was the start of a journey that saw the thirty-three-year-old become the first rookie in 15 years to win in Kona, the first American champion in over 25 years and the first mother ever to take the win on the big island.
By joining forces with Canyon, the brand will support her 2023 ambitions, which includes the PTO Tour and defending her Kona title, whilst Canyon will also be working with Sodaro to ensure the innovations on her Speedmax bikes are perfectly in tune with the needs of world-class triathletes.
“Chelsea’s story is a true inspiration,” said Canyon brand manager Markus Fachbach. “From her background as a runner and being new to cycling, to lifting the trophy in Kona, it’s such an inspiring example of how it’s possible to combine being a parent and a world-class athlete. We’re honoured to be supporting her and we hope she continues to inspire triathletes, whether they have families, are thinking of starting families, or are simply motivated to combine swimming and running with cycling.”
Sodaro will be afforded a Canyon Speedmax CFR, the brand’s top-of-the-range triathlon bike, designed for elite time trial performances. Alongside this, Sodaro will use Canyon’s Aeroad road bike for training purposes.
“I’m so determined to show women how it’s possible to be world-class at what you do whilst being a mum at the same time. I don’t know how far I can push my body and mind but I do know that I’ve got one of the best performance brands behind me this year,” said Chelsea Sodaro.
About Canyon
What started in founder Roman Arnold’s garage has grown into the world’s leading direct-to-consumer bicycle manufacturer. Renowned as one of the most innovative brands in the industry, Canyon designs bikes for every discipline – from road, triathlon and gravel to mountain, city, trekking, and e-bikes.
Canyon partners with the finest athletes and teams on the planet, taking insights from the toughest race conditions to engineer bikes and components for the highest levels of the sport. The result: award-winning bikes that set the standard for performance, innovation, and engineering – built to deliver at the highest level on any terrain.
“Inspire to Ride” is the mission driving Canyon to ignite a passion for cycling around the world thanks to a streamlined direct-to-consumer model, smart digital services, and Canyon Stores and service partners offering expert advice, community experiences, and full support. At the same time, Canyon is committed to responsible business practices, sustainable production, and the safety and well-being of employees, partners, and the environment.
Canyon bikes are available at canyon.com, through the Canyon app, and at selected Canyon Stores worldwide.
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