Tacx Unveils IRONMAN Triathlon Trainer

Tacx has announced the launch of a new triathlon training device, the Tacx IRONMAN® Cycle-Mounting Trainer.

Tacx, a global leader in the development of cycling tools and home trainers, has introduced a new indoor virtual bike trainer, the Tacx IRONMAN® Cycle-Mounting Trainer, this week. The training device is designed specifically for triathlon, and will help triathletes achieve top levels of performance. It simulates real IRONMAN races and has a motor brake that provides users with a realistic triathlon experience. The new Tacx trainer also uses advanced software to measure various aspects of training and to analyse the users' performance in the virtual bike race.

The IRONMAN trainer is the result of a collaboration between Tacx and IRONMAN and equipped specifically for triathletes. Users can see the bike route displayed on the computer screen as the powerful motor brake allows them to experience various features of the terrain by converting them into resistance to the bike. Maximum resistance is 1,500 Watt, and it is adjustable in percent. The trainer can simulate a realistic climb of up to 20 percent and it can be expanded with the BlackTrack, a collapsible steering frame that allows users to go wherever they want in the virtual race.

Tacx trainers are already widely used among the world's top triathletes, among them Craig Alexander, who was excited to learn about the partnership IRONMAN has struck up with the fitness gaming company. "I have been using a Tacx trainer for a while now and they are extremely time efficient and effective way to train and improve your performance," he said in a statement.

This year, Tacx will follow and support two professional athletes on their journey through the IRONMAN triathlon: Frank Janssen, a first timer, and Wolfgang Ermeling, a veteran athlete who is preparing for his last IRONMAN race. Both athletes will write about their experiences on the Tacx website.

The Tacx IRONMAN® Cycle-Mounting Trainer is available for a suggested retail price of $1,595 (€1,145) and it comes with the Tacx Skyliner front wheel support, a DVD of the IRONMAN World Championship race course, held every year in Kailua-Kona in Hawaii, and a Kona water bottle. More IRONMAN bike courses will be released later this year.