Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) won the 2008 Ironman Switzerland thanks in part to his 4:27:43 bike split. In the women’s race it was Sybille Matter (SUI) who proved to be too strong for her competition.

Ironman Australia winner Patrick Vernay (NCL) won the 2008 Quelle Challenge Roth and held of a host of tough challengers. Yvonne Van Vlerken (NED) managed a new world best time of 8:45:48 enroute to her win in the women’s race.

Marino Vanhoenacker (BEL) dominated the 2008 Ironman Austria and thus grabbed his consecutive 3rd Ironman Austria title. The women’s crown was taken by Sandra Wallenhorst (GER) who briefly held the fastest time at the Iron distance with her time of 8:47:25.

Simon Whitfield broke away with 400m to go and Emma Snowsill ran away from everyone out of T2 as each claimed first place at the 2008 Lifetime Fitness Triathlon.

We recently introduced you to the life story of Andreas Niedrig, and today we bring you the interview with the enigmatic German athlete, husband, father, motivator and former junkie. Part 2 of 2.

Part four of Jay Prasuhn’s latest and greatest from le Tour. New and custom shades from Oakley, Bell’s new lid, FSA goes asymmetric, white is the new black, and more…

2007 Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack (AUS) broke the course record as he won the 2008 Ironman European Championships in Frankfurt, Germany. Chrissie Wellington (GBR) broke the women’s course record and proved again that she is for real as she took another Ironman title.

Jay checks in with even more photos from behind the ropes at the 2008 Tour de France. Snapshots of Ridley’s new Noah road bike, which looks to challenge Cervelo’s Soloist and Felt’s new AR1 in the aero-road bike category, along with more of the latest from this year’s tour.

Daniel Unger (GER) won the 2008 ITU World Cup in Hamburg, Germany and thus repeated his victory on the course where he earned the World Championship title in 2007. Jan Frodeno (GER) finished second and Oliver Freeman (GBR) third.

Jay Prasuhn checks in with more of the latest tech from the 2008 Tour de France. Pictures of new saddles from Fizik, the new Giant TT bike, and more as we report live from the Continent.

Absent the shackles of an office and desk, I opted to grab the laptop and camera, hit the road and make a visit to France to catch the start of the Tour de France, with the debut, a road stage instead of a prologue, taking place Saturday in the Brittany coast town of Brest. My mission while here: cruise the team trucks, take a look for prototypes, debuts and other soon-to-hit-the-market goods.

Cid Cardoso Jr is the owner, founder and president of Inside Out Sports and in addition to raising a family has raced over 20 Ironman races to date. The Brazilian born North Carolina resident is also a fantastic trail runner.