Pro triathletes and their cars
I have done a few galleries of pros with their dogs over the last few years and called that feature Pros And Their Pooches. But now I decided to have a look at the cars or trucks professional triathletes drive, and I mostly have to thank Jimmy Seear for that, as this Aussie car enthusiast was the inspiration. I have since learned that there are many other pros who have a passion for various motorized vehicles, but many others simple see cars, trucks or vans simply as a mode of transportation.
Laurent Vidal (FRA) and Andrea Hewitt (NZL) have this Mitsubishi Pajero and they bought it a few years back. According to Laurent Vidal it perfectly fits their needs in New Zealand and they stay comfortable during long off road and dirt road driving. Plus they love the luggage and the towing capacity.
Jimmy Seear (AUS) has several cars and he inherited that passion from his dad Peter. Here he is in a Lotus 7 series 1 they have been rebuilding from the ground up for 15 years. "It's a very raw and beautiful car to drive and is very loud and for a 1950's car it's pretty quick. It has a Conventry Climax FWB engine and front disc brakes which makes it a rare car," said Seear. The car apparently only weighs about 450kg.
This Lotus Elise Series 1 is another car of his and he and his dad have done extensive work on it. They added a series 2 engine in it with a turbo, new brakes, suspension and re-shaped the body. "It's ridiculously fast and was lapping Queensland raceway as fast as a 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S," said Seear. Other cars in his collection are an Alfa Romeo 105 and a Subaru WRX wagon.
Brent McMahon (CAN) has had this Subaru Impreza for more than 10 years "It has taken me to awesome bike trips South and ski trips North. The racks and car have been fully loaded headed to races for lots of fun over the years," said McMahon. "I've had the motorized two wheels for about five years of summertime fun. I get to check out all my great bike routes with a little less effort and a lot less time."
Sebastian Kienle (GER) has a couple Mercedes Benz vehicles that he drives. The V class allows him to get with all his gear to races and other events, while the C class one is all about style and speed. Sadly when I visited him earlier this year someone had just dented that brand new V class. Yikes. Rumor though has it that in a few days he will have a C-63 AMG to drive. Wow.
Leanda Cave (GBR) gets to drive this bright orange Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder when she is in Miami, Florida. Now how about that for a very fly bike transporter?
Ben Hoffman (USA) has a Toyota Tacoma and that allows him to carry lots of bacon and wine in addition to his bikes and other gear. Hopefully folks did not expect The Hoff to have a black customized 1982 Pontiac Trans-Am named Kitt.
Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) bought this Audi TTS at the end of 2013. "I have wanted a TT for about 10 years and always said that I would buy one if I ever won Kona. When I won in 2010 I felt that it would be silly to buy one since I didn't have very much money and was only just starting to pick up sponsors, but in 2013 when I won I was finally able to collect my prize," said Carfrae.
Conrad Stoltz (RSA) is a very practical man. “I inherited this “Bakkie” (South African for “truck") from my dad. Its been standing the past 3 years. Fond memories and nostalgia. Been searching for the perfect #CavemanMobile – Actually a sponsorship quest. But this vehicle does fine for now, 4×4 with low range & diff lock so it goes where Caveman needs to go, and room for all the toys," said Stoltz.
Balazc Csoke (HUN) likely looks like a giant in this Fiat 500, but hey it looks fancy and is easy to park. "Its very rare that someone drives such a small car in Texas, and even more strange is that I don't have a bike rack on it," said Csoke. "I got this car from a local sponsor and it definitely catches many eyes when I am driving. I fit 3 people and a bike plus 3 bags into the car as my personal record."
Lisa Norden (SWE) clearly has good connections in New Zealand and thus gets this very cool car when she is there. Driving on the opposite side of the road is apparently no issue either.
Paul Matthews (AUS) gets to drive this NormaTec Jeep when he is in Boulder.It gets him where he needs to go, has a decent amount of space and looks very fly.
Jordan Rapp (USA) bought this VW Jetta TDI wagon used on eBay with only 4,000 miles on it and it came with nice upgraded wheels and tinted wheels. "And it a manual! Stick-shift baby. 6-speed," said Rapp.
Leslie Paterson (GBR) has a 2010 Kia Sorrento that clearly serves her well. "I live out that thing. Eat, sleep and dress in it," said Paterson.
Ivan Rana (ESP) is also a car aficionado and has a Porsche GT3 RS, a Lancia Delta Integrale, a Ford Sierra Cosworth 2RM and a Mitsubishi Evolution X. His favorite though is the Porsche. "I can say is better than I imagined before I bought it! This is my dream car. This car is really a race car, but you can use it in the streets. Fast and radical," said Rana.
Josh Amberger (AUS) has a 2011 Land Rover Defender. "I'm pretty happy with it just on the beach and accessible bush tracks at the moment. As far as real off-roading, I'm happy to leave that for another day when I have a little more disposable income to deal with the repairs that are inevitably needed as a result. You can still have a lot of fun getting around on the beaches without the stress of potentially writing off your car," said Amberger.
Gwen Jorgensen (USA) has a Honda Odyssey. "I love my car! My husband Patrick and myself were looking for a new car a couple years ago and decided a minivan would be best. We went to David Hobbs Honda and got the Honda Odyssey. We love it and think it is perfect for a triathlete. We have fit five bikes in the van, and still had plenty more room for more things and bikes. We stow and go the back two seats and then can fit almost anything in the back. I don't even need to take my wheels off of my bike! The Odyssey also drives small. To be honest, I hate driving and was scared the Odyssey would be too big, however I will never go back to another car after having the Odyssey. It drives great, feels small to drive, but fits a massive amount," said Jorgensen.
Rachel Joyce (GBR) has a 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport. "We bought this car as soon as we both got visa allowing us to stay in Boulder for 5 years. It wasn't a particularly imaginative purchase – owning a Subaru in Colorado is almost compulsory. Coming from the UK we didn't want a massive car so this did the job. Now we've been here a couple of years I think we'll upsize a bit to an SUV so we've got room for Maggie (new pup) and the comfort to do some road trips around the States," said Joyce.
Helle Frederiksen (DEN) drives a Ford Escape when she is in the USA. Like many other pros she is a nomadic traveler, but this vehicle likely allows her to travel to the airport without too much space fighting.
