Simon Lessing announced today that he will race on Cervélo bikes. Simon will be making the transition to Ironman in 2004 and may also race the Olympic Triathlon next summer.

“Ironman is all about the bike,” says Lessing. “If I race it, the Olympic Triathlon, unlike most draft-legal races, will reward the strong cyclists because of the course profile. While these races fall under the sport heading of “Triathlon”, they are very different and require targeted cycling equipment.

“For me, Cervélo is just the right size company – small enough to understand the triathlon market and big enough to produce the right bike for all needs. What other company is considered a “triathlon” brand by core triathletes due to its attention to the tri-market and produces bikes for some of the most successful riders at the Tour de France? I can’t think of another company that lives so comfortably in both cycling worlds. Cervelo’s line easily covers my needs – I’ll be riding their Soloist Team road bike for shorter races, and the P3 for the long course.”

Cervélo was equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “We've been a fan of Simon for as long as we’ve had Cervélo”, said Phil White, Cervélo co-founder, “and we are honored that Simon picked us for his unparalleled attempt at the Olympic/Hawaii double.”

“It's not often that you get a call from a legend,” added Gerard Vroomen Cervélo co-founder, “Simon is one of the last athletes who can dominate all three disciplines and all distances. In a sport where “waiting for the run” seems to be the name of the game, it is awesome to see somebody put it on the line from the start.”