Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Kate Major takes 3rd at Ironman Arizona - IMAZ

Kate Major writes on her web page, "Turned out to have a pretty solid day at Ford Ironman Arizona. Here's a few pics for now. A full report will follow..."

And she had the following to say about her new Cento1 Crono: "The Wilier Cento1 Crono is a machine built for comfort and speed. It responds well to whatever you want it to and is great on all terrain. As well as being stiff, it is responsive and absorbs all the vibration/road shock there is. I rode the last 5 miles or so [of the Ironman Arizona bike segment] with a slowly leaking front tyre and it still handled well!!!"

Find out more about Ironman Champion Kate Major at
www.majorkate.com. Learn more about the 2010 Cento1 Crono at http://www.wilier-usa.com/#/road/cento1-crono/ .

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Wilier Triestina 2010 Imperiale – Features Summary

Like worldwide authority and Wilier collaboration partner John Cobb likes to point out, making a bike aerodynamic is more than just ovalizing tubes or trying to integrate components: it’s all about managing airflow.
The Imperiale draws from our Crono TT series technology then benefits from our celebrated road geometry. The combination of the right tubing shapes and directional carbon fiber layup orientations made it possible to reduce frontal area, more effectively directing airflow while ensuring lateral rigidity. The reinforced construction at strategic points along the Imperiale’s tubing, fork and rear triangle have made it possible to attain optimal frame stiffness characteristics while reducing weight.
With the principles of wave form dynamics guiding many aspects of the Imperiale’s design, our award-winning Cento1 (Le Cycle’s 2009 Bike of the Year) influenced considerations that would contribute to ride quality, including an integrated seatmast, which for the Imperiale has an aerodynamic airfoil shape.
The Imperiale also boasts the same bottom bracket design concept as the Cento1: reinforced, oversize dimensions and fuller integration of prominent industry standard cranksets.
The seat stays are joined at the aerodynamic seat tube, directing airflow around and past the rear wheel maximizing stability and contributing to the bike’s distinctive look. Meanwhile, the outer form of the bottom bracket has been influenced by the latest findings in aerodynamics research: the Imperiale’s chain stays are joined to the underside of the bottom bracket, forming two additional airflow management “splitters”. The chain stays have also been contoured to manage the frame’s final interaction with air as they guide it past the spinning rear wheel.
The head tube is reinforced for strength and, along with the fork crown, is shaped to reduce drag; their combined profile forms a minimalist frontal area.
The unmistakably unique downtube boasts the same innovative air management qualities of our Crono series. Combined with aerodynamic seat and chainstays, the comprehensive design means drastically reduced drag and superior management of airflow.

Monday, August 10, 2009

WILIER INTRODUCES IMPERIALE AERODYNAMIC ROAD BIKE

Wilier Triestina Leverages Aero Expertise with New Road Model

Atlanta, GA (Summer/Fall 2009) – The Wilier Triestina 2010 Imperiale represents another milestone in the company’s design innovations, as well as its expertise in the field of airflow management. The sculpted lines of both frame and fork bear witness of the growing emphasis on aerodynamics in road bike development, and the company continues to take full advantage of ongoing advances in carbon composites and manufacturing processes.

Internationally acclaimed aerodynamics expert and trusted partner in the Imperiale project, John Cobb, likes to point out that making a bike aerodynamic requires more thought and research than simply ovalizing tubes or attempting to “hide” or integrate components. “It’s all about managing airflow,” explains Cobb. “If you try beat or cheat the air, you’ve already lost the battle.”

As designer of Wilier’s groundbreaking 2008/2009 Cento Crono, and the new Cento1 Crono and Tri Crono TT bikes, the company once again sought Cobb’s advice on three areas that drastically influence air’s behavior, especially in crosswinds: “Wilier asked me to provide input toward the design of the Imperiale’s head tube, down tube and seat cluster,” specified Cobb. “These are three key areas that represent ‘opportunities’ for a bike to direct airflow in an efficient manner past wheels, the rider and the rest of the bike.”

The rear triangle, integrated airfoil seatmast and conjoining of the bottom bracket and chainstays were researched, developed and tested by Wilier’s product development and engineering staff, drawing heavily from experience in the development of both the company’s award-winning Cento1 road model and its Crono TT series. Angelo Cilli, Founder and President of Wilier Triestina USA, said, “We had all sorts aerodynamics research to draw from and are also working with the best carbon fiber in the world. Our customers and resellers always talk about how it must ‘ride like a Wilier,’ so it had to ride like the best road bike – responsive, lightweight and strong. The challenge was designing an aero road bike that wouldn’t sacrifice those three things, which have made us successful. I think we’ve definitely achieved that.”

Wilier engineers explained that honing in on the right combination of tubing shapes, structural orientation of tubing and directional carbon fiber layups made it possible to reduce frontal area, more optimally direct airflow and ensure lateral rigidity. The reinforced construction at strategic points along the Imperiale’s tubing, fork and rear triangle have made it possible to attain desired frame stiffness and aerodynamics while keeping the frame lightweight and responsive.

The Imperiale boasts the same bottom bracket design concept as the Cento1: reinforced, oversize dimensions and fuller integration of prominent industry standard cranksets. The seat stays are joined at the aerodynamic seat tube that directs airflow around and past the rear wheel, maximizing stability and contributing to the bike’s distinctive look.

In the US, the Imperiale frameset will cost $2,899. A complete Imperiale with Ultegra build kit – Ultegra 6700, Fulcrum R5 wheelset and Ritchey Pro bar/stem – is priced at $3,899. It will be available in both color options: Carbon/Red and White/Silver. The company is anticipating broad availability in early November, 2009.

To learn more about the technology and design of the Imperiale, please go to the new microsite: http://imperiale.wilier.it.
For more information on all of our bikes or to request our 2010 catalog, please visit www.wilier-usa.com.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

WILIER TRIESTINA USA ANNOUNCES CENTO1 FOR SHIMANO Di2
World Champ Bike Integrates Award-Winning Electronic Group


Atlanta, GA (April 22, 2009) – Wilier Triestina USA has announced the special order availability of its reigning World Road Champion model, the Cento1, in a version modified specifically for use with Shimano’s acclaimed electronic drivetrain, Dura-Ace Di2. The Cento1 Di2 frameset boasts the same superlight 46Ton carbon monocoque construction and performance features, while enhancements have been implemented in the form of internal routing for wiring that connects the Di2 battery with its electronic shifters and derailleurs.


“While performance was the key pursuit in the development and use of the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electrically actuated shifting system, the side benefit is the freedom and creativity afforded frame makers with respect to cable routing,” explained Devin Walton, Director of Media Relations for Shimano North America. “Wilier’s new frame design takes advantage of that benefit and with the special accommodations for the battery pack creates historically sought-after integration of frame and controls without any impact on shifting response.”


Angelo Cilli, Wilier Triestina USA co-owner and founder, added: “We’re excited about the promising new age being ushered in by Shimano’s electronic groupsets for road and time trial bikes. In the past, attempts were made by other manufacturers to offer electronic shifting, but after extensive in-house testing we have become believers that this technology by Shimano has been refined to the point of being truly feasible and relevant. Campagnolo is promising release of its own electronic drivetrain in the near future, so it seems that the technology may finally be here to stay,” concluded Cilli.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

WILIER TRIESTINA IZOARD AWARDED GEAR OF THE YEAR BY OUTSIDE
All-Carbon Izoard Takes Top Honors As Outside's 2009 Gear of the Year

Atlanta, GA (April 7, 2009) – Wilier Triestina USA today announced The Gear of the Year title its 2009 all-carbon monocoque Izoard road bike was awarded by industry leading publication Outside Magazine. The fourth model in the Wilier Triestina lineup following the Cento1 and Le Roi road bikes and the Cento Crono time trial bike, all ridden by Pro Tour team Lampre and reigning World Champion Alessandro Ballan, the Izoard proved to be the most bike for the money based on Outside road test and review scores.


Angelo Cilli, Wilier Triestina USA co-owner and founder, was delighted. “We are very excited about this award and see it as confirmation of our materials and design innovations,” explained Cilli. “We take the ride and graphical design quality of every Wilier bike very seriously, so it’s often hard to tell which of our models is intended to be sold in the high or mid-range categories. We believe that’s what sets our bicycles apart.”

Outside Magazine senior editor John Bradley reported that the Izoard provided surprising ride quality at its price point: “We also tested and reviewed Wilier’s higher end Cento1, scoring it highly. The thing that set apart the Izoard was its high level of performance and comfort for the money.”

The Wilier Triestina Izoard comes standard with the Shimano Ultegra SL drivetrain groupset, Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheelset and Ritchey Pro handlebar, stem and seatpost. The Izoard and all other Outside Gear of the Year award winners will be featured in the Outside Buyer’s Guide, available on newsstands April 29.


About Wilier Triestina USA

Wilier Triestina USA is a partnership between Wilier Triestina of Rossano Veneto, Italy and US-based father and son team Angelo and Gianmarco Cilli, who began distributing the brand in 1999. Like a true Italian company, “Wilier USA” is a family business. Over the past nine years, the Cillis have sought out and established relationships with choice bicycle retail stores across North America, which have become authorized Wilier dealers. For more information and to find a dealer near you, please visit www.wilier-usa.com .

WILIER TRIESTINA ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF TRIATHLETE KATE MAJOR
Ironman Champ & 3-Time Kona Podium Finisher To Ride Wilier Cento Crono


Atlanta, GA (April 6, 2009) – Wilier Triestina USA officially announced its sponsorship of Ironman Champion and three-time Ford IM World Championship podium finisher Kate Major following IM 70.3 New Orleans on Sunday. It was there that Major competed for the first time atop Wilier’s Cento Crono time trial bike just days after taking possession of it, finishing eighth. She had met with the bike’s designer, acclaimed aerodynamics and biomechanics expert John Cobb, last week in San Diego to be positioned on her new ride. The Cento Crono is one of three bikes Wilier Triestina supplies to European professional cycling team, Lampre, whose riders took both the World Road Championship title and silver medal last fall.

Sponsoring athletes who will represent Wilier on the world stage of professional triathlon is something Wilier’s North American distributor takes very seriously. “As with our decision some months ago to sponsor Ironman Champion Chris McDonald [1st at Superfrog and 13th at New Orleans],” explained Wilier Triestina USA co-owner Angelo Cilli, “we not only want strong athletes representing our brand, but likeable individuals with unquestionable character. I know I say this often and it’s true: our brand is dear to us. So sponsoring an athlete like Kate Major is ideal; a champion who appreciates the design sophistication of the Crono and can showcase what it’s capable of.”


John Cobb sets up Kate Major on her new Cento Crono at B&L Bike and Sports in San Diego. Photo by Jay Prasuhn.

The Cento Crono represents a cutting edge design by one of the industry’s most respected authorities. John Cobb has worked with numerous world-class cyclists, including Lance Armstrong, as well as many of professional triathlon’s top competitors. Although one of the most distinctive aero bikes in the industry, Cobb emphasized that the look and tubing of the Cento Crono are strictly about efficiency and speed: “The Crono is the first time trial bike based solidly on the principles of wave form dynamics to diminish turbulence that can slow down bodies of mass as they move through air. Shaping a few tubes like fairings isn’t enough,” he explained. “The Crono features splitters and tube shapes designed to direct airflow efficiently through and around the bike, its wheels and – just as importantly – the rider’s spinning legs.”

Another distinguishing characteristic of the Cento Crono is how well it handles; evidence of the manufacturer’s 103-year road bike heritage. “It is extremely comfortable to ride, flies on rolling terrain, and handles well on descents, tight corners and climbs,” explained Major. “With the positioning done by John Cobb, it’s a perfect fit. I now need to step up and meet the standard of the Crono...nothing like a new machine to get the competitiveness flowing hard and fast! There has been a lot of time, research and engineering put into this bike by John Cobb and Wilier to address the needs of time trialists, triathletes or any fan of truly innovative bicycles.”

About Wilier Triestina USA

Wilier Triestina USA is a partnership between Wilier Triestina of Rossano Veneto, Italy and US-based father and son team Angelo and Gianmarco Cilli, who began distributing the brand in 1999. Like a true Italian company, “Wilier USA” is a family business. Over the past nine years, the Cillis have sought out and established relationships with choice bicycle retail stores across North America, which have become authorized Wilier dealers. For more information and to request a catalog, please visit http://www.wilier-usa.com/ . To learn more about pro triathlete Kate Major go to http://www.majorkate.com/ .

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

CHRIS McDONALD WINS CHALLENGE WANAKA TRIATHLON AND SETS COURSE RECORD

Wilier Cento Crono Makes Victorious Debut As McDonald Smashes Previous Best Time

Atlanta, GA (Jan 20, 2009) – Wilier Triestina USA has announced the victory of sponsored Ironman champion Chris McDonald atop its revolutionary Cento Crono time trial bike over the weekend. Just days ago the company had formally announced the 2009 partnership with Aussie McDonald, who disputed – and won – his first race as a Wilier-sponsored athlete in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand on January 17th.

Angelo Cilli, co-owner of North American distributor Wilier Triestina USA, was ecstatic: “We were interested in signing Chris because we knew he was a strong and savvy cyclist. He also seemed genuinely excited about the association with a brand boasting a long history in European road racing. The Cento Crono was made possible by Wilier’s openness to input from aerodynamics and positioning expert John Cobb, as well as Wilier’s ability to take that design and make an aero bike that handles like a performance road bike.” Cilli continued, “Chris liked the Crono immediately and was determined to ride it well at Wanaka. We told him we weren’t worried, that it was still early in the season. But he went out and won, and even bettered his previous bike-time by thirteen minutes!’”

McDonald explained that the Cento Crono not only allowed him to go faster in the bike segment, it also enabled him to enter the run less fatigued. “The bike was awesome! I took thirteen minutes off my bike time from 2007 – the old course record. The Crono felt great on the very rough roads which allowed me to feel fresher for the run,” reported McDonald. “I am very pleased to have won my first event of 2009 and my third title. It was also very satisfying to have been part of Wilier’s triumphant entry into the world of professional triathlon.”

McDonald will next compete at the Ochsner Ironman 70.3 in New Orleans on April 5th, and continues to set his sights on a top finish at the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in October.