KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii, Oct. 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rudy Project, designers of the Official Helmet of IRONMAN® for North America, just smashed all records by earning the prestigious title of “Most Worn Helmet at the IRONMAN® World Championships presented by GoPRO®” for the FIFTH consecutive year. LAVA Magazine released their official product count numbers Friday evening, announcing that Rudy Project was again #1 with 639 helmets, an astounding 270 helmets over the nearest competitor Giro and 382 over second closest competitor Specialized. This marks the fifth year in a row that athletes racing the IRONMAN® World Championships presented by GoPro® have overwhelmingly placed their trust in Rudy Project helmets, a feat that has never been achieved in the helmet industry before, to keep them aerodynamic, cool, safe and looking their absolute best while battling all the elements on the grueling Queen K Highway.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/02cb03f2-bf8c-480f-bf97-79fbb8b02343
“This is a new defining moment for our company, as it’s simply unprecedented to have won this significant title for 5 years in a row,” said President and Co-Founder of Rudy Project North America, Paul Craig. “Not only does 2015 mark the 30th anniversary of Rudy Project’s inception and the 80th birthday of its founder Rudy Barbazza, but it now signifies a monumental accomplishment as more athletes than ever have placed their trust in our technology. Our core ideology is to provide athletes with the absolute best helmets and sunglasses based directly on their feedback, and this 5th title is a testament to that end.”
The Rudy Project logo was displayed predominantly on Saturday’s bike course along the Queen K Highway in Kona. Celebrities such as Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, Rudy, The Goonies) and Katherine Kelly Lang (The Bold and the Beautiful) were spotted in their Rudy Project Wing57 aero helmets, along with male 4th place finisher Andy Potts, female 7th place finisher Sarah Piampiano and scores of other pro and age-group athletes. The Wing57 is Rudy Project’s latest aero helmet and was a favorite on the field, but many athletes were also spotted in Rudy’s tried and trusted Wingspan Aero helmet, or one of their world famous road bike helmets.
Both leading Rudy aero/TT helmets were designed with the aid of aerodynamics guru John Cobb, and wind-tunnel tested with amazing results over the competition. The Wingspan was previously named ‘Best Aero Helmet’ by Triathlete Magazine and the Wing57 was given the esteemed award of ‘Best Triathlon Helmet’ by Gear Patrol. Astonishingly lightweight and quick in transition thanks to the RSR dial retention system, the Wingspan was first introduced 5 years ago and has remained a favorite amongst triathletes worldwide.
Built upon the success of this helmet, Rudy Project radically changed the aero helmet industry last year with the release of the Wing57. Several new features cemented this helmet as the must have for anyone looking to step up their game, including a fully integrated and removable optical shield, a dorsal ridge to change sideways wind force into forward momentum, and the new Vortex Killer System™ which straightens air flow and significantly reduces drag.
While Rudy Project’s helmets were the star of the bike check-in on Friday afternoon, their sunglasses were noted amongst more athletes than any year prior. These included models such as Rudy’s all time bestselling Rydon, and their latest performance model the Tralyx, both of which offer 360-degree adjustable nose pieces and temple arms for customizable fit and ultimate comfort, both on the bike an in the run. They also feature Rudy’s new ImpactX-2 lenses, which are both unbreakable and photochromic, adjusting with an athlete through all lighting conditions.
Though Rudy Project has earned the trust and respect of hardcore triathletes, especially those who race in the IRONMAN® World Championships presented by GoPRO®, sportsmen of all types can appreciate the immaculate design and high quality in every pair of Rudy Project sunglasses and every helmet. Those looking to try out Rudy’s technology for themselves are welcomed find a dealer nearby or buy online at www.e-rudy.com.
About Rudy Project
Performance Italian Sunglasses, Helmets, Goggles + Rx/Prescription Eyewear Solutions • Unbreakable ImpactX-2 Lenses • Designed + Crafted in Italy for over 30 years • Family Owned Since 1985 • Official Helmet of IRONMAN for North America • #1 Most-Worn Aero / TT Helmet at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii for the last four consecutive years • #1 Gold Medal Winner in Winter Olympics (Torino). • Over 100,000 sponsored athletes and ambassadors • Replacement Lens Guarantee, even against scratches • www.e-rudy.com
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.