Julie Dibens won her second world title this month at the 70.3 World Championships on Saturday, and the Trekand Bontrager-sponsored athlete became the first woman to break 4 hours in the 70.3 distance.
Holding off Team Timex’s Mary Beth Ellis, a Olympic 3-time silver medalist, and Canadian superstar runner Magali Tisseyre, Dibens became the first athlete in history to win both the Xterra and 70.3 World Championships in the same year.
Originally from Bath, England, Dibens used Trek’s Speed Concept bike, the same as used by Alberto Contador at his 2009 Tour de France victory. Dibens dominated the bike portion of the course and established her lead with a blistering 2:07 bike split.
“I knew I had the advantage on the bike, and I really looked to capitalize on it,” said Dibens. “I just felt like I was flying out there. I almost felt guilty to have such an advantage over the other girls.”
“Athletes commit every ounce of energy to preparing for these races. We see it as our responsibility to offer them every advantage possible,” said Tyler Pilger, Trek’s Road and Triathlon Project Manager. “The Speed Concept is truly the fastest bicycle we have ever produced.”
Though not available to the public just yet, it is expected the Speed Concept will be available in 2011. The Speed Concept was fitted with prototype Bontrager SC RXL seatpost, stem and handlebar, as well as a 90mm deep Bontrager Aeolus 9.0 front wheel while Dibens sported a custom pair of Bontrager RXL Hilo WSD shoes. The custom decal on her rear HED disc wheel displayed two stylized ponies and was inscribed with the words “Not a One Trick Pony.”
“People who saw that wheel kept telling me that I must really have something to prove,” said Dibens, “but, I’ve always known that I could win both [Xterra and 70.3 World Championship] races. I’m simply ecstatic about the result. I’m thankful for everyone involved, and proud to be representing Trek and Bontrager.”
