SLS3

2012 Expo Shedule

2012-02-03T10:48:00.001-08:00

The following list is a preliminary list of the races we will be attending this year. If you happen to be at one of those races, please stop by and say "Hello". We would love to meet you in person.

Date	Event
3-Mar	Palm Springs
18-Mar	SuperSeal
31-Mar	Oceanside 70.3
14-Apr	HITS Napa
5-May	IM St. George
19-May	IM Texas
24-Jun	IM Coeur d`Alene
8-Jul	Carlsbad Tri
15-Jul	Vineman 70.3
22-Jul	IM Lake Placid
28-Jul	Vineman
19-Aug	Orangeman Tri
9-Sep	IM Wisconsin
30-Sep	Mission Bay
10-Nov	HITS Havasu
18-Nov	IM Arizona
1-Dec	HITS Palm Springs

SLS3 supports Sea Shepherd's “Stand Up for the Oceans”

2012-01-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

Oceanside, CA – January 26th. SLS3 the leader in compression sportswear just announced its support for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS). $1 of every product that is being sold will be donated to Sea Shepherd.

Sea Shepherd is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization which uses direct action tactics to protect sealife.
In 2008, Animal Planet began filming the weekly series Whale Wars based on the group's encounters with the Japanese whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean.

“I watched the show a couple of years ago for the first time and was hooked ever since” says Sebastian Linke, owner of SLS3. “ In addition to building innovative products that reduce environmental impact, we take our social responsibility mission very seriously - We feel honored to be giving back to those who defend what is so precious to us all.”
Visit www.sls3.com to find a retailer near you and learn how YOU can make a difference.

About SLS3:
SLS3 manufactures sport compression and Triathlon race apparel in the USA. We design and market high quality compression and triathlon race apparel that meet and exceed the needs of our customers. Our products will enhance performance with emphasis on technical design for comfort. Our goal is to produce the best possible products to serve our customers who are looking for comfort and performance. MADE IN U.S.A. is an important part of our apparel line as we have made a commitment to production of our apparel in America. We hire local staff and we purchase our materials from the highest quality vendors available to us.

About Sea Shepherd:
Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Their mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. The organization has gained recognition through the TV Series “Whale Wars”.

Petr Vabrousek 6th at Challenge Wanaka

2012-01-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

" It is over! Great swim, the bike and run exactly showed there I am after 3 weeks of training:-). The first half OK, the second always brought a little bit of suffering. The last time I sat on the bike outside was Ironman Western Australia on Dec. 5th... Midway through the run, I even got within a minute of 4th place, but I was ready for the heat and really suffered through the second loop and had to dig deep not to loose the 6th place in the final miles. My next race is Ironman Melbourne in 9 weeks - I will have to put in some training now..."

The new 2012 Tristar Triathlon Pad

2012-01-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

We are extremely happy to present our new 2012 Tristar Triathlon Pad. It is being used in our FX products and has a very light structure and minimalist design for a better freedom of movement. See for yourself but most importantly FEEL THE DIFFERENCE!

SLS3 partners with IM Talk Podcast

2012-01-09T11:07:00.001-08:00

We are happy to announce our partnership with IM Talk. IM Talk is the leading Triathlon podcast based out of New Zealand. It is worldwide available at www.IMtalk.me. Todays show features an interview with our CEO Sebastian Linke. He talks about the beginning of SLS3 and what motivated him to found his company. If you have a chance, take a look at the website and download the podcast - it is also a great for listening during your long raining runs at this time of the year.

Jessica Jacobs wins Ironman Florida

2011-11-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

SLS3 athlete Jessica Jacobs has proven once that she can win an Ironman as she scorched through the course in Panama City Beach, setting a new course record and becoming just the 13^th woman to break nine hours for an Ironman. Along the way she flew through a 2:53 marathon, one of the fastest in Ironman history, wearing the SLS3 compression sleeves.
Read more...

picture courtesy of ironman.com

Kona Concept Store during the Ironman week

2011-09-28T10:28:00.001-07:00

At this years Ironman Hawaii we will be having an SLS3 concept store in Kona during the Ironman week.

We are happy to share the store with 4 great companies: Biestmilch, Hawk Racing, Seasucker and Powercranks.
The store address is 75-5669 Alii-Drive in Kona. It will be open during the week from 9am-6pm.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Kona....

Free Compression socks from SLS3 for Kona participants.

2011-09-21T12:44:00.001-07:00

SLS3, a leader in compression sportswear is giving away FREE compression socks for athletes who race the 2011 Ironman Hawaii in SLS3 compression socks or sleeves. With impressive results, the products speak for themselves: The last two US Ironman races have been won with SLS3 compression products. Chris McDonald won IM Louisville while Jessica Jacobs won IM Wisconsin.

“ It has been a great year for SLS3 and we would like to take opportunity to thank all the athletes who supported us and trust in our products” says Sebastian Linke, owner of SLS3.

How it works:

If you race the Ironman Hawaii in SLS3 compression socks or sleeves, just send an email with a picture of you racing with SLS3 compression socks or sleeves to contact@slstri.com along with your name and race number. You just pay shipping & handling ($6.90 – domestic / $9.90 international) and can expect the product a few weeks after the race.

About SLS3: 

SLS3 manufactures sport compression and Triathlon race apparel in the USA. We design and market high quality compression and triathlon race apparel that meet and exceed the needs of our customers. Our products will enhance performance with emphasis on technical design for comfort. Our goal is to produce the best possible products to serve our customers who are looking for comfort and performance. MADE IN U.S.A. is an important part of our apparel line as we have made a commitment to production of our apparel in America. We hire local staff and we purchase our materials from the highest quality vendors available to us.

Petr Vabrousek wins Challenge Henley / UK

2011-09-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

SLS3 Team athlete Petr Vabrousek raced his last "training race" before Kona. He won the Challenge Henley in the UK in a time of 8:37:58. Petr had, once again, one of the fastest running splits. He was racing in the SLS3 Compression Day Sleeves. Up next is the Grand Finale in Kona. It is just 3 more weeks to recover for the Ironman Hawaii, but everyone who knows Petr, knows that recovery is not a problem for him.

Aaron Hersh of Triathlete Magazine races in FX Racesuit

2011-09-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

Aaron Hersch, Senior Tech Editor of Triathlete Magazine, raced the Ironman CDA in the SLS3 FX Racesuit. His tips for Tackling Your First Ironman are featured on page 32 of Triathlete Magazine (October 2011) along with a picture of him crossing the finishline at IM CDA. Congratulations on an amazing race.

Chris McDonald wins IM Louisville

2011-08-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Big Sexy on his 1st place finish at Ironman Louisville in a time of 8:27:36. The first two time champion at Ironman Louisville. Chris was racing in the SLS3 Compression Socks.

Petr Vabrousek takes 4th at European Championships

2011-08-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

Petr Vabrousek finished 4th at the ETU Long Distance Championships in Finland. He had, once again, the fastest run of the day finishing in a time of 5:38:53 for the 4k swim, 120k bike and 30k run. " I only missed the bronze medal by 27 seconds at the end of almost 6 hour day…"

His great shape came from the pre-race weekend, where he raced 3 races within 3 days:

Friday – MTB sprint triathlon – 1st place

Saturday – olympic distance triathlon – 1st place

Sunday – 1/2 Iron Distance Doksyman – 1st place

"… and then 6 days of fun with my son and newborn daughter."

Kevin Gillotties duathlon preparation for the World Championships in Spain

2011-08-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

So in the last month I raced the 2 final duathlon races in San Diego – Solana Beach and Imperial Beach (a.k.a. Surf Town). I have been on a heavy training block of miles and speed work to try to get ready for worlds in Spain in September.
Things have been coming around, but with all of these miles and speed work and little rest, it can leave one a bit fatigued.
I went into Solana Beach right in the middle of one of those training blocks with little rest and downtime, and it robbed me of the turnover I needed in the end as I was overly laboring from race start to finish. I tried as hard as I could to stay strong out of T1 onto the bike and opened a nice gap, only to have it pulled back in at the end which left me having no cushion coming into T2. I then had try to redouble my efforts and try to get some speed out of T2 into the final run, and just did simply not have the leg turnover to make it happen. Thus, I was caught and passed and simply could not respond to the surge by the ultimate winner. The best way I can explain it, I have to keep in mind the bigger picture and goal for 2012 – worlds in Spain representing Team USA – and therefore decisions have to be made about training and those decisions can and do effect race day performance as I just cannot justify and afford rest and taper weeks for these local races as I then loose a week of valuable training and that has a compounding ripple effect. Therefore, I looked at Solana Beach as a bit of a sacrificial lamb for the greater good. I wanted to win, I felt capable of winning, I have won there, but I was just to fatigued to turn it over and paid the price for it. I had no gears and no turnover to call upon and just felt flat enough the 30 seconds I lost by is all it took to damage me, and there was nothing I could do about it on tired legs. But that’s cool; it is a decision I made for the greater good, I knew the potential downside, and I can live with that (though in the moment, it is irksome that you can’t get the body to respond).

Now this weekend, at Imperial Beach, I was rested and the results show just what rest and a taper can do for performance. This race came at the end of a block of months of pushing and I took a well deserved rest this week which timed perfect with this race. I felt way more control in terms of heart rate, I had several gears in the legs (both run and bike) I could call on and maintain, I had the turnover I needed and mentally I was fresher and and I just put it on the line to see where I was – against the clock first – as this is my last duathlon before worlds and I very badly wanted a win inside so I could mentally go into worlds coming off a win. It was a good day and I had the zip I hoped for. From first run until final crossing of the finish line, I was in control of my heart rate and was able to find the push and gears and turn-over and the body responded with no overly labored efforts. I calmly went into T1 second but came out first, went out on the bike and opened up a pretty good lead, came into T2 and out in first and really put the hammer down on the final run. At the turn around cone I had :53 seconds – so nearly 1:45 when doubled – on second place and rather than easing back with a “comfortable” lead (as comfortable as these 100% red line sprint races can be) I opted to try to find yet another gear and see if I could manage to elongate the gap. In the end, I crossed the finish line at 48:41 and won by nearly 2:20 which means I was able to open the gap a tad bit more. I felt very strong mentally and physically and it turns out my time of 48:41 is the exact time – to the seconds – of my winning finish time the last time I raced this race in 2008.... That is a once in a lifetime matching of numbers you never see, but nice to know 2 years later and 2 years older and 2 years off competitive duathlon, I can still match a past time. That is a good feeling and shows me the training is coming around and it is nearly time to start to hone the final sharp edge of my training in these coming final few weeks.

Linda Schuecker finishes 3rd at Challenge Copenhagen

2011-08-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the best German girl in Copenhagen: Linda Schuecker 3rd girl overall at Challenge Copenhagen in 9:38h. Read more here.

Xtri.com Review: SLS3’s Latest Compression Bike Bib Short

2011-08-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Over the past several years, compression apparel has taken the tri-world by storm. We were all scratching our heads only a few short years ago when we saw the first person running down Ali'I Dr looking more ready to play soccer than racing an Ironman. Fast-forward to today, it seems every apparel company has some type of compression line in their catalog and what we once thought of as a fad is only growing!

We were giving the opportunity to test out SLS3's latest Compression Bike Bib Short. The first thing we noticed was the use of three different materials in the garment. This does a variety of things making the product unique. It provides compression where you want it, on the main, large muscle groups used for cycling, while providing flexibility and breathability where you don't need compression making the bib shorts very comfortable to wear and keeping you cool on those long hot rides.

Read more here

Team Athlete, Matt Hiramoto, takes on the Waimea Bay 1.2 Mile Swim in the SLS3 Fobic Speed Suit

2011-08-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Team athlete, Matt Hiramoto from Honolulu, Hawaii, recently competed in the annual Waimea Bay 1.2 mile swim. Here, he exits the water in our SLS3 Fobic Speed Suit.

Besides swimming and triathlon racing, Matt's other favorite hobby is cooking. If you are a "foodie" or just enjoy great food, read more on his blog: tricook.blogspot.com

Team Athlete, Shane Giardino, takes first in his AG at the Music City Triathlon, Nashville Tennessee.

2011-07-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

Team athlete, Shane Giardino, took first in his AG on Sunday at the Music City Triathlon, Nashville, Tennessee. Shane trains and races in our Raven Black FX top and shorts with added benefits of cold black technology which keeps him cool in the crushing sun and heat!

Next up for Shane, the August Georgia 70.3.

Heleen bij de Vaate 9th at Ironman Germany

2011-07-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

It's the morning after the race. As usually I slept only a couple of hours, so what can you better do then writing a story for your website. It started as an experiment to see how I would perform in an IM race just 3 weeks after another IM race. And the second reason that I signed up for Frankfurt was that I didn't know before hand if I would have enough points to go to Kona. After Klagenfurt I was already sure, so this reason wasn't a valid one anymore. The 3 weeks in between, the focus was on recovery, some key sessions and tapering. I felt great and was ready to race again.
I like to race in nice and warm weather. But nothing of that we had yesterday. It was rainy, cold and very windy. That made the race really though. My swim was ok, not great, still my 2nd best split ever. During the bike I felt that although I felt well in training, my muscles weren't fully recovered. I lacked some power, so although it felt that I was pushing really hard, the result was a lousy bike split. But I still had the motivation to race as fast as I could for the moment. So the run was reasonable good. I passed a few girls and came in 9th.
The result of the experiment is that I'm not fully recovered from an IM after 3 weeks. But I'm sure that I'm going to Hawaii!

Team Athlete, David Callahan, takes first in Clydesdale Division

2011-07-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Team Athlete, David Callahan, took first place in the Clydesdale Division at the Mach Tenn Triathlon last weekend near Nashville, Tennessee. It's been a hot summer there, but David is keeping cool in the Raven Black SLS3 FX top and shorts with Coldblack technology. Coldblack is a special finishing technology for textiles which reduces heat build-up and provides reliable protection from UV rays helping to keep his core temperature down.

Read more about David: biggintriathlete.blogspot.com

Heleen bij de Vaate: PB and 4th place at IM Austria

2011-07-05T08:27:00.001-07:00

A great day yesterday: for the first time in my career I swam below one hour (58.54). I already had a good feeling in training, but it's more satisfying if you also can show it on race day. The bike was fast, as expected on this course. But then I also ran a sub-3h marathon (2.59.40), the fastest run-split of the day in the womans-field. Overall, the sum of the swim-bike-run was a sub-9h time, a fantastic personal best. If I counted well, there are only 14 ladies worldwide who ever were faster. Including the 3 woman who finished on the podium yesterday. It's unbelievable that this race wasn't good enough to finish top-3, but that reflects the high level of the race yesterday.

Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2011: Race Report from Tom Maliszewski

2011-06-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

Tom had a great race at IMCDA finishing 36th overall in a time of 9:43 hours, which is a personal best for him and secured him a Kona slot.

He was racing in the FXC Compression Tri Short and the FXC Compression socks. Read his full race report here.

Kellie Wells: 2011 USA Track and Field National CHAMPION!

2011-06-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

At the Diamond League opener in Doha, Kellie clocked a world-leading 12.58 in the 100m hurdles, and has finished runner up at the Diamond League Golden Gala in Rome and adidas Grand Prix in New York. Now, she’s proving she’s taking another step towards her road to London 2012 by winning the USA World Championships in a staggering time of 12.50 seconds with a +1.8 wind.

picture courtesy Fastlifeshow.com

SLS3 Team Athletes Racing Ironman Coeur d'Alene 6/26/11

2011-06-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

Three of our Team Athletes are traveling to Idaho this week to race the annual Ironman Coeur d'Alene on Sunday, June 26th. They will be wearing the SLS3 FX and compression shorts, and FXC sleeves.

All of us at SLS3 want to wish the best of luck to Amy Larson www.amy-larson.com, and Andy Larson from San Diego and Tom Maliszewski tmalis3.blogspot.com from Rochester Michigan!

SLS3® Butterfly Compression Socks

2011-06-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

You Asked - We Listened: Starting today we will be offering a limited edition of our popular compression socks - the SLS3® Butterfly Compression Socks. These socks come in two colors: Hibiscus/White and Azure/White.
NEW SLS3 Butterfly Compression Socks are for preorder only! This new item will be available to ship August 2011. Order yours now as supply will be limited.
The compression socks shown are for viewing purposes only. Positioning of random butterflies on product might vary slightly.

Meeting Dan and Jackie from the Biggest Looser

2011-06-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend we have been at the San Diego Rock`n Roll Marathon. While working the booth we enjoyed the company of Jackie and Dan from the Biggest Looser. Both of them where working for their charity: Team Future. It has been great to hear their story and see their transformation. Due to a little bit of help from us they enjoyed the 1/2 marathon on Sunday even more. Both of them are wearing SLS3 compression socks.
"Great Picture! We loved running in those socks, they were great! Thanks again!"

Update Heleen bij de Vaate

2011-06-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

"The triathlon season has just started for me. So far I have done two 70.3 races on the Spanish Island of Mallorca and in St. Polten in Austria, resulting in 11^th and 8^th ranks. Not very good yet, but important for me was to gain a rhythm and some points for the Ironman World-ranking. I am still within the top-20.

I didn’t do my regular trainingcamps between January and April. I stayed at home in our new environment in France. In the meantime I have access to all important facilities like the swimming pool, athletic track, fitness-studio and found an excellent swim-trainer and a good physiotherapist.

Right now I am in the Spanish Sierra Nevada doing my altitude training camp to prepare for the first full Ironman of this year: 3rd of July in Klagenfurt, Austria. There (and 3 weeks later in Frankfurt, Germany) I hope to gain enough points to classify amongst the best 25 of the world-ranking at July 31^st, to qualify for the World Champs on Hawaii in October."

In other words: the most important months of the year are coming soon, as well as my fitness-level hopefully.

SLS3 2012 photo shoot

2011-06-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Today was the big day of the 2012 photo shoot. The SLS3 crew met early in the morning in a warehouse in downtown San Diego to shoot the entire 2012 line. Thanks to our photographer Steve we had the entire shoot done within 4 hours and where able to take some outdoor pictures in beautiful San Diego.

Stefanie Schrott finihed 8th at City Triathlon Heilbronn/Germany

2011-06-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

Stefanie Schrott from Germany finished her first ever Triathlon in 8th place overall - well done Steffie. You are looking good in the deep sky FX suit.

SLS3 GrassrootsTeam Athlete, Matt Hiramoto

2011-05-31T17:42:00.001-07:00

SLS3 Grassroots Team Athlete. Matt Hiramoto, lives and trains in Honolulu, Hawaii. When he's not training and racing, he likes to make his own meals from scratch. If the idea of fresh, moist energy bars like Clif Bar sounds good, or whipping up a batch of homemade vanilla bean ice cream, then check out his blog for some tasty ideas: tricook.blogspot.com.

Petr Vabrousek wins Viennaman 1/2 Ironman

2011-05-31T15:28:00.000-07:00

Petr Vabrousek won his 4th Viennaman, a 1/2 Ironman distance race in the Czech Republik. It was a tough day in the office for Petr out there fighting the elements: cold and rain. But the hard work paid off even if only 17 seconds separated him from second placed Robert Lang…

Kellie Wells finishes 2nd at Diamond League in Rome

2011-05-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

Kellie Wells finished 2nd place at the Diamond League Track Meet in Rome. Kellie is currently the series points leader and holds the current World Lead time for the 100m hurdles! We are excited to see her at the World Championship this summer!

Kevin Gillotti finishes 3rd at OC Duathlon.

2011-05-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic race last weekend at the OC Duathlon. After a fast sprint first run, I came out of T1 in first but was quickly caught on the bike before hitting the long canyon climb. Tough 40k bike course with long climbs and fast descents, so I eased back a little to keep from blowing up, but felt really strong all in all for where I am at for cycling condition. So, I came into T2 in 7th. That is when the real magic started for me. I came of out T2 and ran through the field and felt fantastic on the very tough road/trail twisting and turning 10k and ran myself into 3rd place overall and went just under 40 minutes in that tough 10k off the bike. Perfect weather, cool with a tad bit of drizzle, really helped me.

Welcome new SLS3 Team Athlete, Amy Larson

2011-05-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

Amy is busy putting in the final weeks of training preparation for IM Coeur d'Alene on June 26th. We'd like to welcome Amy and her husband, Andy, to the SLS3 Team!

Congratulations to new SLS3 Team Athlete David Callahan

2011-05-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to new SLS3 Team Athlete, David Callahan for his 2nd place division finish at Memphis in May last weekend.

Read David's race report at:
David's blogspot

Marco Anzures joins Team SLS3

2011-05-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce that Marco Anzures joins Team SLS3. Marco is a talented distance runner and is in the USA Olympic Development team. His PB for 10k is 29:00 . We are hoping to help him break the 29 minutes with a little bit of help from SLS3 compression.

Anzures' Best Marks
800m - 1:55.6
1500m - 3:47.85
1 mile - 4:06.31
Indoor 3000m - 8:03.07
Steeple - 9:04.82
Outdoor 5000m - 14:07.69
Indoor 5000m - 14:03.58
10,000m - 29:00.21
Indoor 3000m - 8:16.39

2011-05-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

Team Athlete, Joshua Merrick's Rev3 Knoxville recap:

"After exiting the swim in the a pack of three near the tail of the racers I went to work on the bike picking my way through the men's field on the challenging hilly bike course. Into T2 and out on the run I was able to run down three more athletes finishing in 15th overall.

The SLS3 suit works great. It was comfortable and dried quicker than my skin. The compression was an added bonus help shield the legs from the pounding of the 10k run. I utilized throughout the trip the SLS3 compression socks and recovery tights to help with post workout recovery and stave off the heavy leg syndrome felt after flying."

Read more about Joshua: http://joshmerrick.blogspot.com/

Heleen bij de Vaate: IM 70.3 Austria, 8th place, improving slowly...!

2011-05-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

"Last week I did a small Europe-tour and at the end Ironman 70.3 Austria in Sankt-Polten: A week ago I was on the island of Mallorca. In the meantime I have been in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and now Austria. Yesterday I participated in the IM 70.3 of St. Polten. It is a beautiful race with 3000 participants. I also did the race 4 years ago so I could remember the course more or less. The swim is divided in 2 parts in different lakes with a 200m run in between, very special and fun. The bike has some climbs and descends, but also a fast flat section on the highway. For me the race went a little bit better than last week, especially on the run. Step by step I will improve towards my top form for this year. It was the first time ever I did 2 70.3 races in consecutive weekends, but the recovery was good enough thanks to SLS3 compression. Next is a training camp in altitude. There the important parts of the puzzle should be added. Like last year, after this camp I hope to be ready for the first full distance Ironman of the season: the 3rd of July, Ironman Klagenfurt."

Petr Vabrousek finishes 9th at IM Texas

2011-05-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

SLS3 athlete Petr Vabrousek finished 9th at the Ironman Texas last weekend in a time of 9:37:29. This was his second Ironman in just 14 days and his 100th in total. Petr was more than happy with his result. He secured a Kona spot for the Ironman World Championship Race in Hawaii in October.

Xtri Catches Up with Petr Vabrousek as He Readies for his 100th Ironman...

2011-05-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

picture courtesy of Xtri

read the interview here.

2011-05-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

SLS3 Team Athlete, Thomas Maliszewski III from Rochester, Michigan, had a great race at the REV3 in Knoxville on May 14th,- second overall, fastest bike split and second fastest run split

Read more on Thomas' blog:

http://tmalis3.blogspot.com/

SLS3 has arrived in Germany

2011-05-16T14:33:00.001-07:00

The first athletes are wearing SLS3 in Germany. Here is a picture of Christian in a local race in Hoffenheim. He will be racing Ironman Frankfurt and trying to qualify for Kona in his agegroup - good luck Christian.

Kevin Gillotti wins Encinitas Duathlon

2011-05-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Kevin won the local super sprint Encinitas Duathlon this weekend. "I won it the first year in 2006 and now 5 years later, won it again. The body is reacting & responding as though I did not take 2 years off competitive duathlons in that it seems just as
natural as ever - my reactions and skills are intact. I just need too continue to build the speed, turn-over and power it takes to race
explosively fast from the gun - something 2 years of lower RPM trail racing strips away from you. Endurance is there and not an issue. This race is a fun, fast, flat, balls out course that is go, go, go right from the start. So fast & short, we are talking a whole sprint duathlon in about the same time it takes to run a 10k! About perfect conditions other than having to
weave through hundreds of triathletes from all of the waves that went off ahead of us. I have kind of always thought that sprint races were more my forte when in top shape, but I like all kinds of distances."

Petr Vabrousek: 2 Ironman in 3 weeks

2011-05-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

SLS3 athlete Petr Vabrousek placed 9th at Ironman Utah. " Cold water, hot air, hilly course. It was not easy, but another top 10. Probably secured my Kona slot already prior to Ironman Texas in 2 weeks." Petr is currently in 13th place at the Kona Pro ranking.

Just one week after Ironman Utah he raced the czech Mamut Tour - a hilly 210km cyling road race in Prerov, Czech republic. He finished an incredible 36th overall, 13 minutes down to the winner. "It was Great preparation between Ironman races in Utah and Texas."

Next weekend Petr will be racing Ironman Texas - his 100th Ironman Distance race – "If I place in top 15, my Kona spot should be already secured!"

Petr Vabrousek finishes 9th at IM St. George

2011-05-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Petr Vabrousek just finished 9th at the Ironman in St. George - one of the hardest races worldwide. Petr is getting ready for a second Ironman in two weeks, when he will be racing Ironman Texas. He sure knows how to recover from races like these with a little bit of help from SLS3 compression.

Simon Malo`s race report from the Gulf Coast Triathlon.

2011-05-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

I just raced the Gulf Coast Triathlon (2km-90km-21,1km) this last May 7th. First race of 2011 for me. This competition was a laboratory to know my current physical condition. Here I always had troubles with the heat. So I decided to swim as fast as I can, bike like a possessed man and survive on the run. I leaved the ocean in second place only few seconds from the lead. I took the lead in T1. On the bike I build a 7min lead through the 90k of this portion. Thanks to my new QR bike. A second transition with a victory in mind. For the run I ran pretty good for the first part. I was able to run a 4m/km pace but the heat just melted my lead and I had to run like a turtle for the last part. I finished second pro. In conclusion, I am really happy with the overall result. I know that in a few weeks I will have spend more time on my bike and I will be better in the heat. So I am able to swim fast, bike really hard and the run will be ready pretty soon.
Thanks, Simon

Join Team SLS3. FX :: FRT and Compression

2011-05-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

Sponsorship. Would you like to join our SLS3 Racing Team? We want to get your feedback and input on performance, fit and quality. In return, team athletes get discounts on all apparel and race incentives towards apparel.

You don't have to be a Pro. We're looking for warm, friendly, out going athletes who love the sport and love connecting to other athletes, shops, coaches and media. Feel free to forward this email to anyone you think might make a great SLS3 ambassador!
Let us hear from you. Check our website www.slstri.com for the latest in compression news, specials and athlete bios..

Best, SLS3 Team

Duathlon Nationals 2011

2011-05-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Race report from Kevin Gilotti:

"Well – the gear worked awesome and I got you some great weekend exposure at the expo and the race. The visor is fantastic design and very streamlined like you don’t typically see. Top and bottoms were great and despite high heat, the top felt fine though I kept it unzipped. The compression Full Leg Sleeves were just great, I even slept in them and the felt better then some tights I have by other manufacturers.

To bad my results were not as good .. But kind of as expected.

Generally speaking, if you take 2 years off competitive duathlons (and thus competitive cycling), focus those 2 years on trail racing (which means slower leg turn-over), take a crucial base building month of January off to travel in Thailand, miss 4-5 key early season fitness races, deal with a hami injury for 4-5 critical weeks of speed work up to a nationals caliber race race you can pretty much count on taking an ass whipping - which I did.
I had a great race technically speaking as nearly 20 years of du instincts took over and all went great... I just had no speed or power to back it up
and my results show that. I just need more speed work and more miles under
my belt."

SLS3 Team Athlete Petr Vabrousek Prepares for IM St. George, May 7th

2011-04-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Best of luck to team athlete Petr Vabrousek as he puts the final touches on race preparation for Ironman St. George on May 7th. Petr says "Hilly, dry and hot. What makes it harder then other races with bike climbing, is the run - you don´t have a single running mile flat... Should suit my strengths."

Camilla Lindholm wins European Duathlon Championships

2011-04-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

SLS3 athletes Camilla Lindholm (SWE) and Linda Schuecker (GER) where racing the European Duathlon Championships last weekend in Venray (NED). Camilla was women ever to win the Championships twice. Her time was 3:08:52 - more than 2 minutes faster than the second girl. Linda Schuecker finished 8th with a time of 3:13:49 and is preparing for the Challenge race in Copenhagen. Both athletes where racing in the SLS3 FX Short plus Top.

Getting ready for the European Duathlon Championships

2011-04-13T10:47:00.002-07:00

SLS3 pros Linda Schuecker (GER - picture) and Camilla Lindholm (SWE) are gettting ready to start this upcoming weekend in in Venray/Netherlands at the European Duathlon Championships. Camilla is trying to defend her European Championship title from last year while Linda will be taking this race as a warm up for the season. Both of them will be racing in the new 2011 FX shorts and tops in deep sky/icy white.
Good luck girls!

2011 Triathlon Expo shedule

2011-04-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

Date	Location

2.26	Race on the Base, CA
3.5	Palm Springs, CA
3.26	Superseal -San Diego, CA
3.31	Oceanside 70.3 - CA
4.09	Marquee Triathlon - Tempe, AZ
4.16	Big Rock - Perris, CA
4.17	LA Tri Series#1 - Bonelli Park, CA
5.1	Mission Bay, San Diego, CA
5.6	Rio Salado/Tempe - Tempe, AZ
5.14	LA Tri Series #2 - Bonelli Park, CA
5.14	Tempe International - Tempe, CA
5.22	Auburn International - Auburn, CA
6.11	LA Tri Series#3 - Bonelli Park, CA
6.26	San Diego International, Ca
7.10	Carlsbad Triathlon - Carlsbad, CA
7.16	Vineman 70.3 - Santa Rosa, CA
7.30	Vineman Full - Santa Rosa, CA
7.24	Solana Beach, CA
8.21	Imperial Beach Tri -San Diego, CA
8.21	Hansen Dam Tri - Los Angeles, CA
9.11	Superfrog - San Diego, CA
9.25	Bonelli Steamboat Tri - Bonelli Park, CA
10.2	Mission Bay -San Diego, CA
10.8	IM Hawaii - Kona, HI
10.16	Women Tri SD - San Diego, CA
10.23	Soma Triathlon - Tempe, AZ
12.11	Tinsel Triathlon - Hemet, CA

Did you ever wonder how compression really works?

2011-02-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

Compression: Research under pressure

Compression garments during and after exercise are growing in popularity. In clinical research compression textiles have already been successful for many years. Preferably inactive and lying patients as well as travelers during long distance flights are wearing compression socks to prevent thrombosis. For these people the socks provide a better flow rate in the venous system, smaller venous back pressure and thus a higher venous blood return to the heart.

How does compression work?

Just like the name states compression garments use outside pressure on the muscles. This will improve blood flow in the muscles and the surrounding connective tissue. The precondition for optimal oxygen and nutrient provision of muscles is an essentially even blood flow.

This even blood flow is hard to achieve while standing upright, so several different mechanisms have to support the backflow of blood to the heart. This is so important because 85 % of the entire fluid volume in the body is being found in the venous system.

External mechanical pressure e.g. from compression garments causes a volume redistribution from superficial to deep venous system. This in turn causes an increase in flow rate in the deep venous system. This effect is often put on one level with a higher evacuation of metabolic waste products and a better local oxygen supply in the muscles, ergo an improved performance.

During exercise e.g. cycling or running another effect is added: Inside the veins there are venous valves in regular intervals. Created in pairs they prevent any venous back flow in the direction of the extremities (legs) which happens in between every heartbeat. At the same time the veins are being compressed through muscle contraction (“muscle vein pump”). This transports the blood volume from one venous valve to the next venous valve in the direction of the heart.

In the event that this mechanism is disturbed or overworked (e.g. physical activity), the veins expand and that makes the venous valves insufficient (limited functionality). This feels like “heavy legs”. Increased venous back flow to the heart means in reverse better boost potential in the heart itself and therefore more supply of blood and oxygen in the periphery.

What do you have to pay attention to?

Based on the named effects any compression wear in sports is only useful if the pressure flow is anatomically matched. This means the compression is strongest at the ankles and continually gets less over the knee and to the thigh. This is called “graduated compression”. For compression socks or tights a pressure range of 20-30mmHg at the ankle has been deemed optimal. (1mmHg is the static pressure a 1mm high mercury column develops).

What do we learn?

According to our results (based on the results of 37 international sport compression studies) it is beneficiary to wear compression garments during exercise if you:

1. want to improve maximal strength, sprint performance and jumping height

2. want to influence your oxygen intake and lactate concentration (endurance)

3. want to increase your stamina.

For compression during recovery you should know that:

1) Lactate concentration tends to go away quicker while wearing compression gear,

2) Body temperature is higher while wearing compression gear,

3) Muscle pain and swelling is reduced through wearing of compression gear,

4) Maximal jumping, sprint and power performance recover quicker while wearing compression gear.

SLS3 2011 FX Race Suit

2011-01-18T15:46:00.000-08:00

Britain’s IronCouple Delighted to Announce an IronBaby

2011-01-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

Stephen and Bella Bayliss (nee Comerford) are delighted to announce that they are expecting their first child.

Bella, who is three months pregnant, comments; “ I think this may be quite a shock to many people, however Stephen and I could not be happier! Of course this will be a huge change in both our lives but it is what we had always planned.”

She continues “I will be taking a break from competition until I have the baby and have had a chance to adjust to motherhood. I plan to come back to race and although I have no fixed date for my return planned at this time, it is likely to be late 2011 or early 2012. I know that coming back to race will be very challenging, but I am up for it!

When asked, if this means she would not be around much on the triathlon scene this year, she commented; “I definitely won’t be invisible this year. I plan to keep myself busy doing promotion work for our sponsors, some coaching; which is part of Stephen and my long term plan, write some articles and to be at many of the races Stephen does until the baby is due at the beginning of August.”

Expectant father Stephen comments; “I am almost beyond words to describe how happy I am, I am going to be a dad! This is definitely going to bring a new dimension to my racing, an extra incentive to do well."

Stephen's quest for success and provision for his family starts in Abu Dhabi in March where he and Bella will travel to from Ibiza which they are using as their winter training base.

After Abu Dhabi Stephen’s tentative race schedule is;

March – Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

April – The Koh Samui Triathlon, Thailand
May – TBC possibilities include 70.3 Mallorca, IM Lanzarote or Challenge Half Barcelona
June - 70.3 UK
July -TBC possibilities include IM Austria, IM UK
August – Embrunman Triathlon
September – Gerardmer Triathlon, Challenge Henley
October – Homme De Ferro (Ibiza Long Course Triathlon)

To follow the IronCouple on their journey through the 2011 triathlon season and on their journey to parenthood visit; www.theironcouple.com where you can link through to their blog or twitter.

SLS3 to sponsor Angela Naeth.

2011-01-04T09:17:00.000-08:00

San Diego (Jan. 05, 2011) – SLS3 is pleased to announce its sponsorship of professional triathlete Angela Naeth. Naeth enters her 3rd year as a professional triathlete.

Angela has had five 2nd place finishes this year at IM 70.3 races in the US. She is one of the fastest cyclist in the pro field.

"I'm really pleased to be affiliated with SLS3," said Angela Naeth. "I had a chance to test the compression clothing in Hawaii and I love it."

" Angela really got our attention at the IM 70.3 races last year, especially with her fast bike splits," said Sebastian Linke, CEO of SLS3. Adding to our dynamic list of professional athletes, we are looking forward to big things in 2011.

Naeth will start her 2011 season with SLS3 at the Abu Dhabi Triathlon in March. She joins SLS3 athletes Petr Vabrousek, Chris McDonald, Jessica Jacobs, Brian and Becky Lavelle.

About Angela Naeth: 

Angela Naeth began her athletic career as a track and field middle-distance runner at the age of 12. After high school, Angela received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Missouri and it was during her collegiate career when Angela discovered just how much cycling and swimming helped her body recover. She entered a few cycling races and started swimming recreationally.

In 2008 Angela started training full time in California and Colorado. She quickly made a name for herself placing 1st at the Boulder Peak, 3rd 5430 Long Course, 3rd Muskoka 70.3, 7th at Wildflower, and 8th overall at the Worlds 70.3 that fall.

In 2010 she finished 11 times on the podium with a very strong 7th place at the IM 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater.

About SLS3:

SLS3 manufactures sport compression and Triathlon race apparel in the USA. We design and market, high quality compression and triathlon race apparel that meet and exceed the needs of our customers. Our products will enhance performance with emphasis on technical design for comfort. Our goal is to produce the best possible products to serve our customers who are looking for comfort and performance. MADE IN U.S.A. is an important part of our apparel line as we have made a commitment to production of our apparel in America. We hire local staff and we purchase our materials from the highest quality vendors available to us.

New SLS3 Cycling Kits.

2010-12-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

The SLS3 cycling kits have just arrived. We have a very limited quantity of those available. The prices are:

Jersey $ 50

Bib $ 60

Kit (Jersey+Top) $100

The items are not available on our website. If you are interested in one of our kits please contact us at contact@slstri.com.

How much compression do you want?

2010-10-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Review by Adam Casseday and Katie Wolpert:

...The SLS3 compression tights are the real deal. I have used compression products in the past, but was not sold on their ability to actually compress enough to make a difference. The SLS3 compression recovery tight takes compression to another level though. Be prepared to spend at least five minutes to get these tights on and off as the graduated compressive nature (20-30 mmHg pressure, the company claims) adds this difficulty, but is what makes them work so well. These are undoubtedly not running tights, but purely for recovery purposes. As far as style, they are not the most flattering apparel on the market and you certainly can’t hide anything with their extremely snug fit. I put these tights on immediately after a 100 mile race and left them on for the next twelve hours underneath a pair of jeans. The extra support was nice for tired legs, but the compression was a little uncomfortable and restrictive for such a long period of time. The next morning though, my legs felt the best ever after running a 100-miler. Was it the compression tights or just proper training? I’d say a little of both, but I have no doubt that the SLS3 tights made a significant difference in my recovery.
Read the full article here.

3rd place for Camilla Lindholm in Zofingen

2010-09-13T08:43:00.001-07:00

SLS3 athlete Camilla Lindholm had a great race at the Duathlon in Zofingen. She finished 3rd at the "Mother" of all Duathlons.
"This Sunday I competed in the Powerman World Championships in Duathlon (Zofingen) and was 3d! I knew that 3weeks of recovery is not much and just after the race in Copenhagen I got a terrible stomach bug with high fever and all that comes with bad stomach :). Many of us got it because of the infected swim water. But I felt that I recovered well and felt strong (except from my stomach that still is not alright). The race course is very very demanding and I live in a pancake flat area in Sweden very different from Switzerland and the alps :). But after the first run of 10km I felt fine and out on the 150km bike ride I tried to be conservative with my pace and I biked along with Erika Csomor for a long time. The last run was 30km and very demanding, I did knew that from last year but felt good off the bike. I was in second place and run the same pace as Erika even though I thought I took it slow. Then, 7-8km from the finish something happened, I felt dizzy and had a tingle feeling all over my body. I could not run in a straight line and not even walk. I don`t remember how I got to the finish line but I am happy that I made it and finishing 3d. I think that I run out of salt and electrolytes. Having completed an Ironman and get hit by a stomach disease is not the best way to prepare for an event like this."

SLS3® Compression Recovery Tight just arrived.

2010-08-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

The long awaited SLS3 compression recovery tight is finally here and available for purchase.
Our Tekweb technology makes this the ultimate must have garment for everybody. Use them after hard training and races, wear them underneath slacks at work, lounge in them at home, sport them during long travel time in planes, trains and automobiles.
Our recovery tights will aid your body in getting oxygenated blood into your legs, removing lactate and other waste products and move them upwards towards the heart - a task your body usually does on its own with a lot of effort.
Graduated compression most prominent at the ankle and decreasing upwards towards your waist provides just the right amount of help for your body's vein pump.

20-30mmHg of graduated compression
Seamless TekWeb technology
Low cut elastic waistband
Unisex

Sizing recommendation:
Size 2 fits 5'0"-5'6" and 110-140lbs
Size 3 fits 5'2"-5'8" and 130-160lbs
Size 4 fits 5'6"-6'0" and 145-175lbs
Size 5 fits 5'8"-6'2" and 165-195lbs
Size 6 fits 6'0-6'6" and 185-215lbs

Tights fit best if both measurements are in the middle of the respective size ratio.
If you have both measurements on the upper end of a size, you need to size up.
If you have both measurements on the lower end of a size, you need to size down.
If you are short but heavy within a size - that is your size. If you are tall but skinny within a size - that is your size.

Challenge Copenhagen - Denmark

2010-08-23T10:36:00.001-07:00

SLS3 athletes Camilla Lindholm and Petr Varbousek rocked the Challenge race in Copenhagen.

Camilla finished a strong 3rd place just behind Rebekah Keat and Belinda Granger.

"I was so happy since I had a terrible race in Challenge Kraichgau earlier, I was 7th pro due to sickness. This is my best result so far in a big international triathlon and my running split was the best in the field. Now I am trying to get ready for Zofingen the 5/9. And I must say that I love your socks, I wear them before, under and after races and even with a skirt on :)! Many thanks :)!"

Petr Vabrousek finished 4th overall and is preparing for the Ironman race in Canada on August 28th.

Chris McDonald had a a bad day at the Challenge race - see what he had to say:

What happened honey ?...........

This is how I remember the end of my run at challenge Copenhagen while staring at the ceiling of an ambulance.

Lets rewind back to the start .

Race day dawned to a cool damp day but by no means the torrential down pour we experience the day before with a 50 year rain fall record with flooded roads and TT helmets floating around transition like canoes.

7am and the 2 tonne canon fires on the beach of Copenhagen and we were off. Unlike my last two races I got off to a great start and was sitting comfortably in the lead group and thinking about the day ahead. At some point during the swim there was a small split in the group with 4 or 5 just slipping away but I was ok with where I was at. As we hit the banks I got the split that the group was just 50 sec up the road .

Onto the bike...I moved quickly through transition and was the first of the group to jump on the bike and made my way up to the small group before leaving town....at this point everything was going to plan and the day was well under way. As we rolled out onto the coast I took a look back and the group was now 15-20 guys .

“Most”of the players were taking part in setting the pace as we made our way up the coast before turning into the technical inland section of the course. I played one of my cards here and we got the group down to 5...perfect I thought everything is still going to plan . Once again we were all taking part in setting the pace when I looked back and saw that the rest of the group was making it way back as the pace was slowing …..time to play the next hand in my game plan ...I pulled out of the group and picked up the pace ! As I was making my way up the left side of the group I hear the whistle....# 5 into the next penalty box.....?? “ are you kidding me I am on the front of the group” …. Apparently I gained an advantage from a media motor bike that was on the left side of the road taking photos from the front of the group?....27 professional Ironmans and about the same in half Ironmans and this was a first for me. Anyone who knows me know I hate drafters!

First thought , “its ok chris 4 min is nothing a lot of people have won races after something like this!” I mount the stead again after the 80 km aid station. I get the next split at 105 km... the lead group is down to 90 sec. As I rolled back out onto the coast again I could now see the lead vehicle and the group of guys ...”ok were back to plan” ! BOOM! Flat tire!

SHIT! “ its ok chris fix it and get back on with the job at hand” I made as quick as work as possible with getting the new spare on and was again back to work. 120Km - all good , 130 km making time on the group again , 140km took a big chunk of time through the technical section of the course 150 km Pssst Pssst Boom ! SHIT! Flat #2

At this point I am now left standing on the side of the road hoping that a car will come by to give me a ride back to town . Just as I start the walk towards town I hear another amateur athlete offer me a can of pit stop....at this point I had been there for well over 5 min and I thanked the guy immensely ,inflated the tire and we where off again.

T2 . I get a look from marilyn like.....well the hell have you been! ( I know thats what I would have been thinking ) Last time she saw me I was with the lead group and had a smile a mile wide and everything was going to plan....now I was not looking to chipper! I started the run in 8^th place and had decide with all the things that had happened to just give it a crack and see how things would turn out.

So... some were after 80 km I left my brain on the side of the road and had stopped taking care of myself.... as I ran out onto the board walk of Copenhagen I could barely see 15 feet in front of me....” its ok things will come around and you will be fine “ . lap one didn't loose any time “ but I still cant see more than 15 feet . Lap 2 lost about 2 min but now can only see 10 feet in front of me. Lap three.....what happened honey!

So I have never felt so in control to so out of control in a mater of 60 min... yes I know you are reading this saying “douche bag! “ Why would you stop hydrating ...why didn’t you take any of your sodium....trust me I said the same thing to myself!

I spent 60 min in the ambulance 2 hours in medical tent 4 liters of IV and the whole next day wondering what could have been.

The good news is apparently I collapsed right in front of my dear wife and she caught my head before it hit the cobbles and today on the flight back to the US I feel great!

Train safe

Chris

Ironman Lake Placid - an incredible week

2010-07-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

We were at the IM Lake Placid last week and worked together with High Peaks Cyclery. It was an amazing experience and here are some of the impressions.

Ben rocked Lake Placid - he won his first Ironman with a little bit of help from SLS3.

Those guys had so much fun...

Petr had an amazing race, just one week after his 8th place at the NYC Triathlon, he finished 2nd in LP.

Spencer working overtime in the shop - so many bikes to fix...

SLS3 pad technology.

The first female tandem (blind female athlete/female guide) to compete an Ironman - we hooked them up with SLS3 compression socks.

Inside the store.

A very happy customer.

Joacelyn Wong - the Wongstar getting ready for the race.

Try them and and compare.

German candy - very popular during the week.

Huge weekend for SLS3!

2010-07-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend was very successful for SLS3. Tereza Macel finished 3rd at the Challenge Race in Roth/GER. She finished in 9:09 hours and set a PB on the run wearing her SLS3 compression socks. SLS3 was once again the fastest compression sock in this race.

We are looking forward to see her racing IM Canada at the end of August.

At the NYC Triathlon it was Filip Ospaly and Petr Vabrousek who finished 1st and 8th. Petr was just "warming up" for the IM Lake Placid next weekend.

6.26 and 6.27 weekend

2010-06-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

Photo: ironmanlive.com
The season is heating up more and more. It was a busy weekend for SLS3 athletes all over the globe. Petr Vabrousek won the Czech Ironman Championships in a new course record of 8:41h. In Nice, France, Romain Guillaume placed 5th in the classic long distance race. 5th place also went to Chris McDonald at IM Coeur d'Alene, and hot Lubbock, TX Ben Hoffman came 4th at the Buffalo Springs Half IM.

6.20 - Double Whammy for SLS3
It couldn't have gone any better at the 70.3 UK race. Bella Bayliss and Fraser Cartmell shined and both had a great race, both winning the Pro race.

6.13 - Ben Hoffman 2nd at 70.3 Boise, ID He is a force to be reckoned with, and Ben Hoffman is just getting stronger and stronger as the season continues. He finished a mere 10 seconds behind IM Hawaii champ Craig Alexander in Boise, ID.

Ben Hofmann finished 2nd at IM 70.3 Boise

2010-06-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

SLS3 athlete Ben Hofmann finished an impressive second place at the IM 70.3 Boise just 11 seconds behind Im World Champion Craig Alexander.

Hoffman put in a challenge for the title wearing the SLS3 compression sleeves, but was unable to catch the world champ. Alexander crossed the finish line in 4:02:01. Hoffman turned in a time of 4:02:21 to claim second, with Australia’s Tim Berkel finishing third at 4:08:08.

credit: competitor.com

Super successful Memorial day weekend!

2010-06-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been very special for us - it has been the most successful weekend ever in our 3 year history.

SLS3 athletes around the world earned top places at Ironman Brazil, Ironman 70.3 St. Poelten and the Giro D`Italia.

Ivan Basso won his second Giro after 2006. He used the SLS3 compression socks to recover after the stages. We are looking forward to seeing him at the Tour de France this year.

At the Ironman Brazil it was Petr Varbousek who finished 6th and Tereza Macel who the race. Both of them where wearing SLS3 compression. Petr loves the sleeves while Tereza was wearing the full socks.

And in Europe it was Filip Ospaly who won IM 70.3 in St. Poelten, beating Macca and Raelert, while wearing the SLS3 compression sleeves.

SLS3 partners with USA Productions

2010-05-27T09:22:00.001-07:00

Newly Triathlon company SLS3 announced today a partnership with USA Productions. The northern California race series combines entertainment and racing. The energy and enthusiasm of the Golden Gate Triathlon Series aligns perfectly with SLS3’s belief in celebrating the joy of Triathlon.

“We are excited to be partnering with a growing, dynamic company like the USA Productions and the Silicon Valley Sprint and International Triathlon at Almaden Lake Park in San Jose, CA on June 12th and 13th,” said Sebastian Linke, owner of SLS3. “To be able to join in on the party that is The Golden Gate Triathlon Series and to expose so many avid, inspiring athletes to the SLS3 brand by supporting their ambitions to compete longer, farther and faster is invaluable to us.”

SLS3 will have a significant presence at the Silicon Valley Sprint and International Triathlon. SLS3 will be the exclusive apparel brand available for purchase at each event’s Health and Fitness Expo, and SLS3 will be featured prominently at the start and finish lines.

Participating athletes will have the chance to win SLS3 gear and see the latest in compression and race apparel technology. “

''Having the right technical gear and during Triathlon race is crucial to any athlete. SLS3 has made apparel with athletes in mind and they have proven themselves once again with the new FX line.''

This is how you win the USA 1 mile Championship

2010-05-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

Just five days after his teammates swept the medal stand at the US 25K Championships, Jordan Horn (in blue on the right in the photo below) wins the Bronze Medal at the US 1 Mile National Championships in Minneapolis, MN. For Horn, this is his best ever finish at a US Championships and continues a breakthrough 2010, having already run under four minutes in the mile (3:58) this winter. His breakthrough performances in 2009 and 2010 have earned him the opportunity to race on the European track circuit this summer.

Horn now returns to the track with two tune-up races as he heads into the US National Track & Field Championships which will be held in late June in Iowa. He'll then head to Europe for a series of races in Belgium.

Successful weekend: Wildflower and IM St. George

2010-05-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ironman St. George:

25% of the top 12 pros at the IM St. George in Utah have been using SLS3 compression gear. Ben Hoffman finished 2nd overall followed by Chris Mc Donald who finished just a few minutes behind him. Read the race report from Chris here.

photo: courtesy of xtri.com

Wildflower Triathlon Festival:

We have been at the Wildflower Triathlon expo to present our new apparel and we want to thank everyone who had the time to stop by - we appreciate all the great feedback we received.

The next expo will be in San Dimas - Bonelli Park at the LA Tri Series on may 16th. We hope to see you there.

Camilla Lindholm European champ at Powerman Holland!

2010-04-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

New SLS3 athlete Camilla Lindholm started off her season with a bang and dominated the European Duathlon Championships in Venray, Netherlands. Camilla had a lead over Germany's Ulrike Schwalbe of almost 5 minutes, she managed to pull away and secure a small gap on exiting T1, which she then went on the expand throughout the remainder of the race.

Says Camilla: "I really liked the clothes and the socks really helped me manage the long trip home by car, too.

First Triathlon Expo of the year.

2010-04-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

This beauty got a lot of attention at the expo.

We just came back from the first Triathlon Expo of the year. We have been at the Superfrog Expo in beautiful Coronado/San Diego.Thanks everyone who stopped by at our booth to see the latest innovation in Triathlon race and compression apparel. It was amazing to see how many facebook friends took the time to stop by to say hello. We really appreciate the feedback you gave us. We are looking forward to seeing you at the next Expo at the Big Rock Triathlon.

Upcoming Events

2010-03-31T16:07:00.000-07:00

The race season has started (at least here in SoCal) and we picked a couple of events to attend this year:
- April 10th: Superfrog Triathlon/San Diego
- April 17th: Big Rock Triathlon/Perris
- April 29-Mai 2nd: Wildflower Triathlon
- May 16th: Tempe Triathlon
- May 23rd: Auburn Triathlon - The worlds toughest Half.

If you happen to be at one of these races stop by and take a look at our NEW line. We will be showing SLS3 Compression socks/sleeves and SLS3 race apparel.

SLS3 at TriTipTV

2010-03-16T21:29:00.001-07:00

SLS3 Around the World Sling Backpack

2010-03-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

.. just arrived: SLS3 Around the World Sling Backpack. This is the perfect bag for your SLS3 compression Socks or race apparel. Heavyweight 600 Denier Polyester Canvas. Size: 16 3/4" x 10 3/4". This backpack has out of this world features that include a rear adjustable elastic cord for yoga mat, blanket, towel or jacket, an adjustable top strap, a seamless front zippered pocket, a place to attach your headphone or MP3 outlet, convenient and comfortable carrying handles, an adjustable, heavily padded shoulder strap w/zippered pocket to store cell or other important accessories and a large roomy main compartment with zippered pocket inside. A place for everything and everything in its place when you have this sling backpack! The bags are intended for our pros but we do have a limited number available. Send us an email to contact@slstri.com if you are interested. The retail price is $39.90.

Romain Guillaume finished 3rd at IM Malaysia

2010-03-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

SLS3 athlete Romain Guillaume from France finished a strong 3rd place overall at the Ironman Malaysia last weekend. He was racing in the SLS3 Compression Socks. Off the bike, Guillaume was in second place about eight minutes behind the leader and the Frenchman was the only one who was close. As the pros started the marathon the temperature started to rise, but what affected the athletes much more was a huge rise in humidity, which made it feel like it was over 40 degrees C (102 F) out on the run course. Which contributed to the carnage we saw through the rest of the men’s race. In the end Nishiuchi managed to catch Guillaume for second.

FREE SLS3 COMPRESSION SOCKS

2010-02-19T14:27:00.001-08:00

See website for details.

SLS3 at the San Dieguito 1/2 Marathon

2010-02-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

Last weekend proved to be quite a success for SLS3. We were at the San Dieguito 1/2 Marathon meeting people and generally having a good time bringing our brand to the triathlon and run community. If you can make it up to this event next year we highly recommend it. It is one of the most scenic courses in the US.

SLS3 on the cover of Triathlon Magazine Canada

2010-02-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

Tereza Marcel raises an arm in celebration as she approaches the end of the 2009 Ironman Lake Placid Triathlon. Macel, who represents the Czech Republic, but lives in Canada, was the first pro woman to finish the race. (picture courtesy of triathlon magazine canada)

SLS3 TT FRAME Prototype

2010-01-20T17:48:00.001-08:00

The first prototype of the all new SLS3 TT frame just came in...

Fraser Cartmell wins 70.3 South Africa

2010-01-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

SLS3 athlete Fraser Cartmell claimed the first Ironman 70.3 title of the year with his win at Ironman 70.3 South Africa.

Cartmell’s win came with only two minutes to spare as South Africa’s James Cunnama posted the fastest half-marathon of the day and nearly found his way to the front. Cartmell held off the competition with a final time of 4:07:54. Cunnama settled for second at 4:09:34, while the final podium spot went to another South African, Brad Storm with a time of 4:15:36.

Well done Fraser - it is good to see you back...

Petr Vabrousek finishes 4th place at Challenge Wanaka

2010-01-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

SLS3 athlete Petr Vabrousek started the new year with a race in New Zealand.
His time for the Ironman distance was 9:00 hours.
That is a nice way to start the season...

SLS3 welcomes Ivan Basso

2009-12-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

Ivan Basso is an Italian professional road bicycle racer who is currently racing with Italian UCI pro tour team Liquigas. Basso, nicknamed Ivan the Terrible, is among the best mountain riders in the professional field of the 2000s, and is considered one of the strongest stage race riders. He is a winner of the Giro d'Italia, having won the 2006 edition of the Italian Grand Tour whilst riding for Team CSC. Ivan will be wearing the SLS3 compression socks during his training and for recovery.

SLS3 Road frame arrived

2009-12-12T16:23:00.000-08:00

The first prototype of the SLS3 road frame arrived this week. Check out the pictures. It is a super light carbon frame in a classic carbon/white/red design.

Balla finsihes 2nd place at IM Cozumel

2009-12-07T10:35:00.001-08:00

Bella Bayliss finished in her last Ironman in 2009 in 2nd place - see her race report here.

Redcord breaking day at IM Arizona

2009-11-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

SLS3 athlete Jordan Rapp followed up his earlier win this year at Ironman Canada to take the Ford Ironman Arizona title in a record time of 8:13:35.

Petr Vabrousek had a tough day in Arizona. He got sick a couple of days before the race but managed to finish 10th place with the second fastest run split of the day with an average heart rate of 135 bpm.

We will see how fast he can recover from this race. His next race will be IM Australia in 2 weeks.

Ain-Alar Juhanson Kona race report

2009-11-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

see what Ain has to say about his race in Kona this year.

Strong presence at IM Florida

2009-11-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

SLS3 athletes where all over the place at this years IM Florida. Bellay Bayliss finished 3rd in 9:13:52. Jessica Jacobs finished a strong 6th place in 9:27:46 and Jocelyn Wong placed at her first Ironman as a pro in the top 10 with a time of 9:54:27.
Also in the top 10 was Romain Guillaume from France who finished in a time of 8:47:52.
We will see how fast Bella and Jocelyn will recover from this race. Their next and last Ironman for this year is in just a few weeks. It is IM Cozumel in Mexico.

Picture courtesy of Sportzfoto.com

IM Arizona Pro Preview by TritipTV

2009-11-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Win a FREE pair of SLS3 compression socks

2009-11-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

IM Florida is coming up: Give us the winning time of the men. Whoever gets closest will win a FREE pair of SLS3 compression socks... please send your winning time to sebastian@slstri.com.

SLS3 fan pictures from Hawaii

2009-10-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Tobias from Germany was so kind to send us some images from Big Island taken a few days before the race...

SLS3 at the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships

2009-10-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

We will have 2 SLS3 athletes racing the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in Perth/Australia. Ben Hoffmann represents the US and Petr Vabrousek is racing for the Czech Republic. Both athletes are well recovered just a few weeks after the Ironman Hawaii.

Petr Vabrousek at the Ironman Hawaii 2010.

2009-10-20T15:24:00.001-07:00

The Ironman Hawaii 2010 was Petr`s 11th consecutive start on big island.
He ended up with 48th place. "It reflects my swimming ability. Without strong swim it can´t be a lot better in Kona... " It was just another day in the office for the man who is still racing 2 Ironman races this year.

SLS3 featured in UK 220 Triathlon Magazine

2009-10-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

SLS3 athletes Ain-Alar Juhanson and Bella Bayliss are featured in the UK 220 Triathlon Magazine in the September issue.

Tereza rocks Kona!

2009-10-19T08:54:00.001-07:00

Bellas IM Hawaii Race Report

2009-10-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a few words to tell you about my race today at the World Ironman Championships in Hawaii.

My result of “DNF” was dissappointing, that is for sure!
I was so motivated and excited by my last years 7th place, I really believed I could do that again.

I felt happier once the race was underway, those last 2 hours before the race are nerve racking! And being on the start line is no fun.
I had a good swim so I was happy with that. It was hard work and I had to concentrate hard.

I thought I rode ok, it was a fairly lonely ride for me, but I did pass a few girls and then a whole gaggle of girls in the penalty tent at Hawi!
Then I got to watch them all pass me while they continued to agresivly draft. I was not impressed.
The bike was hot, but no side winds this year. However there was plenty on head winds which was tiring to ride in.

On the run I felt hot from the start! At every aid station I tried to cool off, but it just did nothing. I was running ok for a few miles and ran myself into 13 position, but then I lost it! I felt hot and I was loosinng my strength. I got slower and slower and felt worse and worse. I could not go on, and mile 10 I had to call it a day. Dehydration is of no help!

I was upset. It feels awful to have a bad day.

But I am over it now. I am now believing that it was a good swim-run session for my next races!

Well done Teresa! I am impressed!

SLS3 rocks Kona

2009-10-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

SLS3 athlete Tereza Marcel finished a strong 4th place at the 2009 Ironman World Championship in Kona in a time of 9:25:48. Which showed that the SLS3 Compression SOX have been the highest ranked compression socks in Kona this year.
SLS3 athlete Ain-Alar Juhanson, who had the fastest bike split last year, had problems with his IT band on the run. But he showed that he is a great champion by finishing the race in 11:17:56.

preparing for a swim in Kona

2009-10-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

SLS3 athletes Maki and Hiroyuki Nishiuchi from Team Tbb prepare for a swim in Kona - watch them and all other athletes racing on saturday at www.ironman.com

Britain’s Ironcouple, and top ten favourites for this weekend’s Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, Stephen and Bella Bayliss checked in today with

2009-10-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

"Today Stephen and I left Team TBB's pre Hawaii training camp in Jeju, South Korea for Kona, Hawaii. We have had a great 4 weeks training and tapering here. The weather here in Jeju is perfect for our preparations for Hawaii.

We are both fit and strong and looking forward to race.

Speaking personally she comments; “It is amazing how quickly time goes! Already it is almost time for the Ironman World Championships again. I am still excited by my 7th place finish there last year.
Since Hawaii 2008 I have had 5 Ironman wins so I feel good and strong going into Hawaii. I will play my game smart like I did last year. I will aim at top 10 again. If I do that I will be very, very happy. If I am near the top 10, of course I will be pushing for top 5. Right now I am concentrating on each session at a time to make it possible to have a very strong race. After Hawaii I am not finished, I will go on to race my favorite race, Ironman Florida, where I will race for the 8th year in a row! Having won 5 of them.

Stephen Bayliss comments " The world Ironman championships is my long term goal. I am working everyday to get to the very top there. It may well take a few more years hard work. After finishing in 18th place last year I am really looking to improve on this position, my aim for this year is to be in the top 10, if I do this I will be very satisfied. “

Stephen and Bella race this Saturday, October 10^th, 2009 in Kona, Hawaii, USA for full coverage and race results visit www.ironman.com

2009-10-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Trying to sync tweets with facebook and the blog is not quite as easy as I thought.

Wikiwiki Socks.

2009-09-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

If you are still looking for something special for Kona you might have a look at the SLS3 Wikiwiki Socks - we just have about 35 pairs left over, once they are gone - they are gone.

Interbike 2009

2009-09-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for the Interbike in Las Vegas the next 2 days. We are always looking for the best and fastest materials on the market, so we are still looking for a few more "pieces" for our new 2010 clothing line.