As we ramp up toward the World Championships season, with IRONMAN 70.3 and IRONMAN Championships just around the corner, it is a perfect time to review the last 6 weeks of Purple Patch racing. It has been a crazy couple of months, with some hugely impressive displays in both the professional and amateur Purple Patch ranks. These have included:

The July and August Professional Report:

While several athletes have had a lighter July and August schedule to begin preparations for the World Champs, we still achieved plenty of great results over the last 6 weeks. Every Purple Patch pro has gained a podium this year, and we have secured our best results ever up to this point. I am most proud of the continued evolution in performance of the athletes, and that they are spread across wide experience, gender and goals.

IRONMAN Vineman Champion: Sarah Piampiano

IRONMAN Cebu Champion: Tim Reed

Challenge Poznan Champion: Laura Siddall

Challenge San Gil Champion: Davide Giardini

Challenge Roth 4th place and Sub 9 hour: Laura Siddall

Vineman 70.3 2nd Place: Tim Reed

IRONMAN Calgary 70.3 2nd Place: Malindi Elmore

The July and August Amateur Report:

While many of the pros went into training hibernation, July and August proved our busiest months of racing, and the results at all levels were right in line with my biggest dreams. I couldn't be happier with the experience of the many first-timers, the reports of huge chunks of time knocked off previous PR's and, of course, the headline-grabbing wins, podiums, and qualifiers to the World Champs. Below is the headline news:

Qualifiers to Hawaii IRONMAN World Championships: It is looking like another bumper year, with three more from this last weekend making the total qualifiers around 30 athletes.

Qualifiers to IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships: While only taking about 20 athletes, we secured spots for more than 45 athletes for this year's event.

Recent July and August amateur results:

IRONMAN Vineman: Overall female amateur champion

IRONMAN Vineman 70.3: Overall female amateur champion

IRONMAN Muncie 70.3: 2nd Place male amateur

IRONMAN Ohio 70.3: Overall male amateur champion

IRONMAN 70.3 Age Group Podiums: 12 male and female combined

IRONMAN Age Group Podiums: 7 male and female combined

Personal success stories: Too many to mention.

It has been a magical two months, but we still have plenty of work to do for the rest of the season. Let's finish it up!

Cheers

Matt Dixon