Speed is in the Details
During Ergon Projekt TRI, alongside world-class triathletes Jan Frodeno and Imogen Simmonds, we pursued the goal of optimizing saddle ergonomics of triathletes down to the smallest details.
Projekt TRI: Ergonomic expertise meets world-class triathlon
In the premier class of endurance sports, the requirements of the three different disciplines are closely linked.
The transition zone challenges athletes not only in terms of time, but also in terms of preparing the body for the next discipline. In the case of transitioning from cycling to running, the sitting position on the bike can have an effect in the direct outcome of the marathon run.
During Projekt TRI, Ergon’s development team worked together with world-class triathletes, Jan Frodeno and Imogen Simmonds, with the goal to optimize saddle ergonomics down to the smallest detail and elevate the athletes’ performances. 20 years of experience and ergonomic expertise allow us to tackle and solve these problems at the highest level.
In research and development, ergonomics is at the forefront of our efforts. Utilizing joint studies with numerous triathletes, we develop tailor-made saddle solutions.
The consideration of gender-specific saddle shapes plays a central role in a saddle design.
Different pelvic shapes of men and women require individual saddle constructions for each gender. Saddle comfort and relief are key to top performances for professional athletes.
Through extensive testing and rider feedback, the first prototypes are built in-house in Koblenz, Germany. The athletes test them extensively in training and competition and give us their direct and well thought out feedback. This allows us to further refine and optimize the prototypes.
Jan Frodeno X Ergon Project TRI
„A comfortable, aerodynamic position that lets me put all my power to the road yet ease the transition to running is crucial to winning. From the start of the development process, the focus was clear – deliver the maximum ergonomic support I need to guarantee the highest performance advantage. My collaboration with Ergon will do just that”.
Jan Frodeno was the first to win both the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games and the World Champion title at Ironman Hawaii in 2015, 2016 and 2019. He’s at the top of the list when it comes to German triathletes in the Ironman distance.
His next goal: victory at Ironman Hawaii. In 2022, this dream unfortunately burst for Jan due to an unfortunate injury. But the strong-willed athlete will drive forward to compete on an Ergon triathlon saddle at Ironman Hawaii 2023. His goal is to take back the Ironman title. The perfect preparation of man and machine will be crucial for success.
For Jan, fine-tuning his fitness and self-vision in each of the three disciplines is the real motivation. Years of commitment to the sport help this veteran enjoy the process and living in this moment.
Imogen Simmonds X Ergon Project TRI
„I’ve had problems sitting on a bike. (…) Through working with ERGON my eyes have been opened as to how important and how various aspects of the saddle can be altered in order to really be made specific for a certain person and certain biomechanics and how there is so many different variables involved.”
Imogen Simmonds is a triathlete and European Champion in the Ironman distance for 2019. With her British-Swiss origins, she is currently listed as one of the top Swiss triathletes.
Her highest goal this year was to re-enter the sport after injury and surgery. She more than succeeded by taking the win at Ironman 70.3 Gdynia.
Their pursuit of perfection in all three sports is always a full commitment. The secrets to success, in addition to hard work, is a good team in the background. Great partners in sports were a blessing for Imo and made all the difference in her end performance. For the triathlete, the saddle during the bike leg is one of the most important components of the race.
