Defending champion Rico Bogen was certainly the surprise of last year’s championship event, and arrives here in Taupo for this weekend’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship ready to go after a second title. His season has been built towards being in top shape for this race, and his recent runner-up finish at T100 Dubai bodes well for that plan.

Bogen is also coming into the race with a great attitude and approach. He feels like his results this season have proven that his race in Lahti last year was no fluke.

“I proved in the season that I am good, and so now I look at this race as the ‘cherry on on top of the cake,’ so if I have a great race and could do it again and finish on the podium or defend my title, it would be great,” he said.

A former competitive swimmer, Bogen is used to coming out of the water at the front of the race, and has always been known for his strong biking talents. Bogen decided to take a risk and push to the front early on the run at last year’s 70.3 worlds, and the move paid off with the huge win in Lahti.

Bogen realized during his U23 days of draft-legal racing that he wasn’t likely to earn a spot on the German Olympic team, which prompted his move to middle distance racing. He was part of Ku Cycles’ development team as an age-grouper, and they quickly saw his potential. Bogen has become the “poster-boy” for the burgeoning brand, and serves as a speedy example of the company’s approach of custom-designed bikes and extensive aerodynamic testing. From day one the 24-year-old has appreciated the process – the bike is built around his measurements, and he’s seen the speed gains that come from that and the bike’s radical design that features a wide and high fork that helps channel air through the riders legs.

We’ll look forward to seeing Bogen compete on Sunday for a second title. In the meantime, here’s a close look at the German’s speedy ride:

BIKE:

Kú Cycle / TF1

DRIVE TRAIN

Sram Red 1x 170mm Crank W/ Aerocoach 58Tooth “Gold” chain ring and ceramic speed cover

WHEELS & TIRES

Kú Cycle Rear with Contentinental TT 5000 25mm

Evolve TroikaMAX+ Trispoke with Contentinental TT 5000 25mm

The high and wide aero front fork design Kú is known for

COCKPIT, SADDLE & MORE

The cockpit is a mix of Smart Pace and FastTT with Kú Cycle hydration that can hold up to 80 oz of fluid

SADDLE & BOTTLES

ISM 3.0 and Profile Design Vise Kage and what looks like a WOVE Bottle Retention Loop

The post The Champ Returns- We Have a “Stand Up” with Rico Bogen first appeared on Slowtwitch News.