Lucy Charles-Barclay’s 2022 Kona race kit

Having finished runner-up in the last three Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, Lucy Charles-Barclay is aiming to land the top spot for the first time as she lines up against a stellar field in Hawaii later today.

The reigning Ironman 70.3 world champ has made a spectacular comeback from injury to take her place in the race and will be looking to dethrone five-time Ironman champ Daniela Ryf for the biggest title of her career to date.

As a world class triathlete, Charles-Barclay also requires world-class equipment, and so ahead of the race, 220 gives readers a quick rundown of what she’ll be using.

What will Lucy be using in the swim?

As a Roka-sponsored athlete in a non-wetsuit race, Lucy will be in the Roka Viper X2 Swimskin, which provides enhanced core compression, better support and improved posture in the water.

Among other features it also has a teflon coating that repels water and reduces drag and water absorption, and a breakaway zip for easy removal exiting the swim.

The goggles are the Roka R1 goggle, which uses patented Rapidsight technology to improve Lucy’s field of vision and SPCTRM Optics, a purpose-built lens collection offering the optimal tint for every condition.

What will Lucy be using on the bike leg?

Lucy will be riding a Cube Aerium C:68X prototype, which now incorporates disc brakes and claims to have better aerodynamics, steerability, less weight, plus more hydration and storage options.

Tests have shown the bike is 3.63 watts faster compared to the rim brake Aerium, with other new features including a slicker aerodynamic profile with flatter handlebars and various hydration and storage options.

Lucy will be riding DT Swiss Arc 1100 wheels with a Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed groupset, a CeramicSpeed derailleur pulley wheel and Schwalbe Tyres.

She’ll probably be using the long-tailed KASK Bambino Pro Evo helmet, but might also opt for the Mistral aero helmet or Bambino Pro.

With the swim skin removed, a custom made white and pink Endura long course tri-suit designed to optimise aerodynamics for the bike and keep her core temperature cool for the run will also be on show.

What will Lucy be using on the run?

Lucy will be sticking with the Asics Metaspeed Sky+. They are the carbon-plated shoe that helped her win the Ironman 70.3 World Championship title in St George and were her racing shoe of choice even before signing for the brand in May.

She’s also likely to be looking cool in Oakley Custom Sutro sunglasses, but could be donning another pair from the Oakley range.

Top image credit: James Mitchell

Tim Heming Freelance triathlon journalist

About

Experienced sportswriter and journalist, Tim is a specialist in endurance sport and has been filing features for 220 for a decade. Since 2014 he has also written a monthly column tackling the divisive issues in swim, bike and run from doping to governance, Olympic selection to pro prize money and more. Over this time he has interviewed hundreds of paratriathletes and triathletes from those starting out in the sport with inspiring tales to share to multiple Olympic gold medal winners explaining how they achieved their success. As well as contributing to 220, Tim has written on triathlon for publications throughout the world, including The Times, The Telegraph and the tabloid press in the UK.