Canadian triathlete Paula Findlay has returned to Specialized for the 2021 season following her strong performances working with us a decade ago. Her 2010 season was her most successful to date and included some impressive performances – two consecutive wins in the 2010 ITU World Cup and three victories in the 2011 series the following season. However, due to a series of setbacks including an injured hip and anaemia, she has not competed in a World Cup since. The now 32-year-old persevered through these difficulties and her comeback is an inspiring tale for any athlete facing adversity. On her way back to her best, Findlay won the 2018 Ironman 70.3 North American Championships, the 2019 70.3 Ironman at Indian Wells, and both the 2019 and 2020 Challenge Daytona. This inspiring journey led her back to the racing machines that she has found the most success on, Specialized. Let's look at what she currently rides.
For what she calls "round two" of her Specialized career, Findlay races on the S-Works Shiv Disc. The components on Findlay's competition bike include a SRAM RED eTap AXS groupset with an 11-33 cassette, a SRAM RED 1 AXS chainring, Zipp 858 NSW carbon wheels and Vuka Shift AXS 90 carbon bars. All this combined with the crosswind and an aerodynamically optimized frame results in a high-performance triathlon bike that doesn't compromise on comfort. All in all, Findlay can trust her Shiv to deliver her results on the bike leg of a triathlon.
The return to Specialized allows Findlay to get accustomed to the world's fastest road bike when training. Optimized for aerodynamics, weight saving, ride quality and of course, speed, we can think of no better training partner for Findlay than her S-Works Tarmac SL7 SRAM RED eTap AXS. Findlay has always been a SRAM exclusive rider so of course, her bikes reflect that. Components include a SRAM RED eTap AXS groupset, SRAM RED 2 AXS (53/37t) chainset and an 11-33 rear cassette, ideal for those long rides on rolling terrain. Just like the Shiv, Findlay's S-Works Tarmac SL7 comes equipped with Zipp wheels, however, in training she uses the 454 NSW carbon wheelset. The bike is completed with the SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD Shift-Brake system. Just like anyone who rides a bike from the Tarmac range, Findlay benefits from the hours of wind tunnel research and weight-saving technology that has been put into the bike’s development.
Findlay has regularly been wearing black and white S-Works Ares Road Shoes in and out of competition. As we combined our Body Geometry technologies with insights from Specialized athletes to create our most efficient power-based shoe, it is no surprise she has chosen the Ares as her shoe of choice. A big boost for riders racing the clock is the fact it is 1% faster than our other models. This may not sound like a lot, but when the goal is to shave as much as possible off your time, 1% can be the difference between winning and losing. These gains are made thanks to the ultra-stiff FACT Powerline carbon sole which allows more watts to be transferred into the pedals thanks to the elimination of foot roll. This results in more speed, efficiency and comfort even at race pace.
Specialized triathlon and TT athletes have been benefiting from the S-Works TT helmet designed in collaboration with motorsport giants McLaren. With a supremely fast helmet, the gains that are made can immediately benefit Findlay. Airflow and cooling measures are key for a competition helmet to prevent an athlete from losing time due to poor aerodynamics or overheating. Luckily for Findlay, the S-Works TT knocks both of these issues on the head thanks to its patented Gill Vents. These pull air into the helmet to cool down an athlete's head before flowing out the rear. Away from racing Findlay dons an S-Works Prevail II W/Angi to complement her training rides.
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To find out more about the bikes mentioned above, why not visit one of our stores? Discover the Tarmac SL7 and S-Works Shiv ranges to progress your triathlon adventure. Speak to one of our friendly staff members, determine which bike is right for you and learn all about the innovations we are making at Specialized.
