Jorgensen’s Unique Bike for Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds

Vitoria-Gasteiz Basque Country, Spain – Two-time ITU Triathlon World Champion and 2016 Rio Olympic Qualifier Gwen Jorgensen (USA) has unveiled her bespoke Specialized Amira ahead of the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds (11-12 June 2016).

In conjunction with industry leader Specialized and Columbia Threadneedle Investments, title sponsor in Leeds and global partner of the ITU World Triathlon Series, Jorgensen’s team has worked for months to create an iconic bike which Jorgensen hopes will captivate fans and ensure a memorable race experience.

Jorgensen’s custom-painted Specialized Amira, a one-of-a-kind design, will be unveiled and ridden on the city centre course in front of thousands of spectators there to watch the world’s best triathletes.

Following the elite women’s race which starts at 13.06 on Sunday 12 June, the bike will be on display in Millennium Square for fans to take photos as the men’s race sweeps through Leeds from 15.45.

“I am very excited to showcase my new custom Amira at the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds,” said Jorgensen. “I loved teaming up with my partners on this project. The bike is absolutely beautiful and I look forward to putting it up for charity auction later this year. Columbia Threadneedle, Specialized, HED, and Shimano truly outdid themselves with this one. I cannot wait to see everyone's reaction to it!”

The bike will feature HED Stinger 3 wheels, SRM cranks and a Shimano Di2 groupset. The Amira has been Jorgensen’s choice ride since 2012 because of its lightweight carbon frame, tapered head tube and responsive handling. Much like Jorgensen, this frame should be admired yet feared for its excellent performance capabilities.

Jorgensen added, “Columbia Threadneedle has been a tremendous asset to the World Triathlon Series and the event in Leeds promises to be one of the highlights of the season.”

Jorgensen takes the notion of giving back to her sport very seriously. In 2014 she established the Gwen Jorgensen Scholarship and continues to seek out ways to partner with brands who share her vision.

Rupert Pybus, Global Head of Marketing, Columbia Threadneedle Investments said: “We are delighted that Gwen will be riding this special bike in what we hope will be a very special race for the world’s best triathletes, triathlon fans and the local community. Spectators will be able to see the bike in Millennium Square after the race.”

All photos are provided by Felix Sanchez Arrazola (twitter: @fotorunners)

Introducing my new Columbia Threadneedle Specialized Amira, lucky enough to have the roads of Vitoria-Gasteiz to break the bike in.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is my summer base, this is my fourth summer here. The training from my door is amazing.

The bike is accompanied with HED Stinger 3's with S-works all-round 2 26mm tubular tires

No question what brand of bike this is

I first switched to Shimano Di2 in 2014 and have not looked back since, I can always rely on the shifting to be crisp and precise.

I love the PC8, the display is so easy to read when I am suffering on the bike

I love the mission statement of Columbia Threadneedle here

I prefer to write my name in all lower case letters.

S-works SRM cranks, in Leeds I will be using 53-39 chainrings

HED and Specialized have each been my sponsor since 2012, I am very lucky to have the best equipment on race day

I race exclusively on 26mm tubulars, I am more confident in corners and believe the smoother ride keeps my body fresh for the run

I use a 155mm Oura saddle

Thank you to Columbia Threadneedle for your sponsorship of the WTS and myself.

Impossible not to smile when the roads are this good.

I love arriving to the Basque country at the end of spring, the countryside is so green

Thanks for viewing

Below is a slideshow of additional pictures of the bike in higher resolution (which may take a longer time to load). Photos thanks to Félix Sánchez Arrazola, Twitter: @fotorunners