Nike SportWatch GPS Eyes Fitness Fanatics

LAS VEGAS — Nike launched its successful Nike+ fitness software just four years ago, but nearly 4 million users have turned it into the most popular and widely available run-tracking UI ever. And just four months ago, Nike enabled GPS tracking in a completely overhauled iteration of its mobile app. Now, Nike has partnered with TomTom to bring GPS functionality and Nike’s run-tracking prowess to your wrist.

CES 2011The as-yet-unreleased Nike+ SportWatch GPS won’t be of any use to those trying to keep their New Year’s resolutions, but consumers will soon get their chance to try out this slick and easy-to-use run tracker. Operation couldn’t be simpler: Just slap on the watch and punch a couple of buttons to let it know you’ve started running.

The watch syncs up TomTom’s GPS navigation and mapping expertise with the Nike+ sensor (likely found in the sole of your shoe). The dual services integration also ensures that your data will be actually recorded even when running through areas where GPS might be lacking. When you’ve finished your workout, just pop the embedded USB connector on the end of the watch band directly into your computer and your workout is uploaded to your NikePlus.com account through a standalone software app.

Thanks to an integrated accelerometer, the watch face is actually a “tap screen,” so you can tap the display to either bring up the backlight or to designate a new lap while you’re working out. Also, if you haven’t worked out for a few days, the watch screen will bring up a “run reminder” to try and prod you into working out again.

Nike won’t say how much the watch will cost, but you can bet it will competitive with other wrist-centric running gizmos. It goes on sale April 1 in the US, but you can preorder it at Nike.com starting March 1

Failure?

Vidéo très sympa édité par Mitch - mon frère californien - sur nos capacités à sortir plus fort d'une épreuve... très intéressant!


This post is a contribution to Honda’s “Failure: The Secret to Success” thought leadership series. I was asked to provide a unique perspective on how failure has influenced my work and been the cause for motivation and success. During the first week of November 2010, five individuals from different walks of life provide their own thoughts on the subject. Details and links to what others are saying about “Failure: The Secret to Success” can be found at http://www.facebook.com/Honda

Skoda to drive htc

Top professional cycling outfit Team HTC-Highroad has signed a deal with Skoda Germany that will see Skoda provide the team with a fleet of vehicles for the start of the 2011 season.

HTC-Highroad's men's and women's teams will drive the Skoda Octavia Combi Sport Edition and the Skoda Yeti. The car manufacturer's logo will also appear on the team's jersey.

Skoda's corporate history is bound to the sport of cycling. In 1895, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement founded a bicycle manufactory in the bohemian town Mladá Boleslav. Ten years later the Voiturette A, the first automobile of the young company, rolled out of the workshops. In 1925 Laurin & Klement merged with Skoda.

"On the basis of our traditional roots, our brand feels a strong affiliation with cycling," said Uwe Ungeheuer, head of marketing for Skoda Germany. "We are happy to be the official vehicle sponsor of HTC-Highroad and we are looking forward to a successful relationship."

"Skoda is a very big supporter of cycling around the world, partnering with teams and major races, " added HTC-Highroad team manager Rolf Aldag. "We are very pleased to welcome another innovative brand to our family of partners and we look forward to representing them at our first race of the season, the Santos Tour Down Under. "

The deal is believed to be for a two year period, with an option to extend. It is likely to be worth some €1 million in cash and value in kind over the initial two-year term.

Skoda is a key international cycling sponsor. In April last year, it extended its sponsorship of the Tour de France through to 2013. The company was also a significant backer of last year's UCI Road World Championships.

2011 Goals

Vidéo de mon pote Brian philosophe américain et triathlète... Instructif!

New dawn for cycling as Team Leopard-Trek is born

The much heralded Luxembourg cycling team, henceforth known as Team Leopard-Trek, was launched on 6th January.

The new team, which boasts key riders Andy Schleck and Fabian Cancellara, unveiled three sponsors: bike manufacturer Trek, which takes a co-title position, Luxembourg's national carrier Luxair, and Luxembourg-based energy company Enovos.

Reports suggest that Trek will be paying anywhere between US$3 million to US$4 million for their place in the team, made up of both cash and value in kind.

Luxair and Enovos, which both have discreet logo positions on the team's new jersey, will be paying significantly less.

According to multiple reports, much of the team's €15 million annual budget over the next four years will be provided by Flavio Becca, a 48-year old Luxembourg businessman who made his fortune in real estate.

Becca is friends with the Schleck brothers and their father. "They proposed the idea to create this structure," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport, "and I did not miss the opportunity."

It remains to be seen whether Becca, who has strong links with fast food giant Quick and supermarket chain Auchan, plans to bring in another title sponsor to run alongside Trek.

Rapha Rides Monti Pallidi

Encore une très belle vidéo de la part des britanniques de chez Rapha...

Growing is Forever

Une magnifique vidéo intitulée “Growing is Forever” par Jesse Rosten, autour des forêts de séquoias en Californie du Nord. Un hommage à la nature et aux arbres à travers ces très beaux plans, sur une narration de Kallie Markle et sur la bande son de Window - Album Leaf.

Growing is Forever from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.