What's Rocco DiSpirito up to these days? Ironman triathlons. Yes. All the press release details after the jump.
Celebrity Chef Turns Triathlete on Five-Star Guru Bike
Chef, author, radio and TV personality, and now… triathlete; Rocco DiSpirito adds Ironman triathlons to his mix
April 16th, 2007 (Montreal, Canada) – Rocco DiSpirito, well-known American chef, author, radio host and star of NBC TV’s hit 2003-2004 reality show The Restaurant, is set to achieve yet another one of his long-standing dreams: to compete in Ironman triathlons, thanks to a perfect fit with his new partner Guru Bikes. To help him achieve his triathlon goals, Rocco has chosen the best equipment available including the most advanced and unique triathlon bike in the world, a custom-fit, all-carbon-fiber Guru Crono.
"I approach my training and equipment for Ironman the same way I do cooking,” says DiSpirito. “I do the research, find the best ingredients and apply my passion to them for the best results. After eight months of looking for a bike it became clear that Guru was the bicycle I had to have. Like a great dish, a Guru bike is the ultimate combination of form and function."
“We were thrilled when Rocco approached us with his plans,” says Robert Pinazza, vice-president, sales and marketing of Guru Bikes. “It’s a perfect fit. We both believe that the best ingredients produce the best results.” Guru and Rocco are destined to be soul mates for a long time, adds Pinazza - a relationship the company strives to build between each of its customers and their bicycles.
According to Pinazza, DiSpirito represents a growing part of Guru’s clientele: individuals who are passionate about healthy living and about cycling, but who are not necessarily professional athletes. DiSpirito recognizes the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and feels that cycling is a great way to get in shape and stay fit."Recently my goals as a chef changed from catering to the wealthy and to celebrities, to addressing the needs of everyday home cooks. This inspired a physical transformation as well. I am glad Guru will be a part of that."
As part of his partnership with Guru Bikes, Rocco will also receive training tips from two of the highest ranking triathletes in the world, Desiree Ficker and Gina Kehr, who are also part of the Guru team. The customized Crono bike DiSpirito will be riding has been completely personalized with his name, as well as with the design and color scheme of his choice – features Guru offers to all of their clients. In return, DiSpirito will participate in various charitable and marketing events on behalf of Guru and will share his passion for cycling and Guru bicycles whenever he can. DiSpirito is currently training to compete in his first Ironman competition this May, 2007 in St-Croix.
About Rocco DiSpirito: Rocco DiSpirito was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens (New York). He attended the Culinary Institute of America and graduated with honors in 1986. In 1990, DiSpirito graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Business from Boston University and in 1997, DiSpirito opened Union Pacific in New York City’s Gramercy Park as Chef and Owner to rave reviews.
In 1999, DiSpirito was named Food & Wine’s Best New Chef, and in 2000, Gourmet magazine called him “America’s Most Exciting Young Chef.” DiSpirito opened Rocco’s 22nd Street in the summer of 2003 while cameras for NBC’s The Restaurant watched and took notes. The second series aired in the spring of 2004. From November 2004 to December 2005, Rocco was the host of the talk radio show “Food Talk with Rocco” on WOR 710AM radio. DiSpirito is the author of Flavor (Hyperion, October 2003), Rocco’s Italian American (Hyperion, November 2004) and 5 Minute Flavor (Scribner, January 2006). Rocco is currently working on his fourth book which will be out in November 2007. To learn more about Rocco DiSpirito, visit his website at www.roccodispirito.com.
About Guru Bicycles: Founded in 1998 and based in Montreal, Canada, Guru is a premier road and triathlon bike manufacturer providing retailers and consumers with hand crafted, personalized and completely assembled bicycles built with titanium, carbon, steel and aluminium. Guru bicycles can now be found in over 150 bike dealerships in nine countries. For information on Guru products and availability, please visit www.gurubikes.com
UPDATE 5.29.07: Rocco finished the St. Croix Triathlon in 7hours:41minutes:52seconds, placing 414. Complete results here.
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