by Larry EderWhile many were surprised by John Duke’s resignation from Competitor Group, it is great to see the most respected publisher in the sport of triathloning back in the biz!
World Triathlon Corporation Announces LAVA Magazine Launch
March 2, 2010 (Tampa, Fla.) — World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of the portfolio that includes Ironman, 70.3, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, announces its partnership with John Duke for the launch of a new magazine. With plans to appear in late summer, the magazine will feature content for the serious and committed triathlete. Initial subscribers will be participants of domestic events within the 2010 Ironman and 70.3 Series. Digital subscriptions are planned for international participants.
The new magazine called LAVA, which takes its name from the chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean where Ironman and the sport began, will take readers into the fiery center of triathlon. While the Ironman World Championship hails as the pinnacle of the sport, athletes who value the regular and hard-core multisport experience will be the target for the magazine.
John Duke will oversee content for the brand and will serve as the magazine’s publisher and advertising director. Duke spent 14 years as publisher of Triathlete Magazine and most recently was Senior Vice President of the Print Media Division for Competitor Group.
“I could not imagine a better team to create the world’s leading triathlon publication,†says Duke. “Our team is excited to build a magazine for people who feel triathlon is not just a hobby, but rather a lifestyle. We are all looking forward to utilizing our first-hand racing experience, journalistic backgrounds and passion within the pages of LAVA.â€
The team will consist of Susan Grant-Legacki, former editor of Inside Triathlon, along with Jay Prasuhn, who served as tech editor at Triathlete Magazine for 10 years. Creative will be led by Erica Krystek, the former art director of Inside Triathlon,who was responsible for the redesign of Inside Triathlon’s re-branding in 2008. The sales and advertising effort will be led by 11-time winner of the national track cycling championships, Sean Watkins, who was also the vice president of sales and event marketing for Triathlete Magazine. Heather Gordon, who started at Triathlete Magazine 11 years ago and rose to the position of associate publisher rounds out the team.
For advertising information about LAVA, contact Sean Watkins at Seanwatkins@ironman.com or John Duke atJohnduke@ironman.com. All media-related inquiries can be directed to Blair LaHaye at Blair@ironman.com. Event details about Ironman and 70.3 can be located at www.ironman.com.
For more on the sport of triathloning, please click on www.ironman.com.
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