Mazda: Driving British Triathlon forward

Mazda has brought its Zoom-Zoom spirit to the adrenaline-fuelled world of triathlon by becoming title sponsor of the world’s largest and most popular triathlon: the ‘Mazda London Triathlon’. In addition, Mazda has joined forces with the British Triathlon Federation to introduce a Regional Talent Identification programme as well as sponsoring world elite triathletes Tim Don and Olly Freeman as part of an ongoing ambassador programme.

Both Freeman and Don have selected the Mazda CX-7 as their vehicle of choice – for this crossover combines sporty design with sports utility comfort and practicality. There is ample space for five occupants to travel in comfort while sports utility-style rear seat functionality and boot space make it an ideal vehicle for multi-activity lifestyles.

This new Mazda combines spirited performance – top speed is 130mph and 0-62mph takes 8.0 seconds – with exhilarating dynamics and genuine everyday practicality (with a 455-litre cargo bay, all seats upright), and remarkable refinement. It is the ultimate expression of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ driving excitement in a sophisticated four-wheel drive crossover vehicle.

Mazda CX-7’s boot is large, flexible and rugged. With the rear seats up, the boot is more than 100cm long, large enough to carry all the kit a triathlete must take to an event. This includes, a bike, swim gear, running gear and spares.

The split rear seats can be folded 60:40 using Mazda’s unique Karakuri system with a one-touch rear seat back release located in the boot trim. With the back seats folded, load space is increased to 774 litres. The boot floor has a reversible water-proof trunk board made of robust plastic so soiled items can be transported without staining the carpet.

Mark Cameron, marketing director, Mazda UK, commented: “We will be using triathlon to promote our new Mazda CX-7 sports crossover model, which is the latest embodiment of our brand’s core values and takes Mazda into a whole new sector of the UK market. Mazda’s whole Zoom-Zoom philosophy is about the thrill of driving and the feeling you get driving one of our cars. It is an attitude to life and a mode-of-thinking – and the Mazda CX-7 and triathlon echo that.”

The BTF and Mazda Regional Talent Identification Programme divides the country into nine different areas: South West, South East, London, Eastern, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside, North West and North East. Each of the region’s top triathlon performers aged 14 to 17 will be selected to join newly founded Regional Academies where they will have access to a Talent Identification Coach. Through this process of nurturing and developing aspiring stars of the sport, the aim is to raise the standard of Britain's participation in major competitions.

Mark Cameron continued: “Mazda is looking to give something back to triathlon fans and prospective Mazda customers through this sponsorship by increasing participation in the sport at local and national levels as well as seeking potential triathletes for future major events.

“Mazda wants to be a key enabler for growing levels of triathlon awareness and participation. We look forward to our association with the London Triathlon and our ongoing developmental work with the BTF.”