A new cycling kit from Craft, the crossing of the Polar Circle and chattering teeth were among the highlights of day 12 of the Tour of Sweden. John McGovern keeps it short and sweet today.

With only a couple days left, John McGovern had to deal with a hard day. Sweet cinnamon rolls and hot coffee were looming on the horizon, but it was a long way to get there, plus the author is getting home sick.

Clemente Alonso Mckernan of Spain outruns Timo Bracht of Germany to win Half Challenge Barcelona-Maresme; Germany’s Katja Schumacher out swims Yvonne Van Vlerken and holds off the Dutch star on bike and run.

A run, bike and swim was on John McGovern’s program today but the banjo playing 180 proof reindeer poacher was not. The last day of the 2009 Tour of Sweden is now only 4 days away.

Fecal coliform pollution following heavy rains the night before the race blamed for diarrhea, vomiting and fever afflicting about 20 competitors at the Oklahoma City Boathouse International Triathlon May 16

Certainly the tri/tt bikes ridden by Chris McCormack and Lance Armstrong are on showroom floors near you. Or are they? Why aren’t you seeing more Transitions, Equinoxes, Trinity Alliances, on retail display?

While not as old and famous as the Giro D’Italia, the weary participants of the Tour of Sweden were also allowed a rest day today. John McGovern used this opportunity to further investigate the whereabouts of Swedish beauties.

While not eligible for Pan American honors, New Zealanders Callum Millward and Kate McIlroy take first place money at the Cap Tex Triathlon / Pan American Cup triathlon in Austin Texas on Memorial Day.

A pair of foxes, breaking the law, a wedding anniversary, a Burger King crown and a long breakaway were part of John McGovern’s 8th day at the Tour of Sweden. What more could he ask for?

At the 2009 Ironman 70.3 Austria, Chris McCormack won the title by 3 seconds and Sandra Wallenhorst came from behind on the run to take the women’s race.

Today John McGovern reports about an easy century and a most excellent BBQ. Total time in the saddle so far – 747 miles for our intrepid reporter.

Conrad ‘Caveman’ Stoltz and Melanie McQuaid take XTERRA Southeast Cup at Pelham Alabama – and remain perfect after three straight regional championship wins

The previous day had taken its toll on the group and featured on today’s “menu” were meatballs for breakfast, an easy recovery ride to Bollnas for the bandy party, and a bit of the Simpsons and Family Guy on TV. A perfect day in Sweden.

Belgian Bert Jammaer defended his title of 2008 and captured the 2009 Ironman Lanzarote in a time of 8:54:03. Scot Bella Bayliss ran away with the win in the women’s event and thus repeated her win of 2008, but this time with a new name.

When legendary road cyclist and mountain biker Steve Larsen took on triathlon in 2001, he hit the old paradigms of the sport like a comet.

“When you’re going through hell, keep going, or, don’t give a dying man a sugar free drink!” are some things John McGovern experienced or overheard on day 5 of the Tour of Sweden. But you can live vicariously through him.

A long day in the sun has worn out our intrepid reporter John McGovern. But he has stories of “stolen” pancakes, an incredible castle, a race to the liquor store, sabotage and a 138 mile ride along the shore of a lake.

Navy SEAL and extraordinary ultra athlete who has conquered Ultraman, Badwater, Ironman, and many 100-mile ultra runs, underwent surgery for a heart defect that make his athletic achievments even more amazing.

Tara Llanes’ impressive resume include National Championship titles in downhill, dual slalom and 4-cross, but a horrific accident during the Jeep King of the Mountain finale in Sept. of 2007 changed her life.

The phenomenal cycling talent, who was an inspiration and friend to fans as well as those who knew him in industry, is gone of an apparent heart attack suffered while training

A moose, a storm, and an uphill race are some of the things John McGovern encountered during the 3rd day of the Tour of Sweden. He also still appears quite enthusiastic and not yet too worn out.

Steve Larsen is gone too young. Yes, he will be mourned, and remembered. But if you knew him, you knew there was more to him than stellar race results.

Our science editor, Jonathan Toker, traveled to the Galapagos Islands. Alas, he did not unearth the mystery of how triathletes evolved. But he did see some pretty neat stuff

A warm-up run, a parking lot incident, a long ride and interesting Scandinavian food highlight John McGovern’s second day at the Tour of Sweden training camp.