Desiree Ficker Selects Carmichael Training Systems
Sets Her Sights on Ironman World Championships
Professional triathlete and runner up at the '06 Ironman World Championships, Desiree Ficker joined the team of world-class athletes who have chosen to work with Carmichael Training Systems in an effort to reach the pinnacle of their sport. No stranger to the Ironman World Championship, Ficker is looking to make her 6th appearance on the Big Island at this year’s World Championship on October 11.
Working with Carmichael Training Systems, Desiree will be under the watchful eyes and guidance of Chris Carmichael, best known for providing the expert direction and knowledge, which helped Lance Armstrong win seven Tour de France championships. Carmichael also assisted Peter Reid to an Ironman World Championship in 2000 and guided Craig Alexander to a 2nd place finish in last year’s Ironman World Championship in only his first appearance in the event. Working alongside Carmichael will be CTS Pro Coach Lindsay Hyman who, as a former pro triathlete, has helped countless triathletes achieve their competitive goals.
"Desiree has had a very successful triathlon career to date, but there is still a huge upside and a potential that has not been tapped," stated Carmichael. "She has a tremendous amount of natural talent and just like we did with Lance, we want to take that natural talent and help her build on it to become the best in the world."
Ficker, a Maryland native now making her home in Austin, TX, has had tremendous success at all distances and broke into Ironman-distance as an amateur in 1999 at the Ironman World Championship. She followed up her debut with a 2nd place finish in the 20-24 age-group in the 2000 race before turning professional and placing second in Hawaii in 2006.
"I've gotten this far in my professional racing career basically training myself and learning from my mistakes," shared Ficker. "I now feel I must hone my skills with CTS to take it to the next level and move up that one additional spot on the podium in Kona."
Desiree began her initial phase of working with CTS when she visited the CTS office in Colorado Springs and underwent a series of tests including Resting Metabolic Rate, Lactate Threshold, VO2 max, and the new CTS 3D Bike Fit using the technology of the Retul bike fit system.
This year Desiree's racing schedule includes:
Boise Ironman 70.3 - Idaho, 6/1/08
Ironman Cour d' Alene - Idaho, 6/22/08
Iron Girl Dallas - Texas, 7/22/08
Newfoundland 70.3 - Canada, 7/27/08
Timberman Ironman 70.3 - Guilford, NH, 8/17/08
Ford Ironman World Championship - Kona, HI, 10/11/08
Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship - Clearwater, FL, 11/8/08
Founded in 2000 by Olympian, US Olympic Committee Coach of the Year, and bestselling author, Chris Carmichael, Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) inspires and empowers the athlete in every body to perform at their best. For more on Carmichael Training Systems and its approach to fitness, nutrition, and health, go to www.trainright.com.
For more information on Desiree Ficker, go to www.desireeficker.com or contact Ms. Ficker’s agent/manager, Carri Bennet, Bennet& Bennet, PLLC at 202/551-0010.
