Kona 2017: Joe Gambles' Quintana Roo PRSix

It's a brisk day in Louisville, Colorado when I meet multiple Ironman Champion Joe Gambles at a quaint little bakery for his mid-ride snack. Joe is just two weeks out from another turn in Kona, where he is aiming for a top 10 finish. The four-time Boulder 70.3 winner is as cool a customer as they come. You'd never imagine he is less than fourteen days away from the biggest race of the year. But that's his usual attitude - casual and calm. The Australian-born athlete orders a small quiche and a coffee, ensuring it's vegetarian-friendly. Gambles is a lifelong vegetarian, and we bond over that little fact (I've been vegetarian, and nearly vegan, for about two years, and completely love it). Yes, vegetarians get enough protein, and no, we don't have to do anything special to get it. Plants have protein! Ironically, the greater risk is in being iron-deficient, but Ironman Gambles proves this is no barrier to superlative athletic performance. (Hint: eat green leafy vegetables like Kale, Broccoli, Spinach, etc. - plenty of iron)

I'm up to shoot some photos of Joe's new bike, the Quintana Roo PRSix. We previously did an in-depth review of the PRSix, noting what a good option it is, as a straightforward aero rig in today's ever-more-complicated landscape of integrated framesets. Gambles' bike is spec'ed out pretty simply: Shimano gearing, TriRig brakes, PRO bar, and a few cages tucked well out of the wind. Joe has always been willing to listen to good advice regarding improving his equipment and position, and it shows. This bike is locked and loaded for race day, with the exception of course of the wheels, which were just trainers for today's ride.

Check out the full gallery below for lots more details on his rig. Thanks for reading, and good luck Joe!