Tony Kanaan made sure to bring his Émonda to the Indianapolis 500
Tony Kanaan, winner of the 2013 Indianapolis 500, is also one of the most avid cyclists you’ll ever see. He trains seven days a week so that he can maintain his stamina and focus during the final laps of an Indy Car race, where one mistake caused by a moment of inattention can have major consequences.
Kanaan’s relationship with Trek stretches back more than a decade. In 2011, he rode Trek when he competed in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, and has stuck with the Speed Concept ever since while competing in multiple Ironman 70.3s.
Morning spin with @TonyKanaan. pic.twitter.com/9vFpSsJELy
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) May 23, 2021
Tony Kanaan and his Émonda in front of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway tower.
Kanaan is planning to go back to Kona this year, at the age of 46, to take on the ultra-endurance event once more (if you need a refresher, that’s a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run). That may sound intense for someone who is already an elite athlete in an entirely different sport, but the necessary discipline comes naturally to Kanaan. How else does one turn Ironman racing into a hobby?
This Sunday, Kanaan will start his 20th straight Indy 500, where he has been one of the most consistent drivers in the sport, finishing top five in seven races outside of his big win. He’ll be starting from the middle of the second row this year, a good position to contend once again.
This year, as every year, it’d be foolish to bet against Kanaan. There are few people more determined, or so naturally suited for racing of any kind. Best of luck, Tony!
