She is the only person to have claimed three XTERRA Triathlon World Championship titles, she was the winner of the inaugural ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship in Spain last April, she won this past weekend’s Ironman 70.3 California, and hailing from Canada, she is determined to tack on another victory title at this year’s XTERRA Worlds.  Rudy Project is pleased to announce that it has signed Melanie McQuaid as her official helmet and sunglass sponsor through 2014.

McQuaid isn’t your run of the mill triathlete – she doesn’t stick to just one type of triathlon, rather, to balance her schedule and improve her training and race performance, she competes in both off-road races and half Ironman events. In fact, her two favorite races are Ironman 70.3 Vineman and XTERRA Italy, Sardinia.  When asked why she likes Vineman, she responded, “I love wine and what’s better than a triathlon in wine country?” McQuaid knows what it means to have fun and a quick glance at her website is a sure sign – her video blogs are hilarious, to say the least, especially her triathlete spoofs and cooking videos.

“We love Melanie not just because she’s an incredible athlete, but because she is spunky and cool,” remarked Paul Craig, President and Co-Founder of Rudy Project North America.  “How many triathletes can say they’ve dominated both off-road and half Ironman triathlons?  Not many.  We look forward to supporting her efforts to become one of the world’s most esteemed triathletes,” he added.

From performance eyewear to helmets to racing apparel, Rudy Project designs and manufacturers many exceptional products made specifically for triathletes like McQuaid.  She chose Rudy Project because she “really loves Rudy’s super funky, Italian flare.”  She considers the Rudy Project performance glasses to be “especially functional, stylish, and versatile – there is a sunglass and lens for everyone.”

McQuaid will be sporting Rudy Project’s Sterling helmet for training and off-road races, the Wingspan for her 70.3s, and the Genetyk sunglasses this season as she accomplishes, what she calls, “some unfinished business at XTERRA Worlds.”  She plans to take the season one race at a time, and of course, race her fastest.

Rudy Project sponsors thousands of other renowned athletes, organizations and teams, including USA Triathlon, US Rowing, XTERRA, Pro Cycling Team Liquigas Cannondale, Triathlon Club of San Diego, professional triathletes Michellie Jones, Matt Reed, Sarah Haskins, Andy Potts, to name a few.

In the photograph: Melanie McQuaid wearing Rudy Project’s Wingspan helmet & Hypermask sunglasses

These items are available from a[s]g dealers nationwide, call us to find out about our Tri-combo deal and save a massive R2 140!!