Laura Siddall’s KONA 2019 Factor SLiCK

Ahead of the Ironman World Championships in Kona, we spoke to British Triathlete and Factor Ambassador, Laura Siddall. Factor has delivered a brand new, custom painted SLiCK to Laura and Jan van Berkel ahead of the championship. The stunning Hawaii themed paintwork has been designed exclusively for Factor’s athletes at Kona, encapsulating the spirit of the island.

Laura has been a Factor athlete and ambassador since the beginning of 2019, competing on Factor’s aero TT bike, the SLiCK. Her career highlights include winning Iron Man Australia not once, not twice but three times in a row! Laura splits her time between New Zealand and Spain, competing at Iron Man distance across the globe.

Here’s what she had to say about working with Factor, her favourite places to ride and a look ahead to the big race in Kona.

What do you think of your new SLiCK?

IT IS AWESOME!

Tell us about the bike and design?

Factor have produced a Kona2019 custom painted SLiCK for Jan van Berkel and myself to ride, and it’s simple stunning! I feel they have really embraced the feel of the island. The colour scheme is bright green merging into yellow, making it stand out for a start. However, it’s the level of detail that sets this apart. On the inside of the forks, and other elements of the frame, it represents the spirits of the island, with volcanoes, Hawaiian flowers and Mahalo messages to the island,  There is even a Hawaiian Honu tucked away on the back of the seat post. The floral lai design continues on the base bar too.

What is your favourite part of the new bike?

So hard to narrow down just one part of the new bike, but I think I like the little turtle tucked away on the rear of the frame.

What’s it been like working with Factor Bikes?

I’ve been incredibly impressed with the partnership I have with Factor. They have been really interactive to work with, and actually showing an interest in the athlete. It’s been great to be able to meet some of the Factor team, here in Girona too. When they deliver you a beautiful, brand new, custom painted bike for Kona, you can’t really complain!

For anyone who hasn’t ridden a SLiCK, what is it like to ride?

The SLiCK is just so much fun and a joy to ride. Partly because it just looks so good, but also because I find it handles really well. It’s fast when you get it going in a straight line, yet corners and descends well too. I just love riding it, and when a bike gives you that feeling, it can’t be a bad thing. I really love the unique Twin Vane EVO down tube.

What other Factor bikes do you ride?

I have an O2 Disc in Christchurch, and I’ve also been lucky enough to ride the O2 VAM in Girona, that was something else as far as road bikes go.