Four-time Ironman winner Leanda Cave rode a distinctly-colorful Canyon Speedmax CF 9.0 triathlon bike when she earned the title — again — on Oct. 11 in Kona, Hawaii. The bold design on her bike’s frame was recognizable to those from South Florida—it was hand-painted by Miami artist Romero Britto, whose signature style adorns Miami and is internationally celebrated.
The athlete and artist have donated the bike to be auctioned online, coinciding with the City Bikes Ironman 70.3 Miami. Ironman 70.3 Miami is especially significant to Cave, who is the first and only woman to win both the Ironman 70.3 event and the Ironman World Championship in the same year. Following the unveiling on Thursday, Oct. 9, auction of the bike will start via charitybuzz.com. When the three-day Ironman 70.3 Miami expo begins Friday, Oct. 24, at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, athletes and spectators will have an opportunity to bid live on the bike and other items. To place online bids, visit: www.charitybuzz.com/brittobike
The auction will conclude Tuesday, Oct. 28, with all proceeds going to support the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF). UHCCF is a charitable organization that provides medical grants to help children gain access to health-related services not covered, or not fully covered, by their parents’ commercial health insurance plan.
Britto’s painted bike frame spanned the world earlier this month, as Ironman champion Leandra Cave rode the bicycle as won her fourth Ironman title in Kona, Hawaii on Oct.. Prior to the start of the race, Cave riled up excitement for Britto’s piece as she unveiled the bike. The distinct Britto-design is truly priceless, with the hand-painted design wrapping the entire bicycle frame.
On Sunday, Oct. 26, the last day of City Bikes Ironman 70.3 Miami, Cave will ride Britto’s colors on the bike for one final time.
The auction is hosted by the UnitedHealthcare Corporate Challenge event which takes place at City Bikes Ironman 70.3 Miami. Although the event ends on Oct. 26, the last day to bid on this historical art piece is Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The proceeds from the bicycle’s auction will go to UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation – a 501c3 nonprofit which funds life-saving medical treatments to children who would otherwise not have access to medical care.
“Art is the expression of human creative skill and imagination, wether it be painting or sculpture, to produce works that reflect beauty and emotional power. I am honored to support the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation on a bike of such mechanical and aesthetic beauty,” said Cave. “On very few occasions do the expressive arts, mechanical function and the art of the sport come together as they do in this instance.”
A hand-painted Britto piece used in a historical race, donated to an online auction with all proceeds saving children’s’ lives – Cave and Britto have paired up to be a powerful inspiration.
