Back in 2008, Denise Rhodes was preparing for her first triathlon and struggling to find a saddle that truly worked. After trying several options, she found a JCOB design that finally felt right. The comfort and balance it offered allowed her to focus on performance instead of pain, and it became the foundation for years of riding and racing ahead.

“I’ve been so fortunate to have found JCOB saddles. I still have my very first one today,” Denise says. “As our bodies change with age and years of cycling, I’ve appreciated how the designs have continued to evolve to meet real rider needs. That focus on comfort and fit has kept me healthy and happy on the bike through every stage of my racing life.”

Denise now rides the Delta M, a saddle known for its support over long hours in the aero position. It’s become a trusted part of her setup through countless miles of training and every finish line she’s crossed.

From the Pool to the Podium

Denise’s athletic journey began as a competitive swimmer. Years later, after raising her kids, she returned to fitness through running and marathons until a foot condition forced her to look for another challenge. That path led her to an all-women’s triathlon in 2007. The energy of the event hooked her instantly, and she knew she had found her next passion.

As she began training more seriously, she learned how much comfort and position mattered for consistency and health. Finding the right setup became essential to staying balanced on the bike through years of hard work and competition.

Rising, Recovering, and Racing Again

Over the years, Denise has raced nearly every distance, from short-course sprints to full Ironman events. She’s earned multiple All-American honors, qualified for Team USA, and landed on numerous podiums. A double back fusion in 2012 paused her racing for almost a year, but by 2013 she was back on the start line, ready to rebuild.

In 2014 she qualified for the 70.3 World Championships in Mont Tremblant. Two years later, she completed her first full-distance Ironman in Louisville and placed fourth in her age group. After a few quiet years away from competition, her 2023 comeback reignited her love for the sport. In 2024 she raced Ironman Texas for the first time, which qualified her once again for both Ironman and 70.3 World Championship slots: a testament to her consistency and dedication over the years.

18 Years of Comfort and Counting

“I’m so grateful to have found equipment that lets me ride the way I love to,” Denise says. “I have the same setup on all three of my bikes—road, triathlon, and my trainer—and it’s kept me comfortable through all the long hours that come with this sport.”

From her home in Marble Falls, Texas, Denise keeps training and racing with the same quiet drive that’s defined her journey for nearly two decades.