Based in McAllen, Texas, competitive triathlete Eric Elizondo has built an impressive record since entering the Ironman circuit in 2017. In just a few short years, he has completed seven full-distance IRONMAN races, including the World Championship in St. George, Utah, and qualified for the 2023 Championship in Nice, France.

Eric has also raced in more than twenty IRONMAN 70.3 events, earning multiple podium finishes and qualifying for four consecutive World Championships: St. George (2021 and 2022), Lahti (2023), and Taupo (2024). His steady progress has earned him IRONMAN All World Athlete honors, moving from Silver in past seasons to Gold in 2024 and 2025.

Like many athletes, Eric started his triathlon journey believing saddle pain was just part of the sport. “My goal was to finish a 70.3, but the constant rubbing made every ride miserable,” he recalls. After trying a range of saddles, he came across the JCOB Delta 38 and decided to give it a shot. “The difference was immediate: less rubbing, more comfort, and the freedom to ride longer and push harder without friction.”

A Global Journey

Since then, Eric has taken his racing to courses in Finland, New Zealand, France, and Utah, always looking for ways to get a little faster and ride a little smarter. Comfort on the bike, he says, has been a big part of keeping that momentum year after year.

“Finding a setup that works changed everything,” Eric says. “It let me focus on racing instead of worrying about discomfort.”

Eyes on the Future

Looking ahead, Eric is preparing for the 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, and has already secured his spot for the 2026 Championship in Nice, France. His long-term goal remains the same: to test his endurance at the highest level and one day earn a qualification for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Chasing Gold

Eric’s journey is a reminder of how persistence and the right setup can take an athlete to new levels. From local races in Texas to world championships across continents, his focus stays the same: keep improving, keep learning, and keep chasing gold.