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This week’s episode goes inside Mauna Apparel with co founders Gonzalo and Philip. They break down why the brand started, what was broken in the custom kit world, and what it actually takes to develop fast kit that holds up on race day. Jenna Caer (@jennacaer) is joined by Josh (@joshmvernon) and Fede (@fedemultisport), with the crew also sharing training updates, Team Mauna camp prep, and a clear rundown of Supertri’s major changes for 2026.

A shorter bonus segment closes the episode, Fede sits down with Jane Sharman, Race Director of Challenge Wanaka, to unpack why this race has become one of the sport’s most iconic destination events.

Highlights

Guests Gonzalo and Philip share how Mauna Apparel started from a real gap in club kits, quality, pricing, design flexibility, and missed turnaround timelines

What product development really looks like, fabric sourcing, prototyping, athlete testing, and why new product lines can take a year or more

Wind tunnel testing, why aerodynamics are personal, and what it means when off the shelf suits consistently test well across multiple athletes

Pro athlete partnerships and why trust, fit, innovation, and long term commitment matter when signing top talent

Team Mauna camp scouting in Scottsdale, dry desert conditions, hydration, and what athletes can expect

Why the Mauna Racing community keeps growing, global presence, race weekend meetups, and the value of having people in your corner on race day

Industry insight from inside the business side, where the sport is thriving but professionalism often lags behind athlete commitment

Supertri changes for 2026, three qualifier races feeding a Grand Final, more draft legal sprint racing, and a major prize purse at the final

Challenge Wanaka Interview
Fede interviews Jane Sharman, Race Director of Challenge Wanaka, ahead of the event’s 20th anniversary. She shares how the race began with early discussions in 2006 and the first edition in 2007, making it one of the first Challenge Family events outside of Challenge Roth. Today it has grown into a three day festival with racing for every age and ability, from preschool kids on scooters and slip and slides, to juniors, to seniors, and a full pro field.

Jane explains how the event is run by a charitable trust that uses community grants to subsidise junior racing, keeping the festival accessible for local kids. She also walks through sustainability initiatives, including major waste minimisation efforts and a push toward a disposable cup free event.

On the course, she highlights a lake swim in Lake Wanaka, a two lap 90k bike course with one lane bridges and cattle grids to be aware of, plus a two lap run course that is flatter and faster than the previous Glen Dhu version. She also shares why the event hub design is a win for spectators, with swim, bike, and run all lapping through the same central point.

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Another Triathlon Podcast is brought to you by Mauna Apparel (@maunaapparel)
Host, Jenna Caer Seefried, @jennacaer
Josh, @joshmve

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Stay connected with us! Follow us on social media - @anothertriathlonpodcast with hosts Jenna-Caer, Fede and Josh to keep up with the latest. And if you have any burning questions for the coaches, feel free to shoot them over to Jennacaer@maunaendurance.com

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