Wetsuit, swimwear and apparel brand Orca announces today they have signed a three-year partnership to work with ITU (International Triathlon Union) triathlete Richard Murray. The South African, who has been ranked in the top five ITU athletes in the world in the past three years and finished 2017 in fourth overall, is the latest triathlete to join Orca.
Murray, who was also the overall winner of the prestige Super League Triathlon event at Australia’s Hamilton Island in 2017, will race in Orca’s wetsuits, swimskins, tri suits and goggles, while using their swim wear and accessories for all his training needs. The three-year partnership will take the speedy athlete all the way up to and through the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The collaboration is ideal with both Orca and Murray at the cutting edge of triathlon. Orca will supply the charismatic triathlete with everything he needs to be the fastest and most efficient swimmer possible. In return the partnership will provide Orca with exposure and valuable feedback from one of the best athletes in the sport as he competes with the quickest triathletes on the planet.
Murray’s first race wearing Orca took place at his home town event at the ITU Triathlon World Cup event in Cape Town, South Africa on February 11. After a speedy swim Murray exited the water in 11th position just 20 seconds behind the leader. He went to work on the bike riding the fastest split of the day to put himself into contention. Murray rounded out his first big event of the year with a race winning run that saw him take the victory by 24 seconds.
Richard Murray said: “I am pleased to be working with Orca. I have used their wetsuits and swim products in the past and know how good they are. This will be a big advantage not only for the 2018 season but over the next three years as I build towards the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. I am pleased to be back working with best in the business once again.”
Arantzazu Tapiador, Orca Marketing and E-Commerce Manager, said: “We are pleased to welcome Richard Murray back to the Orca family. As one of the fastest racers on the ITU world circuit we are excited to see what the coming three years brings for Richard. We also look forward to working with him as we continue to develop the best swim products in the sport of triathlon.”