Polar Introduces Limited Edition RC3 GPS Tour de France and Adds Altitude to the Popular Training Computer

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the Tour de France, Polar USA (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technologies, today launched the most advanced generation of its RC3 GPS training computer. With a bold yellow band to match the coveted Tour de France yellow jersey, the new RC3 GPS Tour de France version now features real-time GPS-based altitude information, allowing riders to see their current altitude, as well as how far they have already climbed or descended. It is the official training device of riders from teams FDJ, Argos-Shimano and Euskaltel-Euskadi, whose roster includes Nacer Bouhanni, Marcel Kittel and Samuel Sanchez.

"Polar has been supporting pro cyclists in their preparation for the Tour de France for more than twenty years," said Herb Baer, Polar USA president.  "The special edition RC3 GPS Tour de France will now give everyone a chance to benefit from the smart coaching insights our innovative products draw from training data."

The RC3 GPS Tour de France with integrated GPS, providing speed and distance data, as well as real-time altitude measurement, is ideal for cyclists and other endurance athletes.  Other notable features include:

• Back to Start functionality: uses GPS to guide you back to where you began your training
• Route Mapping: helps you analyze and share your route through Polar's dedicated training site, www.polarpersonaltrainer.com
• Training programs: www.polarpersonaltrainer.com also offers a series of endurance training programs that can be uploaded onto the device
• Smart Coaching features: unique training guidance and features developed by Polar over the last 35 years used for planning, training and analyzing each session in detail; key RC3 GPS Tour de France 'Smart Coaching' features include:
  • During training:
    • ZoneOptimizer: Knowing how hard to train can be a challenge, and it depends on many factors, including physical and mental state, stress, sleep, and previous training. The ZoneOptimizer feature eliminates guesswork by adjusting personal heart rate zones based on a user's current physiological condition. It guides training at the right intensity, making every session more effective.
  • After training and long-term training analysis:
    • Training Benefit: This feature gives instant feedback after each session based on the intensity and the duration of exercise. A summary appears right after each session and provides a quick overview. Users can then check their training file to find more detailed information on the session. 
    • Training Load: This feature within polarpersonaltrainer.com displays a color-coded graph of a user's cumulative training load, notifying a person when he or she has recovered enough for the next session, while accurately predicting training developments to prevent overtraining. This data also provides intelligence to modify sessions as necessary.

"There are so many elements that need to come together to bring a team to peak performance for the Tour de France: training, rest, race-strategy, team-spirit, nutrition and some luck of course. Polar's products, like the RC3 GPS Tour de France training computer, are an essential part of our preparation and in-race tactics," said Iwan Spekenbrink, team manager of team Argos-Shimano. "They tell us, in real-time, how our riders are performing and how much more they can give."

With its sporty and ergonomic design, breathable wristband and 12 hours of battery life, the RC3 GPS Tour de France training computer is an unobtrusive companion for training and racing. When used with the Polar H3 heart rate sensor and cadence sensor, it becomes a powerful tool for gathering performance data and offering smart, instant analysis.  

Product Sets Available:

RC3 GPS Tour de France (MSRP $349.95):

• RC3 GPS training computer
• H3 heart rate sensor
• USB cable

RC3 GPS Tour de France Bike (MSRP $369.95):

• RC3 GPS training computer
• H3 heart rate sensor
• CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D
• Universal bike mount
• USB cable

All sensors can be purchased separately as accessories. The RC3 GPS Tour de France is also compatible with the s3+ stride sensor and CS speed sensor W.I.N.D.

Availability:

The RC3 GPS Tour de France is available now through authorized Polar USA retail and specialty shops, online, and in select fitness facilities.

About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Polar now operates internationally in more than 80 countries and its products are sold through 35,000 retailers globally. Polar heart rate and fitness assessment technology delivers unparalleled insight into the human body from valuable training guidance and feedback, to enabling individuals to improve their fitness level and sports performance. Polar technology is key to the success of leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities, health insurance providers and thousands of physical education programs around the world. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.polarusa.com.

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SOURCE Polar USA