Why Queen K?

When we met Jan van Berkel, the fastest Swiss Ironman Triathlete, we were immediately “berkelized” - that’s being caught by his overflowing enthusiasm for everything he does. We immediately knew we needed to collaborate and keep him well caffeinated so he can spread his contagious energy!

Queen K was born as a metaphor of an energizer for whatever the task or challenge you’re tackling. Fuel your goal - whatever it may be: Completing that lap around your neighborhood, improving your 10K PR or qualifying for that big race in Hawaii, Boston or the Olympic Games. Keep your motivation high every time you enjoy a cup of this tasty coffee!

The Queen Ka’ahumanu (short: Queen K) Highway on the Big Island of Hawaii is the most iconic road in triathlon:  Athletes competing in the Ironman World Championship spend the longest segment of their race time-trialling up and down this highway which cuts through the lava fields from Kailua Kona to Hawi.

For many triathletes to race here is the ultimate goal. In order to obtain one of the limited starting slots, they need to qualify at one of the qualifier races held in all corners of the world throughout the year. The slots are distributed amongst the age groups and then it’s the first-place-first-choice mode after the awards ceremony: The first placed per category gets to choose if they want to take the slot or not. If they do, the slot is theirs; if they don’t, it travels down until someone who’s called up says “Yes I Do”!

While the pros race in Hawaii to earn their living and crown the best of their trade, for most athletes it’s about the myth and experiencing the history of triathlon. It’s about racing the same race as so many before them have and really knowing what it means to be “an Ironman*”.

And yes, the illustration of the time trialist shows Jan van Berkel speeding about! Beautifully drawn by Lars Huse as always.

* By the way, although the competition is called “Ironman” this is by no means a sport or a challenge that privileges men. Quite the contrary - men and women race the same distances (3.8km swim / 180km bike without drafting / 42.2k run) and the female and male pros also earn equal prize money. Simple as that.