Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux has partnered with the British brand Nopinz for its skinsuits, gloves and overshoes, representing the first time that a WorldTour team has chosen a specific racewear to develop its Time Trial specific aerodynamic apparel.
The Devon-based Nopinz has been developing innovative racewear since 2015, disrupting the industry from the outset with product innovations such its patented SpeedPockets to its most recent indoor-specific SubZero training apparel.
The Belgian team will ride in Nopinz’s Flow time trial suit that’s scientifically proven to be one of the world’s fastest, along with the brand’s Pro-1 aero socks and gloves.
According to Nopinz, the suit is the result of over 18 months of computer modeling, wind tunnel and track testing in collaboration with the aerodynamics firm Aerocoach, utilizing precision ergonomic fit and cut, optimally placed trip seams and the use of Nopinz’ in-house Speedscalez fabric combine to deliver significant performance gains.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our relationship with Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux. Our aero products have been used under the radar in and around the pro peloton for a few years now, delivering marginal gains and assisting riders to wins at the highest level. Now we’re involved as an official partner, it gives us the opportunity to come out of the shadows and show the world what our kit can do. Personally, I am excited by the prospect of seeing our logo on the World Tour stage and in the Tour de France. When I started Nopinz in 2014, I could only dream that would happen,” says Nopinz Founder Blake Pond.
Nopinz and Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux say they are confident that this competitive edge will make a serious contribution to the team’s performance in its first year at the highest level of elite cycling.
“In order to make progress in the time trial discipline, a lot of details have to be taken into account. Aerodynamics and clothing are a very important aspect in this long term development process, so we’re happy to partner with Nopinz, the number one in this area. Thanks to a body scan, the time trial suits are custom fit. The excellent results in the wind tunnel show that our riders can rely on very competitive aerodynamic clothing. The partnership with Nopinz is a first important step towards progress in time trials!,” says Aike Visbeek, Performance Manager for Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux.
“The individual time trial at the UAE Tour was my first race with my new Nopinz time trial suit. The bodyscan was successful because the fit is really good! The used material is stretchy, which makes it not only a good fit but also very comfortable. The bib number pocket is practical as well as aerodynamic. The Nopinz time trial suits, shoe covers and gloves are probably one of the best on the market, so I’m very happy that the team partnered with this brand to improve our performances!,” adds team rider Louis Meintjes.
Nopinz offers high-performance apparel and products for serious cyclists at all levels, from elite to amateur.
You can find out more by visiting www.nopinz.com
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