One of the fundamentals at the very heart of mountain biking is the fact that we expose ourselves to varying levels of risk every time we ride. It has for years been an unwritten rule to always wear a helmet; and increasingly, wearing at least some body protection is the norm.
Different riders and styles of riding require different levels of protection, but certain features, like flexibility and freedom of movement—as well as impact force absorption—are vital for all protectors and all riders.
The kind of body protection you wear can significantly affect your riding, your line choice and how comfortable you feel on the bike.
To help determine which protection is right for you, all our protectors are categorised into three broad groups based on their characteristics, ranging from Max for maximum protection to Air for an exceptional level of freedom of movement.
We test our body armour to the European EN1621 standard. Originally developed for motorcycle body armour, it has become the norm used across the bike and snowsports industries, given the similar types of impacts and forces users may experience.
A key difference, however, is the range of body movement the wearer needs while performing. Here, we work to ensure that freedom of movement is always as high as possible.
Protectors are graded to Level 1 or Level 2 standard, where Level 2 offers the most impact protection.
Maximum protection for everyone who wants to be totally safeguarded.
Comprising the Oseus and VPD 2.0 families, this group of protectors is designed for managing bigger hits. The shapes of the thicker protectors are optimised to maintain as much freedom of movement as possible without compromising on protection.
Race-ready protection with the perfect balance between performance and protection.
The VPD System and System Lite families of protectors are a natural choice for many different styles of riding. Generally reaching the higher level of protection, these pieces are constructed from more ventilated VPD types to give better breathability, making them a natural choice when riding in technical terrain where a lot of pedalling is still required.
Intuitive, lightweight and ventilated protection.
Our lightest and most flexible protectors, the VPD Air and VPD Air Flow families offer exceptional freedom of movement. Generally certified to the Level 1 standards, these protectors focus on ensuring you can move your joints—and your entire body—completely freely. However, they offer slightly less protection against impact forces than our other groups of protectors.
Whether opting for knee, elbow or back protectors, think about your style of riding and the terrain you typically ride in, as well as your comfort and confidence, to help determine which category of protector is likely most suited to you.
It always starts with safety. Uncovering a problem that needs to be solved.
Since the very start, we’ve worked to solve problems without obvious solutions. Since introducing the Skull Comp, our first helmet, we have always strived to create protection that matches how people ski. As the styles of skiing change, so too do people’s protection needs. It is this constant search for the right protection that is the reason we continue to innovate, the reason we continue to work to find new ways of keeping people protected from the kinds of impacts they are most likely to encounter if things go wrong.
In recent years, there have been tremendous leaps forward in technology that have resulted in more of the mountain becoming more accessible to more people. Greater numbers of skiers and snowboarders are heading away from the lift network and exploring other parts of the mountain. While many are using skins to get up, increasing numbers are mountaineering or climbing in order to ski or ride new lines. Inevitably, with only so much kit that can be physically carried, taking two different helmets: one for mountaineering and one for skiing, simply does not get done.
Just one helmet gets taken. And that exposes people to unnecessary risk for part of their time on the mountain. So, we set about creating a helmet that works just as well for the journey to the summit as it does on the way down.
The journey to the summit does not start at the base of the mountain: it starts at home. Therefore, we wanted the Calyx to be usable on a bike. We worked to make sure the helmet is comfortable to wear while cycling and carrying gear. Then, as the journey up the mountain progresses, the needs from a helmet change. So we wanted to make sure the helmet can keep you fully protected whilst mountaineering.
Passing cycling safety standards and ski standards together followed processes similar to those we follow when creating single-activity helmets, whether for any form of cycling or on snow. Both sets of standards expose the helmet to the same types of impact tests, and with relatively similar levels of force. It was natural to fine-tune the process in order to ensure a single helmet could successfully pass both tests.
Ensuring this helmet could withstand the very different kinds of impact that a mountaineering helmet is exposed to—and tested for—presented us with new and different kinds of obstacles to overcome.
Here, the aim is to protect from falling rocks, rather than from when the wearer themself falls. These are very different impact forces, often in different places on the head. We began by conducting extensive modelling and analysis to see just how different the helmet would need to be.
It is common for mountaineering helmets to feature a much harder outer shell than would be effective—or safe—for a cycle or ski helmet, as it would prevent the inner EPS liner from absorbing the impact shock effectively.
A central problem to overcome, therefore, was how to create a helmet with a shell stable enough to withstand the impact forces of falling rocks and other mountaineering-related impacts, yet not so hard that it would negatively affect the performance of the EPS liner in a ski or cycling accident.
This presented an opportunity for our in-house FEM engineer Ebba Larsson Regnström to test and analyse different combinations of helmet liner and shell materials, densities and thicknesses, making it possible for our designers to iterate more quickly and gain better insight into a helmet’s protective properties before any physical tests took place.
The results of this testing process led us to a solution with a dual-density EPS liner so that impact absorption in different parts of the helmet is fully optimised.
Repeating this analysis after prototyping further helped us choose the right development path to create a helmet that could work in numerous very different situations.
But just because the helmet can protect in different situations does not mean it can be used comfortably in all situations. Ventilation plays a vital part in comfort in any situation, and the user requirements for how a helmet is ventilated differ greatly based on the specific activity in which the helmet will be used. This is why we created the twin ventilation system, which features both linear channels and chimney-like vents at the top of the helmet.
The top vents come to the fore when climbing and mountaineering, as they allow heat to escape as it rises, without the need for airflow through the helmet to create a cooling effect. A three-step adjustment system here gives each user complete control over how much ventilation they use based on their own personal requirements and the prevalent weather conditions.
The linear channels, inspired by our road and mountain bike helmets, allow air to flow freely through and over the head, providing a comforting cooling effect whether cycling or skiing. The addition of fabric over the front and rear intake and outlet vents helps to take the chill off the air as it enters the helmet, giving improved comfort while skiing.
This combination of ventilation solutions came together as a result of modelling and real-world testing, including hill-climbing in some of our cycling helmets, to discover exactly how the ventilation needed to perform.
The result of overcoming these challenges, both for how the helmet can protect and how it feels when worn, is the Calyx: the multi-functional helmet based on modular principles that makes it possible to get from your door to the top of the mountain and back again.
Or if you’d rather just wear it in the city? Well, it works there, too.
Photos by: Robin O'Neill & POC Sports
You could say Marco Odermatt was born to ski. Hailing from the Nidwalden region of the Swiss Alps––an area steeped in ski culture and history––he grew up in a family of skiers.
He was first put on skis at the age of two by his dad, who also coached ski racing at the local ski club and, to this day, keeps a detailed log of Marco's days on the hill.
It's no surprise that Marco has been a dedicated student of the skiing craft. He spent his childhood closely tracking the career of his Swiss idol Didier Cuche, road-tripping to watch World Cups around Switzerland, and putting in the work over the years to climb the ranks from devoted fan to competitor to World Champion.
Sure, the strong foundation was there. But to say that he was born to be a world-class skier is to miss the magic of Marco.
Photo: Samo Vidic / Red Bull Content Pool | Photo: Samo Vidic / Red Bull Content Pool |
What makes Marco's skiing so thrilling––so gripping that you can't look away or help but smile when he flies down the track––is the fighting spirit he brings—skiing pulses through his veins.
He skis on the edge, putting it all on the line. He's fierce, agile and technically strong, with cat-like reflexes – known to course-correct mid-air to adjust his line. He seems to spend half of his run floating, and when he's not air-born, he tears down the mountain with the sharpest point of his razor edges as the only thing keeping him connected to the earth.
Photo: Erich Spiess / Red Bull Content Pool |
Photo: Erich Spiess / Red Bull Content Pool | Photo: Samo Vidic / Red Bull Content Pool |
And despite his extraordinary success, triumphs and trophies, he manages to always attack each race with the intensity and aggression of an underdog. Because the laws of nature drive Marco, not the false assurances from his past successes.
It's the physics of every unique slope, the chemistry of the snow that day, the mindset of his competitors. Always smiling, with a laser-like focus, four turns ahead as he stalks his prey: time.
The results speak for themselves. Marco has earned over fifty World Cup podiums and five Crystal Globes in his short career. He is the reigning Giant Slalom and Downhill World Champion, an Olympic Gold medalist, and last season, he broke the men's record for most points collected in a World Cup season. All at just 25 years of age.
No. Marco wasn't just born to ski. Marco is skiing.
Photos by: Erich Spiess & Samo Vidic / Red Bull Content Pool
Hedvig Wessel describes her connection to the mountain that inspired her new signature collection.
The first time I climbed Store Skagastølstind (Storen) was in July 2022. It’s one of Norway's highest and most complex mountains, so I was motivated to climb it and intrigued by the difficulty, beauty, and adventure in front of me. We started with an evening approach, sleeping in our tent at the bottom of the mountain, and began our climb at 06:00. The climb went well. It was a long day mixed with scrambling, climbing, rappelling, glacier walking, and a long descent until, fourteen hours later, we got back to our car.
Having summited Storen in the summer, I wanted to go back and climb it in the winter. Storen is considered a very challenging winter climb, with a long approach and a vertical ice climb to the top. To climb it, you need to be a skilled skier and winter climber and know how to move on glacier terrain. Because the climb is a vertical wall, you want a team that you know and trust, and you need to be honest about the limits of your own skills. For our winter attempt, we had a crew of strong skiers with extensive training in snow safety, including a local mountain guide.
Storen would have been one of my most challenging winter climbs ever. Climbing it in the winter requires a clear weather window over multiple days, so there are not many days in a year where it's safe. Unfortunately, after looking at the avalanche report and discussing it with our guide, we all decided it was too risky to attempt to summit Storen that day. The avalanche danger was too high, and the weather was forecasted to be too warm. Of course, it's always disappointing when you cannot accomplish your goal, but we made the right safety call.
We decided to summit the mountain next to Storen. The skies were clear and sunny, and we walked with the view of Storen the whole day. The new route on the new mountain was reasonably straightforward, ending with a long traverse where we used crampons and an ice axe. The snow was cold and frozen at the beginning of the day, perfect for ski touring, and it turned to slush by afternoon. Once we reached the top, the sun started going down just as we put on our skis.
Even though we did not get to climb Storen that day, I feel good about the decision we made. No matter the mountain or the climb, it's such a wonderful feeling to be on top of the mountain for sunset. Sharing that moment and the view with friends is always the biggest reward for me.
Photos by: Sophie Odelberg
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Choosing the right ski helmet and goggles for how and where you ski, and in which conditions, is vital for getting the most from any day in the mountains.
Whether you live close to your favourite mountain and are out as often as physically possible, or whether you ski a couple of times each year, there are certain principles that are always worth following when choosing your protection.
Here, we ask the professionals about what influences their choice, so they always have complete trust in their protection.
What fit do you look for when choosing your ski helmet?
An adjustable fit is vital for me. I want the helmet to be light and to stay in place without feeling tight or wobbly. I look for a helmet where the features are not too visible.
What features can’t you do without in a helmet? What is nice to have (but not necessary)?
For me, the weight of the helmet plays a key role in which model I choose. Ventilation is important, and I want to be easy to attach a goggle band while I’m wearing gloves. It’s great to have RECCO® in the helmet, too.
How do you care for your helmet between uses?
I normally wear a balaclava under my helmet, which means I don’t have to do too much to clean helmet padding. The balaclava gets washed all the time! I don’t use any strong cleaners on the outside because I don’t want to damage the outer shell.
What fit do you look for when choosing your goggles?
The most important thing for me is the shape around the nose. I want the fit to be snug but I need to be able to breathe freely. Sometimes a helmet can push the goggles down so I like to try them together. Since I’m out a lot in different conditions, being able to change lenses easily is really important.
Do you prefer cylindrical or toric lens shape? Why?
I love the toric lens shape, but I choose it for how it looks rather than any difference in what or how I can see through it.
How often do you swap the lens in your frame? Why?
Almost every day, depending on if I do night skiing, whiteout skiing, sunny skiing etc. I always have a spare in my pocket, just in case I crash or if It gets foggy.
How do you care for your goggles between uses and between seasons?
I make sure not to touch the inside of my lenses. When I’m not wearing them while I’m out, I keep them wrapped in a beanie in my bag, so the lens doesn’t get damaged.
How do you feel the benefit of the seamless fit of the helmet and goggles worn together?
I can’t ski with anything that does not give me a Seamless Fit. Without it, I’d have brain freeze all the time from the cold air. I also love the look of the Seamless Fit. The two pieces together looks phenomenal!
Photos by: Martin Wichardt
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In skiing and life, Craig Murray carves an inventive line. He is a modern-day shapeshifter who is down-to-earth while also ambitiously visionary. As a ski film luminary, a Freeride World Tour medalist and World Cup mountain bike racer, and a dedicated advocate for making skiing more accessible and inclusive, Craig operates in global and local spaces all at once.
The pursuit of his dreams has taken him to the top of podiums, down razor-edge spines in Alaska, and earned him full parts in major global ski films. He has brought his visions to the big screen, producing, directing and starring in numerous films over the last few years. Terra Incognita, premiering this month, is his latest shining example.
Photo: Elias Lundh | Photo: Scott Robb |
Photo: Niklas Wallner |
Through all of Craig's triumphs and creations, he remains a humble champion of the local community that raised him, always looking to lift others as his star rises. He organizes and runs a series of camps to spread the joys and possibilities of skiing and mountain biking to more children from different backgrounds. And his friends and family feature in every film project he spearheads.
In everything Craig does, he seeks inspiration from nature. He has degrees in environmental science and geography, and he remains committed to understanding the intricate workings of the natural world. Whether bumping his bike over roots and rocks or floating his skis across crystalline snow, he revels in the tactile connection to his environment. Craig's reverence for nature is the red thread running through all his different pursuits, keeping him on track.
Photo: Craig Murray | Photo: Tom Fisher |
Photo: Tom Fisher |
No matter how grand Craig's plans and projects get, his feet are firmly rooted to the earth. Big mountain skiing, his films, the youth camps, and bike racing–it's all a means to explore a deeper connection to the natural world. Because for Craig, focusing on the details allows him to complete the bigger picture.
Photos by: Jojo Harper, Elias Lundh, Scott Robb, Niklas Wallner, Tom Fisher & Martin Wichardt
Photo: Martin Wichardt | Photo: Jojo Harper |
Choosing the right ski helmet and goggles for how and where you ski, and in which conditions, is vital for getting the most from any day on the piste.
Whether racing competitively or simply skiing for pleasure, there are certain principles that are always good to follow when choosing your protection.
Here, we ask the professionals about what influences their choice, so they always have complete trust in their protection.
Photo: Samo Vidic / Red Bull Content Pool | Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool |
Photo: Stefan Adelsberger / Red Bull Content Pool |
What fit do you look for when choosing your helmet?
When I put on a helmet, it’s important to me that the helmet doesn’t wiggle, yet isn’t too tight. I should be able to move my head in all directions without wiggling around. If, after a few minutes, I don’t feel any pressure points, I’m good to go.
What features can’t you do without in a helmet? What is nice to have (but not necessary)?
Given that we usually train in groups and on closed slopes I don’t necessarily need avalanche-related features. For me, fit customisation, like with the Race Lock feature, and ventilation are very important: it quickly gets too hot without good ventilation. Most important, of course, is the impact absorption capabilities of the helmet: I want my head to be protected as best it can be.
How do you care for your helmet between uses?
I always make sure I dry my helmet properly. From time to time I take out the liners to give them a wash. I also try to avoid storing it too close to heat sources.
What fit do you look for when choosing your goggles?
The shape and fit around the nose are important to me. I want my ski goggles to sit comfortably, and my visibility should be clear. This is where the combination with the helmet is so important. I make sure that the goggles fit properly so that I can barely see the frame. Once I have them on, they need to be tight but the elastic band should make it fairly easy for me to pull them away from my head to put them on my helmet.
Do you prefer a cylindrical or a toric lens shape? Why?
Personally, I prefer the toric lens shape. I’ve always had it since I was a young skier, so I just kept it. It’s more of a habit than anything else.
How often do you swap the lens in your frame? Why?
It really depends on the weather conditions. Based on these I need to choose the right VLT. But if the weather stays the same for days and the lens is intact, there’s no need for me to change. I also don’t have a special race vs. training lens. What I make sure is that I always have a spare one because you just don’t know what can happen.
What factors besides the weather do you think about when choosing your lens for the day?
The conditions outside are really my primary concern. Many World Cup races are on dark slopes, so I often choose a light lens even if there are some sections in the sun.
What is special about Clarity lens technology? How does it help your vision on snow?
The Clarity lens technology sharpens my contrast. It makes it easy to see surface details which is particularly important when the sun isn’t shining. It also improves my eye comfort level, which really helps on long training days.
How do you care for your goggles between uses and between seasons?
Just like my helmet, I make sure I dry them away from any heat sources. As for the lens itself, I only use soft cleaning cloths and I’m careful not to touch it on the inside. I usually clean my lens before every use.
How do you feel the benefit of the Seamless Fit of the helmet and goggles worn together?
This is where the true magic happens. A great-fitting helmet with goggles that are too small or don’t fit comfortably on my nose when I put on the helmet is a “no-go”: the two pieces need to work as one. Aerodynamics plays an important role, but fit factors in the equation. If I have both on but forget that I’m wearing them, that is what I ultimately strive for. And that’s what POC’s Seamless Fit gives me.
Photos by: Sandro Baebler / The Red Bulletin | Stefan Adelsberger & Joerg Mitter & Samo Vidic / Red Bull Content Pool
“I just didn’t see them until it was too late.”
“I couldn’t stop in time; I didn’t see them soon enough.”
Both common, valid, statements that are heard all too often in the aftermath of an accident.While some go further and try to shift blame on to the more vulnerable, more exposed party—a cyclist or a pedestrian—it’s always worth remembering the old adage “stay safe, stay seen” whenever we prepare for a ride.
Long said to children as they learn the fundamentals of road safety, whether on foot or on two wheels for the first time, the saying sits at the very core of what we can control to keep ourselves safe.
Visibility plays a vital role in our protection. And any steps we can take to make ourselves seen more easily can help improve the chances of others seeing us in good time. Our visibility is our most powerful tool to draw attention to our presence; and to ensure that we get noticed. The principle of visibility has long been important to us at POC, being a central component of our AVIP (Attention, Visibility, Interaction, Protection) concept. This concept remains in our thinking at every stage of the product design process, and is why we work to include elements that help keep riders noticed across our product range.
Using splashes of contrasting colour also help attract attention. Bright, fluorescent colours at the body’s extremities help improve noticeability, potentially helping to catch the eye of another road user as we pedal, or stretch out a hand to signal a turn.
Following these simple fundamentals are the easiest steps we can take to keep ourselves noticed every time we ride.
Photos by: Olle Kirchmeier & Maja Johansson
On the face of it full-face helmets offer obvious safety advantages. Riders who take on gravity-fed trails will have the extra protection where their heads are fully covered.
It’s a silhouette more often associated with high stakes—and even the motorbike world—rather than the average mountain biker, who may not face the challenges that a full-face helmet is designed to enjoy. At least not day in and day out.
But, as Bob Dylan famously wrote; ‘the times they are a changing’.
In the recent past riders were focused on DH riding, trail, or XC but the development of enduro riding has brought a whole new perspective to mountain biking, and especially how kit must work.
Mountain bikes have morphed into super machines; riders can now take on harder, more technical gravity-fed terrain, and then easily climb back to the top of the mountain instead of taking a lift. And they encourage riders to go further afield, to places they would have never imagined being able to pedal to before.
It may be defined as a golden era for mountain bike riders. And it can certainly be seen as a golden era in innovation and development.
This innovation process is born of these new demands, especially for helmets which need to protect when the going gets as tough as it gets, and then to be light and airy enough to pedal in all day long.
And this is exactly how the Otocon came to be.
It’s a helmet that brings a new perspective to mountain biking. Totally covered, yet fully ventilated. It is inspired by our award-wining road helmets and offers an exceptionally low weight.
The Otocon manages to achieve its incredible weight (weighing a mere 700g - size medium) thanks to its unique development with two liners, one for the upper zone made from EPS and the lower zone and chin bar made from EPP, designed for maximum protection.
Despite this low weight, the helmet’s safety is never compromised. The Otocon goes further: it introduces a whole new idea of how a full-face helmet can protect riders before, during and after an accident with a variety of digital integration, such as RECCO® and an NFC Medical ID provided by twICEme®.
As well as the inclusion of an almost invisible MIPS® Integra system, the Otocon delivers another first in safety with the integrated fit adjustment system, ’Race Lock’. Inspired by POC’s World Cup ski racing helmets, the integrated adjuster at the back of the helmet makes it easy to find each rider’s unique 360° fit. Never interfering with a rider’s neck, it allows for the broader range of movement needed in enduro and gravity-based riding.
As Robin Wallner, Ibis Enduro racing team manager, said: “We have a very long history of working together with POC. Together we have weaved our insights and experiences into the Otocon, and the result, a lightweight helmet with incredible ventilation and a wealth of safety features, is extraordinary.”
There will be no weight of expectation.
Just expectation.
Defying conventional thinking, the Otocon provides a weightlessness that will allow your expectations and experiences to grow, bigger and better with each ride.
It will go wherever you want to go, but you may forget you’re wearing it!
Totally protected, fully ventilated.
Photos by: Niklas Wallner
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Competitive cyclists optimize every pedal stroke to deliver pure forward motion.
Several details need to align to create precise forward motion on a bike, such as fitness, power, and technique, all of which are basic building blocks to building speed.
Cycle for any distance, though, and it becomes immediately clear that regardless of your pedal stroke, the most important aspect is not how strong you are or what bike you have; it's how you can minimize the resistance caused by the air around you, and how effortlessly you can pass through it.
A moving cyclist forces themselves into the air in front of them, which creates natural resistance. And, the faster they move, the more air resistance they will feel. A lot of focus often falls on the bike, but it's acknowledged that a cyclist's body represents the largest barrier to movement through the air. Naturally, it's also where the greatest aerodynamic efficiencies can be made.
As much as eighty per cent of the resistance a cyclist creates comes from a rider's body; naturally, gaining the best aerodynamic advantage requires focusing on the rider's body and profile.
Bringing together our experience, award-winning technology, and input from our professional riders, WorldTour teams as well as our specialized aerodynamic advisers, we focus on helmets, eyewear and apparel, which can all play a significant role in improved aerodynamics, and there are many ways we can do this.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), 3D scanning, track testing, wind tunnel testing, and WorldTour racing all input into the research and design process; to develop products which allow a cyclist to slip through the air, going faster whilst using less energy.
CFD simulation and testing have been the foundation for our aerodynamic design. Head of POC's helmet and eyewear teams, Magnus Gustavsson, says: 'CFD is so valuable as it delivers enhanced levels of consistency and comparability, which gives us the ability to test ideas and fine-tune specific details, such as the precise airflow over a helmet, how a rider's body affects the helmet design, channel widths, as well as how to create the optimal wake and manage turbulence.'
CFD was the starting point for the well-known and award-winning Tempor time trail helmet and allowed a more innovative approach. The result was a helmet that broke with conventional thinking by working from a new hypothesis; to consider a rider as one body mass rather than isolating the head from the body.
CFD simulations can be applied to various problems and industries, such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and cycling. To complement this research and data, we also use 3D scanning.
3D scanning for aerodynamic analysis is a technique used to capture the shape and surface characteristics of objects or surfaces that interact with fluid flows. It uses 3D scanning technologies to generate a digital representation of the object's surface, which is used for aerodynamic analysis and simulation.
Static image of a 3D scanned EF Education-EasyPost rider with Procen helmet. |
So-called' virtual wind tunnels' are computer simulations that mimic a physical wind tunnel. By using virtual wind tunnels, we can determine the aerodynamic properties of a cyclist. And by scanning each rider in different cycling positions to create 'digital twins', these 3D images can be placed in the virtual wind tunnel and tested repeatedly. The benefit is that potential improvements can be assessed easily, simply by digitally adjusting the body positions.
CFD and 3D scanning are essential tools in confirming our ideas, which are often taken to the real world with a mix of velodrome (track) testing, wind tunnels, and, most importantly, professional rider feedback. All add a layer of validation to products under development so they will excel in many other areas, such as ventilation, safety, comfort, and aerodynamics.
As confirmed by the Head of POC's apparel teams, Monica Lindström, "To reduce the impact of a cyclist's body, we research fabric technology, material development, panel placement and rider aerodynamics. We must consider the added complexity where cyclists often move around the bike when climbing or sprinting. In addition, a cyclist's maximum effort may range over several seconds, minutes or hours and consecutive days, which also requires fabrics and materials that are aerodynamic yet equally able to perform under extreme conditions."
Cutting-edge aerodynamic performance requires a new way of thinking and new digital technology to support innovation and research.
That way, we can continue to shape the things to come, helping riders glide effortlessly through the air!
Photos by: Jojo Harper & Dan King
As a cyclist, the chances are that the subject of cycling saddles and discomfort has been raised many times. Unusually, it is a topic that interests cycling friends and non-cyclists alike, with the latter especially intrigued with how modern cycling can develop products that seemingly make you more uncomfortable!
And it's not a new subject. A famous 'Yellow Pages' TV advert from the UK in the mid 80's left an entire generation repeating the line, "That saddle's like sitting on a razor blade", which was the Dad's response to buying his son a 'modern' racing bike.
As such, accepting some form of discomfort is not an uncommon external view of cycling, especially performance cycling, where everything seems to be reduced in search of weight gains. And why else would cyclists use padded shorts if there was not a need for some protection and support?
Professional mountain bike rider with Team 31, Jenny Rissveds, in the lab testing session. |
Luckily, like the TV advert, it's a fading view. Many modern saddles and shorts with a pad (also known as a 'chamois') are excellent and offer incredible support over long and short-duration rides and different types of riding, like mountain bike or road.
Plus, these days, saddles are generally wider, have lower volume, are gender specific, have pressure-relieving channels and can be focused on one type of activity.
This is welcome, especially as our rear ends are the most significant contact point with the bike. The hands and feet are the two others.
The crucial difference is that a cyclist's hands and feet are free to move, making relieving tension or stretching out easier. Of course, it is possible to move from a seated position. Still, as an optimal pedalling technique requires a stable position, it naturally becomes more static and is likely to build up pressure.
And this is where a good pad will stand out, immediately clarifying why it is such an integral part of your cycling wardrobe and why we spend so much time investigating pad materials and placement.
Linn Gustafzzon, professional mountain bike rider considers the data during testing. |
Jenny Rissveds discusses testing and chamois placement with POC’s apparel experts. |
Dig deeper into research and testing, and a clearer picture emerges. For example, evidence confirms that women generally have 10-20 mm wider sit bones and that cut-out saddles lead to a higher pressure on the front of the saddle than non-cut-out saddles.
Curious to know more, we have investigated further, especially the real pressure difference between using a pad or not, the difference between soft and hard saddles, whether riding position makes a difference, and the difference offered with female and male pads.
Our research aims to inform and better understand the pressure distribution of different riders and saddles, directly leading to enhanced pad design and performance.
Women’s average pressure mapping in drops and hoods position, with and without pad. | Men’s average pressure mapping in drops and hoods position, with and without pad. |
Some conclusions from our research highlight some interesting considerations, significantly that pads do help in distributing pressure; however, the location of the pressure depends highly on the individual, i.e. gender, sit bone width, cycling style, as well as other anatomical features.
We can see that men, in general, put less pressure on the front part of the saddle than women, and this can be observed in different positions (drops v's hoods) regardless of the choice of pad or saddle used. Our research also showed that for amateur cyclists, the position (drops v's hoods) and pad choice changes the pressure distribution remarkably.
Interestingly, the evidence illustrates that professional riders will keep a similar pressure distribution regardless of their pad. The evidence suggests that the pressure is distributed evenly even without a pad which indicates that technique, body position and training are all critical components in optimizing comfort and performance in the long term.
We cannot all become professional riders, but our research shows that by choosing well-designed pads for your particular riding style, we can all sit pretty.
Photos by: Peter Eriksson
The article regarding cut out saddles:
• Rodano, R., Squadrone, R., Sacchi, M. and Marzegan, A., 2016. Saddle pressure distribution in cycling: comparison among saddles of different design and materials. In ISBS-Conference Proceedings Archive.
The articles regarding sit bone width:
• Potter, J.J., Sauer, J.L., Weisshaar, C.L., Thelen, D.G. and Ploeg, H.L., 2008. Gender differences in bicycle saddle pressure distribution during seated cycling. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40(6), pp.1126-1134.
• Sauer, J.L., Potter, J.J., Weisshaar, C.L., Ploeg, H. and Thelen, D.G., 2007. Influence of gender, power, and hand position on pelvic motion during seated cycling. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 39(12), p.2204.
• Chen, Y.L. and Yang, P.J., 2016. A preliminary study of the measurement of external ischial tuberosity width and its gender differences. Journal of physical therapy science, 28(3), pp.820-823.
• Chen, Y.L., 2021. Changes in external ischial tuberosity width at varying trunk–thigh angles between sexes using two measurement methods. Scientific Reports, 11(1), p.19676.
]]>A team that makes their sport beautiful to watch is one that is appreciated by all, regardless of sport, regardless of success. Such teams represent sport in its truest form. They show that it is not only winning that makes a team and they demonstrate that the spectacle of pure competition is so alluring.
In the WorldTour, EF Education-EasyPost has long been that team.
The team has been—and continues to be—the natural home of cyclists who dare to be different, who forge their own paths. It’s the team that has kept the romance of this great sport truly alive.
Photo: Bastien Gason | Photo: Jered Gruber & Ashley Gruber |
Photo: Jered Gruber & Ashley Gruber |
Characters like Alex Howes and Taylor Phinney, who famously chose to ride without a power meter, were able to flourish within the team. Personalities like Rigoberto Urán continue to bring vivaciousness to the peloton, animating races and fans in an inimitable way.
The team’s approach to what it means to race is something that has appealed to us since the very beginning of our journey into the world of road cycling protection. And it’s what has appealed to so many others around the world. It’s one of the many reasons we have been so happy to work alongside them for so many years.
Seeing the team nurture the likes of Ben Healy and Magnus Cort Nielsen, who electrify races, makes watching the peloton (and the breakaway) so addictive.
Photo: Bastien Gason | Photo: Jered Gruber & Ashley Gruber |
Photo: Harry Talbot |
But racers require support. Not only from their official team, but from a much larger team of loyal supporters who are there at all times, cheering them on through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad, giving energy and purpose to all they can do on the road.
With the release of the EF Education-EasyPost edition Ventral Air Mips, we pay tribute to this broader team, to the people who are there for the team to celebrate the highs and support through the lows. Without you, racing would be empty; success would be meaningless.
Photo: POC Sports |
Photo: Jered Gruber & Ashley Gruber |
Photo: Jered Gruber & Ashley Gruber |
This is the helmet you have asked for for many years; finally, we have made it. This helmet is identical to what the riders on EF Education-EasyPost use, giving you the same protection the pros trust as they race.
The helmet’s internal airflow channels provide thorough ventilation at both low and high speeds, which helps the pros keep a cool head through every heated tactical effort in the mountains.
Photo: Zac Williams | Photo: POC Sports |
Photo: POC Sports |
Developed with a focus on extreme levels of ventilation, minimal weight and high levels of protection, the Ventral Air Mips has been proven at the highest levels of World Tour racing. Now, it can be proven by the team’s loyal supporters.
In creating the team replica helmet, we wanted to ensure fans could share the innovation and technology relied on by the team, not just the colourway. While the iconic pink makes it easy to show your support, it’s the protection that will keep you riding.
Photos by: Jered Gruber, Ashley Gruber, Bastien Gason, Harry Talbot, Zac Williams
]]>In the second instalment on race fueling and hydration we explore the role and importance of hydration and how it will affect your gravel race.
Gravel racing can be remote, hot and dusty. With a competitive mindset, it's easy to get distracted by watching riders nearby — they're the competition, after all — and neglect the most important engine — yourself. In that situation, dehydration can catch up with you — fast — and performance can quickly slide. We spoke again with Maurten's Nutritional Scientist, Joshua Rowe, to get a clearer understanding of hydration needs. “From an endurance athlete's perspective” he says, “dehydration hinders the body's ability to regulate temperature. It not only raises core body temperature but also cancels out the benefits of high aerobic fitness and acclimatization to heat.”
Rowe explains that the process of sweating is the primary means by which the human body regulates its temperature during exercise. Dehydration can occur when the fluid lost through sweating is not replaced — it's a basic deficit. Typically, conversations around dehydration lean towards electrolyte replenishment, but that’s not the starting point. Rowe continues, "Dehydration can lead to a reduction in your body's plasma volume, which causes your heart to work harder to pump blood - this is known as cardiovascular drift." Cardiovascular drift is recognisable by a gradual increase in heart rate at the same level of output, reducing the delivery of oxygen to the muscles. He points out that there isn't a consistent linear relationship between fluid loss and performance — individual factors such as exercise modality, environment and fitness levels also have a great influence here. However, research has observed that relatively small losses in bodyweight due to reduced blood volume can significantly impair an athlete's ability to maintain workload.
Why does this matter for gravel racing? “There are several factors that will determine how much your body will necessitate sweating. Heat, intensity, body composition, race duration, degree of fluid tolerance, and prior training of the gut will all contribute to fluid expenditure” he says. "Dehydration can also negatively affect your cognitive performance and make you feel like you're exerting more effort than you actually are." This is particularly pertinent for gravel racing, where focus, reaction time and sharpness of mind are important. Adding to the stress on the body, riders need to be on top of their navigation, rest, kit management, and picking the right line when the trail gets technical. In short — there's a lot to think about.
The unique arena of gravel racing brings some specific fueling and hydration situations into play — long days in the dirt aren't just about keeping the pedals turning. For the increasingly popular multi-day and "unsupported" race formats, resupply points and availability of water can be sparse. And even if distances seem short on paper, technical terrain or bad weather can significantly increase ride time. It's important that you know the course and your own needs. Practice in training what you will do in the race. Joshua adds that "researchers have found that successful ultra-endurance event finishers tend to consume fluids at a higher rate than non-finishers". Although this may seem obvious from a practical standpoint, it further highlights the significance of ensuring fluid intake is managed appropriately, in addition to fueling intake.
Joshua also reinforces, "it is important to implement the four P's: planning, preparation, practice, and performance when devising a personalized drinking schedule to stay hydrated during ultra-endurance events". In general, he recommended to consume 450-750 millilitres per hour, all the while being prepared to make adjustments according to the specific race conditions. Being attentive to what your body can tolerate in training will greatly influence performance when your tire hits that first crunch of gravel on race day.
The role that proper fuelling can have on performance is critical, and you can read more in the first of these two instalments, here.
Photos by: Ian Walton Hemingway
Whether you are threading your way through a rock garden, in the middle of the city, or out on the road before the sunrise, one thing is always the same; your vision is the gateway to decision making, safety and performance.
Being able to react a millisecond quicker can often be the difference in a winning run and being able to avoid an accident.
It is a constant that is often overlooked by many but driven by our safety mission we wanted to push the boundaries of science and innovation and develop unique and an enhanced vision technology, to give riders the precise levels of light and contrast exactly when they need it.
Managing diverse types of light in such fine detail is crucial and we took our ideas and collaborated with some of the world's leading optic experts at Carl Zeiss to develop specific and highly advanced tints.
Anyone who bikes the forest, in the mountains on the gravel or in the city will know how the light varies across activities, therefore Clarity lenses also have light spectrums tuned to activity specific needs, such as mountain bike, road and in urban settings.
Mountain bike riders needs lenses and tints which are specifically designed to enhance contrast and boost trail associated colors, such as green and brown. Plus, mountain bike riders are often subject to abrupt changes in light and shadow and as such the lenses are also optimized for variable light conditions.
Riders on the road, often for hours on end, require specific tints that are optimized to increase the contrast on the road surface which enhances definition and the ability for a rider to see surface irregularities earlier and react to road conditions better.
And in the hustle of an urban landscape all riders need an enhanced focus which can be supported by the right lenses, such as those have which enhances LED and red colors which are often used in traffic and car lights. By providing riders in urban environments with improved visual input it is easier to react and ride safely.
Anyone can step into the light.
Sometimes all it takes is vision.
Photos by: Ian Walton Hemingway , Niklas Wallner, Martin Wichardt & Maja Johansson
An indisputable fact of life is that we have all been a child.
At least at some point.
Some of us might even think we still are.
Equally valid, however, is the fact that our childhoods are rarely comparable. Many of us will have the ability to reflect on our childhood experiences filled with long sunny days, without a worry in the world, apart from what's for lunch.
But for many others, it is far from carefree and straightforward.
It is sometimes hard to imagine, but there is little meaning to the term 'child's play' for many children, which is why the small group of professional mountain bike riders that make up Team 31 is so critical.
The team's name, which stands proud and fronts all its activities and ideas, is not a sponsor looking for prime advertising real estate or a bike brand trying to establish itself.
No, it is chosen with an obvious purpose; to focus everyone's attention towards Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that "every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities".
At first glance, it might seem odd for a professional mountain bike team to be driven by such a worthy cause.
But rather than merely perpetuate the pressurized structure of elite racing, with its focus on podiums, followers and results, the goal of Team 31 is to have fun and inspire others.
It's easy to forget the how and why you started riding a bike, especially when you are at the sharp end of professional racing. Take a moment though and the main reasons will almost always be about joy and having fun, being with friends, laughing and making good memories.
And it's a fundamental guiding light for the all-female team, made up of Jenny Rissveds, Kelsey Urban and Linn Gustaffzon, as they travel and race around the globe.
Racing bikes and having fun is the way to remind us all that riding bikes allows us to inspire the next generation to stay active and healthy. It is also the perfect way to remind us that not all children have the same opportunities and privileges, and that we should strive to help them access the same carefree moments that filled our early years.
What's in a name? 'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet', as Shakespeare famously wrote in Romeo and Juliet.
But sometimes 'What's in a name?' bears a different significance
And when it comes to Team 31, it's as important and indisputable as our childhood.
End.
Photos by: Thomas Weschta / @thomaswdesign
In 1980 a young hippie living on the US west coast read an article about this new “Clunker Bike” movement that was happening in various places around the country, especially in Marin County, California, and Crested Butte, Colorado.
In amongst doing what hippies did in California at that time, Scot Nicol was intrigued by the article as it turned out he had been riding these ‘paperboy’ bikes since the mid-sixties. In fact, by 1976, he had already converted his 1947 Excelsior to a geared bike with cantilever brakes and like any young rider, rode it in the dirt and drifted corners whenever he could.
With no plan and no money but bucket loads of hippie energy and bike movement inspiration, what followed in the Spring of 1981 was a frame-building exercise that forged the Ibis bike company we know today; unique, innovative, and with lots of soul.
As Scot says, “Bikes represent your first taste of freedom… the second I get on a bike, any problems or challenges fade into the background. I often think that if more people rode bikes more often, our world would be a much better place.”
Fast forward to the present and Ibis is now a well-known and highly regarded bike manufacturer, still focused on the craft of bike building and innovation. Coupled with a belief in the opportunities that bikes represent and a west coast attitude, they continue to do things their way, skillfully negotiating the obstacles of a global marketplace while spearheading all that’s good about riding bikes.
Their philosophy is perfectly encapsulated in their ‘Ibis Cycles Enduro race team’. With pioneering rider Robin Wallner now managing the program, he leads an exceptional team, consisting of Zakarias Johansen, Raphaela Richter, and Cole Lucas. These three riders have the talent to compete at the sharp end of any competition, but sit down with the team, and you will notice something else.
When you are on the road for large parts of the year, extracted from your creature comforts, whether you like it or not your teammates become a new family, and it’s here the success of the Ibis Cycles Enduro team lies. Traveling with friends, talking set up, living together, experiencing new cultures, sharing many highs and lows, track walk banter, etc. The list goes on and on, but the core and what inspired Scot Nicol stays the same; the bike movement started all those years ago because friends were out riding bikes, wanting to have fun and share things.
This season, after more than thirty years of independence, the Enduro World Series joined the fold of Union Cycliste Internationale as an official category of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series. While Enduro racing may have gone mainstream, the Ibis Cycles Enduro team continues to be a group of individuals who do things in a different way. Because for Ibis, one thing is a constant and something that goes all the way back to Marin County in the 1970s. Regardless of your bike or your training, whether it’s hero dirt, roots or rock slabs, the most enjoyable ride will always be the one you share.
The Ibis way is to approach racing from a broader perspective; when you get the whole right, the seconds will follow. Ask any of the team riders about how to deal with the pressure of competition or how to get the best speed on course and the answer will almost always be the same; relax, ride with a smile and the rest follows.
The Ibis Cycles Enduro race team may be small, but they are perfectly formed.
Photos by: Niklas Wallner
Our lives are full of examples where a single thing can be complemented, making it even better. The simple equation where one plus one equals two no longer applies: instead it makes three.
Marriage and relationships could be the purest example of two parts coming together to enhance the whole. Equally, from dawn to dusk, there are examples that fill our day: toast and honey, meatballs and lingonberries (if you're Swedish), or a gin and tonic. All great things alone, but all better together.
HELMET_ KORTAL RACE EYEWEAR_ DEVOUR |
It's not just food and couples, though. Rarely do we think of our sports equipment, such as helmets and sunglasses, in the same way. Every one of us, however, will have suffered when the complements are not made; where details are not tuned to perfection and mire the performance and experience.
Indeed the more you pressure your equipment and yourself, the more a weakness will show, sucking away focus from the task in hand. It might be ventilation, fit, weight, storage, or any number of details that begin to show their fault lines.
HELMET_ OMNE AIR EYEWEAR_ ASPIRE | HELMET_ TECTAL RACE EYEWEAR_ CRAVE | HELMET_ VENTRAL AIR EYEWEAR_ AIM |
At the opposite end of the scale are pieces of equipment that work perfectly. Designed to complement each other together, they just work, no matter how hard you push them, or how long you journey beyond the horizon. There is no interference, no compromise of the experience or performance, just a seamless fit.
It's probably a healthy sign that few of us speak to our helmets and sunglasses. But if we did, the biggest compliment we could ever give them is that they just worked. That we could forget they were there, knowing they were excelling at what they were designed for, complementing themselves to compliment us.
At its very core, and from its very beginnings, the bicycle has delivered sustainable efficiency. As well as the environmental benefits of travelling by bike, it brings with it proven physical and mental health benefits.
But in the world of performance cycling, and a search for speed above all else, the quest for performance efficiency has shifted focus away from the original and inherently sustainable aspects of cycling to become more resource intensive.
This constant push in the world of performance cycling to find where the limits of possibility lie has driven technology further and further, but material choice has been driven by performance characteristics alone. We thought it was time to challenge this way of thinking.
We wanted to explore if it was possible to harness a more sustainable approach while still focusing on performance. A way to utilise methods and technologies that enable performance and sustainable thinking to go together.
In developing the Elicit Ti, we sought to find a way to deliver all the benefits needed to stay at the cutting edge of performance cycling while being considerate of the resources we use.
We think we found a way.
Still relatively new to the world of cycling, additive manufacturing is used and trusted for its precision and quality.
The process allows for very precise constructions, and ensures there is no excess material usage, no cut-offs from the edges of a mold that go to waste.
Here, we saw an opportunity.
Working together with additive manufacturing specialists Aim Sweden, we explored how this process could be applied to the development of high-performance sunglasses: a product where rigidity and flexibility need to be perfectly in balance so that a rider can see every detail of what lies ahead in absolute comfort.
We concluded that residual medical-grade titanium would provide the rigidity and lightness needed for comfort and performance. Being left over from other manufacturing processes, this also helps us minimise the use of virgin materials.
To construct the Elicit Ti, we used an Electron Beam Melting process, a form of additive manufacturing where the fine titanium powder is melted with a laser to build up the temples layer by layer. Once complete, the leftover titanium powder is recovered and reformed so it can be used once more.
The process resulted in the creation of the Elicit Ti, whose open truss structure gives strength and rigidity and keeps the weight down to just 22g, making them our lightest-ever sunglasses.
They show it is possible to create the highest-performance pieces without having to compromise and while thinking sustainably. They prove that anything is possible when you think differently.
(‘Field Notes’ – the process for POC to record, fine tune and confirm ideas with athletes and leaders in their spheres of expertise.)
“Stimulating emotions just from drawing a line”
This Chris Burkard quote relates to the first recorded 1000km traverse of the Icelandic interior in 2020. It is short, but it is overflowing with experiences.
It was a journey that had never been attempted on a bike previously. It had not even been drawn on the map. But it perfectly sums up the feeling that when you take on such a challenge you know that you will take yourself beyond your known boundaries, no matter how well you prepare.
And it’s exactly the kind of insight which makes people like Chris Burkard unique, and so special to examine ideas with.
Chris Burkard is already an inspiration to many. An accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author. He may be best known for images of untamed, powerful landscapes, and he strives to share his vision of wild places with millions of people, to inspire them to explore for themselves.
Traveling throughout the year to pursue the farthest expanses of Earth, Chris Burkard works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere.
Chris forms many of his experiences in landscapes which are lightly touched by human presence. What this means in practice is that there is no back up to call on. If something breaks it will need to be fixed there and then.
Better still is knowing that what you take will not break, and Chris goes to extremes to test his equipment before embarking on a journey as you always want to travel as light, and confident, as possible.
“You have to think differently when you take on a route or events where there is no civilization. When it’s just the elements how and what to pack becomes critical. There’s no point having the best rain jacket if you can’t get to it before the sky opens, and if you can’t stay warm then it doesn’t really matter how much food you have. Everything is about the small details that need to align perfectly together in extremes.”
Built on countless journeys his insights can pin-point a detail or need with clarity. And when we wanted to discuss some ideas around gravel, ultra-distance and adventure cycling we knew exactly who we wanted to join us.
Sweden is blessed with a rich network of gravel roads and riding together in the inaugural Nordic Gravel event in Bergslagen we were able to discuss first-hand some of the ideas that come from exposure to the extremes of cold, heat, rain, fatigue, hunger, wind or darkness.
“I didn’t know what to think about the Swedish gravel scene. The landscape, the people and the culture was all new to me. What I found there was incredible community, smiles, a little rain and legitimately perfect gravel roads that left me questioning why I hadn’t been there sooner. And then I dove into a day of talking products and design which left me fully inspired by POC’s approach and dedication.”
Material weight, durability, what is the best carrying approach or what should a helmet be useful for, apart from protection are all topics to be deliberated. Is there a detail, such as a lanyard on the Devour Ultra glasses, or the carrying options on the Omne Ultra helmet, that will make a difference?
Sometimes during our field notes we find the answer, sometimes we find more questions, but it’s a process of refinement that brings experiences from far flung places that we can all benefit from, even if we are not drawing a line on a map.
Yet.
”There's no speed without power and no power without calories.”
Those words are from Olav Alexander Bu — Norwegian sports scientist and super coach — and sum up nutrition for endurance performance in an exquisitely simple way.
To break down that concept further, and to give a rider a clear idea on how they can use it in their own fuelling and hydration strategies, we talked to Maurten’s Nutritional Scientist, Joshua Rowe. In particular we focused on how it can be adapted in the young and burgeoninggravel racing sphere.
“Looking at performance gravel events, we can clarify Olav Alexander’s words even further,” says Joshua. “If performance is the rider’s primary goal, they need to get from A to B as quickly as possible. That requires them to produce enough power to travel at the required speed. Then that power output needs enough calories to be maintained.”
Rowe explains that those calories — between 60–90 grams per hour — should mainly come from carbohydrates. That’s because it’s more efficient for the body to use carbs compared to fats — making it easier to maintain power and avoid the dreaded ‘bonking’, where you feel as if you have hit the wall and lose all power.
It’s a place no endurance athlete wants to be, and staying on the right side of the energy line requires a lazer like focus on nutrition and hydration.
|
Photo: Maja Johansson | Photo: Maja Johansson |
“Bonking is a relative result of the rider depleting their carbohydrate stores — meaning the body has to transition to using fats as a predominant fuel source,” he says. “What tends to happen is they maintain the same intensity, but because the body needs more oxygen to break down fats, it results in reduced power output at the same intensity.”
There is a well-known saying that by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. The same can be said of energy levels — when you feel low on energy, you’re already in the red. “If energy levels are low, it takes the body time to absorb and rebound. It’s important to fuel throughout the race, not just when you feel like you need to. Develop a fueling and hydration plan and stick to it,” he says.
Gravel racing sees athletes spending long hours in the saddle at a steady aerobic intensity, punctuated by relatively short bursts of high-intensity efforts. This makes it critical to be as aggressive as possible with fueling. “The body only has a finite amount of stored carbohydrate available, so, if you don’t fuel, fats need to contribute as a fuel source during prolonged endurance events like gravel racing,” he says. “However, if a gravel athlete can have a high carbohydrate intake — in other words, an aggressive fueling strategy, frequently consuming drink mixes or gels — they can delay the onset of fatigue and be able to produce more power for a longer period of time.”
Photo: Ian Walton Hemingway |
Photo: Maurten | Photo: Maurten |
Another factor riders need to take into consideration is the weather on race day. On hot and humid courses, fluid intake increases, while the carbs intake stays the same — as close to 90 grams per hour as possible. Something which requires training your stomach, especially important for female riders. “Physiologically, there is no difference in carbohydrate uptake and utilisation between males and females,“ says Joshua. “The main differences are linked to carbohydrate intake tolerances — women are more susceptible to experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues compared to men. Every endurance athlete should train their gut to handle more hydrates, but females need to practice fueling more — to increase their carbohydrate tolerance.
Photo: POC Sports | Photo: Ian Walton Hemingway |
Just as we prepare our equipment for training and race day, Joshua explains that, ultimately, we should do the same for fueling and hydration. “Test and trial all your fueling equipment — bottles, soft flasks, hydration vests. Practise fueling in training and personalise your fueling strategy. Develop a plan that can be printed — so you know the timing, frequency, and what products to consume. As they say, no guts, no glory.“
Photos by: Maurten & Ian Walton Hemingway & Maja Johansson
We add an NFC Medical ID chip provided by twICEme® to numerous helmets and selected apparel pieces so that your protection can speak for you when you can’t. Getting the right help quickly after an accident can mean the difference between life and death.
Twiceme’s NFC Medical ID technology is based on a new generation of NFC (Near Field Communication), similar to the technology used in credit cards or travel passes that allows you to simply tap your card when making a payment or passing a barrier.
The chip can be read by anyone with a smartphone with NFC enabled: all they have to do is tap their phone against the symbol displayed on the equipment.
If your helmet, jacket or backpack has a twICEme® symbol on it, you can upload your own profile by downloading the twICEme® app, creating a profile and then following the in-app instructions to load the info on to the chip in the helmet.
The NFC Medical ID provided by twICEme® gives bystanders the information they need to help someone who has become incapacitated in an accident. By tapping the twICEme® symbol with a smartphone, bystanders and first responders can alert, relay location and access critical information uploaded by the wearer. If you have the twICEme® app, you can access the data even without an internet connection or mobile network.
By ensuring first responders have quick and easy access to your personal profile, you can support them to make the best decisions for your treatment from the very start.
For further information about how to use the twICEme® technology, visit www.twiceme.com/getstarted
What does Twiceme [NFC Medical ID] do?
The Twiceme® chip holds the wearer’s critical information, which in turn gives bystanders the information they need to help someone who has become incapacitated in an accident.
Why is there a need for it?
Getting the right help quickly after an accident can mean the difference between life and death. Turning a piece of equipment into a source of information that can be used at the scene of an injury may help bystanders or first responders make the best judgements for treatment after an accident. With a tap on the Twiceme® symbol with a smartphone, bystanders can quickly alert the right emergency services, relay the exact location and access critical information uploaded by the wearer.
Can I read the tag with any phone?
Almost all Android smartphones can read the NFC tag. iPhone 7 or newer can read the tag.
What is the reading distance between the phone and the tag?
0-20 mm, depending on the phone model and if it is in a protective case.
How long does it take to read a tag?
The time to read or upload data takes just a few seconds. If it doesn’t work immediately, slowly hover the smartphone directly on top of the symbol.
Can I read a tag without the Twiceme® app?
Yes, profiles uploaded using the Twiceme® app version 5.0 or later can be accessed without the app by utilizing the background scan feature on an NFC-enabled smartphone.
Do I need internet connection to read information uploaded on the Twiceme® tag?
For iPhones with the app: No
For iPhones without the app: Yes
For Androids with the app: No
For Androids without the app: Yes
What is NFC?
NFC stands for Near Field Communication and is a technology that enables to read and write NFC chips.
Does the Twiceme tag have a battery?
No, the device does not contain any batteries so no charging is needed.
Will the Twiceme tag work even when it is cold?
Yes, the tags will work down to -25°C / -13ºF and up to +55°C / +131ºF.
Is it free to use the Twiceme app?
Yes, the app is totally free to use at all times and in any situation.
Do I need to register or sign up in any way to use the app and service?
No, the app is free and open to use everyone at all times.
Who provides the app?
The Twiceme® NFC-tag, the technology and the app is provided by Twiceme Technology AB, www.twiceme.com.
Learning is a constant process. We are eager to learn without being aware of it. As kids, we figure out how to walk, the opening times for the supermarket, and approximately when the sun sets. We learn from those wiser than us. We make mistakes, learn from them, and grow.
]]>Learning is a constant process. We are eager to learn without being aware of it. As kids, we figure out how to walk, the opening times for the supermarket, and approximately when the sun sets. We learn from those wiser than us. We make mistakes, learn from them, and grow.
We can also learn through determination, led by the relentless pursuit of our dreams.
Stora Syltraversen–– translated to 'the great jagged traverse'–– is one of Sweden's most iconic ridge climbs. The valley is full of brutal history, dating back to 1719 when three thousand Swedish soldiers froze to death on the march back from Norway. It's also infamous for quick weather changes. So as early as the 1890s, the Swedish tourist organization built a small cottage in the valley to protect travelers from the weather.
For many years, the grand traverse has been a vivid but distant dream for me and my good friend Ida Sivander. We are always eager to learn more and keep exploring our boundaries. We want to understand more about the mountains, learn more about climbing, and ski as much as possible.
Finally, we had a conversation in the fall of 2021 where we both felt our dream might soon be achievable. So we agreed to set a goal to climb Stora Syltraversen by spring 2022.
With a whole winter of practice ahead, we hoped to fill the gaps in our knowledge. But the question was, were the gaps we needed to fill our practical knowledge or our belief in ourselves and what we could do?
What we set out to achieve in the spring of 2022 was nothing exceptional. Groups travel over this ridge every year. But we would be two women doing it alone.
On the 23rd of April, the last weather window before the nature park closed for reindeer migration, we began a 16-kilometer-long approach to reach the foot of the majestic mountain range with its characteristic pinnacles and the 1762-meter black wall of Storsylen.
Written by: Kajsa Larsson Photos by: William Larsson
In skiing, conditions are constantly changing. Temperatures rise and fall, snow melts and refreezes, the wind blows, and the light fades. So there's no better place to be tested by extreme conditions than Riksgränsen, a mountainous wilderness in the heart of the Swedish Arctic. It's where dark winter days contrast with bright summer nights, and the snow lasts from September through June.
For years, Kristofer Turdell has made Riksgränsen his training grounds, using the unpredictable weather and rugged terrain to prepare his body and mind for the demands of big mountain skiing. Last May, he was joined by Craig Murray for their final adventure of the winter. But true to its reputation for erratic weather, a storm rolled in and made their planned ski tour impossible.
Always preparing for the unexpected, Kristofer and Craig changed plans. They studied radar maps and forecasts and found a new area nearby in Norway protected from the heaviest weather. Despite the setback, they pulled off an epic Arctic adventure in the midnight light, starting their ascent in the afternoon and returning to the lodge in the early morning.
The journey to Riksgränsen was a testament to the importance of preparation and adaptability. There is an undeniable truth in skiing that even the best plans are no match for the elements. Being ready for anything is the only plan you can count on.
Photos by: Martin Wichardt
It’s easy to want to think differently, to want to see the world in a different way, going beyond the normal way of doing things.
Different to be different maybe.
But it’s altogether another thing to be a naturally creative force, establishing a way of thinking and doing that is not necessarily taught, instead it’s a projection of natural character, upbringing and experience.
With an international upbringing swathed over a diverse background in motor racing, mountain culture and a cosmopolitan urban life, Mai Ikuzawa is that force, exuding a vision that naturally emanates from her heritage and DNA.
Photo: Gustav Wiking | Photo: Gustav Wiking |
The daughter of Japanese motorsport hero Tetsu Ikuzawa, Mai grew up around the paddocks and racetracks of Japan and Europe, spending more time with mechanics and carburetors in her young years than most adults will ever in a lifetime. Alongside the oil and grease, her grandfather, a well-known Japanese artist and painter, introduced an artistic perspective that left a permanent mark in her genes.
It is this mix of heritage and insight that has given her that unique ability to comfortably straddle worlds that would normally collide.
Unbeknown to her at the time, following her father to races planted a seed that would later blossom as a fully-fledged car devotee, “I was always around racing cars and garages, and thought nothing more of it. But then something clicked, and I realized that the world of the car was in my head. From my late teens my circle of friends were all forged around cars and driving.”
Photo: Tom Shaxson & ClassicDriver.com |
©Ikuzawa | ©Ikuzawa |
Her father, a very talented racer whose driving spoke for itself, was also admired - admittedly with a curiously raised eyebrow - for introducing a new style and fashion to the rather conservative pit lane. But what stood him even further apart was that he was a Japanese driver in Europe. It was unexpected, bucking the trend and conventional thought of the time.
It was also the catalyst that took Mai from her native Japan to Britain, being enrolled in Harry Potter-esque boarding schools from the age of nine, “The language was clearly a barrier for me to begin with, but it may have also helped me stand back, observe and interpret things in a way that later fed my interest in creativity.”
The mid 1990’s in London were an incredibly dynamic time, and right in the centre was St Martin’s Art college, which took a radical approach to art and design, and became the natural stepping stone for Mai and her aspirations to work in the creative industry, ‘’I dreamt of working in advertising and being part of the creative industry, and at first it was exactly what I thought. But it quickly dawned on me that I had almost no control of my ideas, which is why I decided to join a small East End creative company which introduced me to a new way of working.”
Photo: Gustav Wiking |
It was the motivation to go her own way and she soon started her first creative agency, from her bedroom. Starting out on her own, with no restrictions, meant her creative flair and relentless desire to fight stereotypes would start to make a lasting impact, especially on the car industry, where she brings a new energy.
“I soon became an expert in the industry, one who could bridge across the automotive sector, action sports, and luxury brands to create new segments and opportunities for my clients. The industry is still dominated by men, and I continue to challenge it to position woman equally in automotive and active street culture. As such I have earnt myself a bit of status not only as a Creative Director but have become a sought-after speaker and a member of leading selection committees in the industry. In addition, in the 2000’s I was part of a significant fashion media revolution, like the infamous Honeyee.com alongside global movers and shakers such as Hiroshi Fujiwara, Pharrell Williams, Nigo, Yoon Ahn of Ambush and KAWS, and continuing to write and contribute for various car magazines like Intersection.”
Photo: Gustav Wiking | Photo: Frederike Helwig & BorromeodeSilva |
Mai’s own choice of cars is a perfect illustration, no more so than her fully tuned-up bright pink Toyota Celica that belonged more to the streets of Fast and Furious, than a weekend in the British countryside, and the rally-spec’d Subaru Impreza WRX sti chosen for Chamonix. Adopting and enjoying the British sense of humor has been an essential ingredient, as Mai explains, “I often get boxed in with this delicate Japanese aesthetic, but with the mouth of a truck driver. Which makes me laugh and I am happy to defy convention.”
It’s a convention that the name Ikuzawa is constantly challenging, bridging the gap between ideas and worlds. And along with managing her flourishing international creative agency, relaunching her father's 1980s brand, Team Ikuzawa, Mai is a keen skier and spends time most of her time with her family in Chamonix.
©Ikuzawa |
©Ikuzawa | Photo: Gustav Wiking |
It’s another step which has defied the norm, evident from the response from her ‘urbane’ connections and the subsequent raised eyebrows. “In a way I ‘had’ to do it, as I wanted to be with my family as this is where we would prosper best. But there is no hardship involved in living outside the urban sphere. Quite simply, to be in and near nature is the ultimate luxury.”
It’s a truth that may conflict directly with a life of cars and motorsport.
But that’s down to perspective, and convention.
Take the Ikuzawa way!
Throughout Hedvig Wessel's life, the mountains have always been her guide. They are her internal compass, directing her path in skiing and beyond. Hedvig’s love for the mountains shaped her into a six-time Norwegian mogul champion and sent her on her way to become a dominant force in big mountain skiing.
So naturally, Hedvig had majestic Norwegian mountains in her mind when she sat down to paint the mood board for her first signature helmet and goggle collection. A week later, she embarked on her first climb up Stetind, the national mountain of Norway. Rising 1,400 meters out of the earth like an enormous shark tooth, Stetind is a towering image of power and drama. It cuts a striking profile that for centuries has been used as a landmark, navigating sailors home.
Photo: Sophie Odelberg |
After that climb, Stetind became the guide for Hedvig's collection. It inspired rugged grey textures, vivid color blocking, delicate contour lines, and goggle lenses that shine the same blue as a sunny Norwegian sky.
As Hedvig sees it, “Stetind symbolizes life in such a beautiful way; strong, proud, humble, dramatic, and magnificent."
Ten months later––after many rounds of samples, feedback, and more samples––Hedvig embarked on another mission up Stetind, this time in her finished collection. It was a grueling 14-hour day on the mountain, but summiting Stetind in her signature helmet and goggles was a big achievement.
Photo: Oscar Barkenbom | Photo: Oscar Barkenbom |
Of that moment, Hedvig says, "I felt proud to be on the top wearing my helmet and goggle––I felt connected to the mountain in a different way. The climb and the collection have challenged me in new ways, and I hope to inspire others to push their limits and seek their fullest potential."
Perhaps more than any other, this signature collection is a reflection of its creator. It expresses Hedvig's homeland, her motivation, her style, and the direction she seeks in the mountains. Coupled with the standard safety and performance of the Obex BC Mips and Orb Clarity, it is a combination that inspires adventure.
Photo: Sophie Odelberg |
Photo: Sophie Odelberg |
This winter, Hedvig will take her helmet and goggles with her on a new journey. After earning the Freeride World Tour runner-up title three years in a row, she is stepping away from the tour and throwing herself wholeheartedly into a film project. If her approach to her signature collection––and her approach to life––says anything about how this will go, we are in for a treat. It seems that when Hedvig follows her inner compass, it leads to great heights.
The human engine is worth celebrating. In this series, we speak to commuters around the world to discover why they choose to commute by bike, and what it means to use the human engine.
Having graduated with a master’s degree from the Stockholm School of Economics, it would be easy to conclude that Stina Lönnkvist’s natural path would be in the business world, adding to Stockholm’s reputation as one of the world’s leading centers for start-ups and innovation.
And so it has turned out.
But the path has been influenced by a different map and a journey that has taken Stina via consulting, yogi, podcaster, as well as a social media entrepreneur and sage.
A myriad of successful enterprises have provided a wealth of experience that has provided the foundation for her latest venture; leading a brand-new skin care company focused on CBD.
Growing up in the south of Stockholm, Stina has long been an advocate of the great outdoors. Days on skis, on the water, or in the natural landscapes of Gotland, are all revered in Sweden, giving a deep and long-lasting connection to natural landscapes, and a greater understanding of our place in it all.
For Stina it is much the same in the city, especially with the use of a bike, which brings everything up close and personal. It’s a world most city dwellers travel through—or under—from A to B, then B to C, not being able to take in the sounds, smells, sights and inspiration that litter every path, all of which is elegantly swept up by bike riders as they glide by.
“I spend a lot of time in Stockholm, and even if it’s not like New York, or London, in scale or sound, it still exudes so much inspiration and I have always found that the best way to tap into it is by riding through it on a bike. It also provides a seamless mode of transport and it gives me the chance to see more, as well as choose how active I want to be.”
As a serial entrepreneur Stina is always on the go, but with a yogi’s training, she is able to draw on her ability to reflect on how best to find life’s tricky balancing act, with stress, lack of sleep, or a seemingly infinite to-do, and want-to-do, list.
“The idea for our skincare business came from looking at nature and seeing how it could help us, finding a more natural balance. It’s similar to biking in the city; it’s about balance, reconnecting and finding the best tool for the job; and sometimes being willing to think and do things differently.”
Stina would not necessarily classify herself as a cyclist in the purist sense and does not spend time pondering the merits of disc brakes or tyre compound. But she firmly believes that the bicycle can be more than just transport.
“The more people that ride a bike the better. It’s a quiet and democratic tool that gives everyone the ability to get around, and we need to encourage more riders and lower the threshold for those wishing to start or return to riding.”
By her own admission she considers her trusty ‘Shopping Deluxe’ city bike, with many signs of wear and tear, as well as a beaten-up shopping basket, as ‘Stockholm’s ugliest bike’. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it plays its role as the perfect tool for her needs, especially when riding through the darkest, wettest, coldest days of winter.
“The pleasure in riding a bike is the ability to think or reflect on the day to come or what has been, to take those moments – no matter how small – to let the mind relax and wonder, and when you live in Stockholm it’s easy to be amazed at the beauty all around the city.”
The bike is a tool.
It is a mode of transport.
It is also part of Stina’s natural path.
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Recently we woke up to the tragic news trickling out of North America; our friend, partner, teammate and inspiration Sule Kangangi died whilst competing in the Vermont Overland gravel race.
And if we are honest it still does not feel real.
After all, we can acknowledge that there are risks associated with bike racing, but none of us seriously contemplates that it could result in the loss of life.
However deep and resonate our shock and grief at the passing of Sule has been, it pales in comparison to that which is currently being endured by Sule’s family.
Photo: Finley Newmark |
Photo: Finley Newmark |
What happened is simply not fair.
But if we have learned one thing from Sule whilst supporting each other over the years, it is that fairness is short-lived; it’s an ideal that must be fought for and defended every single day.
After all, if things were fair, Team Amani would not have been necessary in the first place. Driven by Sule, and project partner Mikel Delagrange, it came to be precisely because access to the sport of cycling in not fair, or level.
Photo: Finley Newmark |
Photo: Finley Newmark | Photo: Finley Newmark |
Sule inspired everyone by his ability, his vision for change and his willingness to challenge the way the world works (and does not work).
And if we were able to ask Sule for some words and seek his guidance, we are sure he would say our job was nowhere near complete and that what we have achieved only underscores the need to further press on.
The door has only slightly opened for our current crop of athletes, we need to kick it down so that the next generation are given an equal opportunity to showcase their ability on the world stage.
Photo: Alex Dufill |
So as hard as it may be, we should never consider stopping.
No.
Sule would impress upon us the importance of continuing, by giving everyone the opportunity, not charity, to succeed. To make Team Amani a team of riders to be feared by other international racers, to give riders in East Africa the chance to earn a living from cycling and inspire new generations of Sules, Johns and Nancys to take up the sport. To give his family the pride in his continuing achievement.
And to have fun.
Photo: Finley Newmark | Photo: Finley Newmark |
Sule would smile and laugh a lot on the bike and we are pretty sure he would want us all to do the same.
So we will.
When we win, when we lose, when we cry, when we laugh, it will be with Sule in our minds as we continue down the path he blazed for us.
POC and Team AMANI
Dreams. We all have them. Ideas and inspirations forged in the heart that may end up placing us in a particular place or on a specific path.
]]>We all have them.
Ideas and inspirations forged in the heart that may end up placing us in a particular place or on a specific path.
But following your dream is not easy.
It requires conviction, courage, tenacity, focus and a lot of resourcefulness. Qualities that define Marquis Bowden, who decided to pursue his dream of running a marathon in the US Olympic qualifying time of 2 hours and 19 minutes.
A decision that meant he ultimately had to leave the only home he knew in sunny LA, along with his grandmother’s warm family embrace, for the heights and frozen temperatures of Colorado.
That was two years ago and the basketball prospect from Compton who started running seriously in 2011, has gone from strength to strength.
”LA was always home, and I had never thought about moving away. But running and cycling is the thing in Boulder and moving away was clearly the catalyst to my running career. Not knowing anyone there was the hardest thing. Home is where the heart is, but it also holds you back. It was really scary, but it all fell in to place and now it makes complete sense, but it’s a process that takes time.”
Marquis’ ability to endure may be the foundation of his athletic skills, but his motivation and work ethic has been shaped by many people along the way. Basketball was all-consuming in his early years and even as his coaches mentored him, they could see something extra. The beneficiaries were the 3rd to 7th grade kids who he was asked to coach at an LA community center.
Despite a full-time job and a greater focus on elite level running, which meant running before work and training the team after, he would regularly take his team all around the States on weekends giving them the opportunity to compete in basketball tournaments.
“I had some great coaches and mentors in my life. People can be your North Star, they can give you direction. I just want to be a positive person. And I honestly feel the kids helped me more than I helped them.”
Speak to Marquis for any length of time and you will quickly realize that the guidance of one star shines significantly brighter than others. His mother and father were absent for his upbringing, which meant he was brought up and mentored by his Grandma, or as he calls her, ‘G’. And leaving LA and ‘G’ was the hardest part of moving, but it also turned into blessing.
“My Grandma is my Everything! With a capital e and an exclamation mark. She taught me how to be good to people, to figure things out and work hard. And without words she taught me love. Our relationship has developed in a way which is amazing. We have a new sense of peace and freshness which came from my move. Not being there everyday has made it more meaningful and complete. And it’s the reason I get up and do the things I do.”
And getting up - very early - is a thing he does a lot.
He may have embedded himself into the running and cycling communities in Boulder and put himself on a path to achieve his dream. But being a semi-pro athlete means a great deal more sacrifice than the average professional or amateur.
Waking each morning at 5am to run his required distances, before heading in to work with bike wheel brand, Hunt, and then dealing with planning, nutrition, recovery, or more training is hard. Especially when it’s day in day out, no matter the weather.
“I want to get to the Olympic trials, and this is what it takes to get there. There are days when the grind is heavy, but then you have to catch yourself and change the way you think. I am living my dream it’s not supposed to be convenient. Life is hard sometimes, but I need to focus on being the best version of myself in the good days as well as the bad. Just do a little bit of something each day and soon you will build something big.”
Marquis is twenty minutes away from the time that would enable him to achieve his Olympic dream and run in the Olympic trials.
And those twenty minutes are the hardest twenty minutes.
But following your dreams isn’t going to be easy.
Or convenient.
As he would say; “You’ve just gotta get it done”
And he will.
Photos by: Matt Trappe
]]>It’s a landscape that would have never dreamed of being the backdrop for a competitive bike race, but it started more than a race. It starting to level the playing field.
Photo: Finley Newmark |
Photo: Finley Newmark |
The fact that it may seem new, or beyond the conventional way of racing, points to an issue that underscores the whole purpose of the Migration Gravel race; to bring the best the world has to Africa as the racing is second to none, rather than compelling the best of Africa to race everywhere but home.
The Migration Gravel race is spectacular. It weaves through some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet, with some of the world’s most important fauna just meters away, watching on, supplying an unsuspecting crowd.
That alone is impressive, but the race impresses in many ways.
Photo: Saltlake Lian |
Photo: Saltlake Lian |
The race highlights the unbalanced approach to bike racing around the globe. It shines a glaring light on the limited opportunities talented African riders have to compete against the best in the world.
Whether it’s down to funding, clubs, racing pathways, visa requirements, transport, or simply time, it is often much more complicated for African riders just to get to the start line in continents beyond their own.
And it’s with this in mind that every cycling fan must ask the question ‘How can the sport we love be truly level if many of the best riders are not in the race?’ Or ‘How can we claim it is a global competition if not all countries and riders are able to take part?’
Photo: Saltlake Lian |
Rather than sit back and wait for equality to catch up, a team of East African riders teamed up under the umbrella of Team Amani have begun creating their own international races.
The first Migration Gravel, in 2021, race was a resounding success that not only challenged the best riders but ushered in a new idea of racing in Africa.
The riders of Team Amani will be the first to say that they do not want sympathy or charity; what they want is opportunity.
The opportunity to race,
The opportunity to race against the best,
The opportunity to race on the same terms,
The opportunity to compete on a level playing field.
Photo: Finley Newmark |
Photo: Saltlake Lian |
Photo: Saltlake Lian |
It is an idea that is firmly planted in 2022 as the Migration Gravel race, accompanied by the new Evolution Gravel race, have been every bit as gruelling and spectacular.
Who wins these multi-day races is decided by nothing but the skills, strength and determination and they rightly receive the plaudits they deserve.
Photo: Finley Newmark |
Photo: Finley Newmark |
Photo: Finley Newmark |
But what matters most is not the winning; it is that the races supply the platform for a truly global competition, where all the world’s elite are pitted against each other.
It is then, and only then, that we will have a truly global sport where the best riders from all over the world can challenge each other.
Team Amani.
Levelling the playing field.
One race at a time.
Photo: Saltlake Lian |
Photo: Saltlake Lian |
Photo: Saltlake Lian |
Photos by: Finley Newmark & Saltlake Lian
]]>The human engine is worth celebrating. In this series, we speak to commuters around the world to discover why they choose to commute by bike, and what it means to use the human engine.
For most commuters it starts with a job, then comes the commute. For Oliver Hooson it was the opposite – his career was built around him commuting.
Oliver Hooson is a London based photographer, influencer, coffee connoisseur and the person behind the running club ‘Your friendly runners’. He is also a cyclist, a bike lover of the most devoted kind, and a 100 percent committed all-weathers, all distances, always riding type of commuter.
”My favourite commute takes me through the central, financial district. It’s incredible. You are swallowed by all these incredible skyscrapers, the channels of wind can be the best or the worst thing, the narrow bike lanes. It feels like you are in a film. The big houses, the expensive air of the place, you go on lunch, into a cafe and the juxtaposition with all the suited people around you… That’s my muse, the high rise financial area of London. That’s where I take a lot of inspiration for my photography.”
Oliver has a long-time love relationship, almost an obsession, with cafes and coffee. The space a cafe is, a place created by humans for other humans, that creates community, safety and serenity, is something meaningful to him. Sometimes it is easier to get to know a place with certain parameters set, and when first moving to London seven years ago, cafes became the starting point for Oliver's exploration of the city. He started biking around the city to different coffee places.
”Every morning I was free I would get up before everybody got to work and go ride. I must have done hundreds and hundreds of rides to specialty coffee shops. I managed to map the city so well. I didn’t know it at the time, but that also shaped my career. I couldn’t have done it without the bike.”
He started building a network and getting to know people in the biking community and in the coffee industry. In his case, the commute came before the job. With his sense for style and aesthetics, devotion to the art of photography and coffee, as well as his deep love for biking and bicycles he soon made a name for himself first in London, later internationally. Today he is a well-hired photographer working with fashion, interior and sports.
The first bike he was proud to own was a fixed gear bought from an Italian bike messenger (“I loved that bike. If I would have been able to fit it in my bedroom I would have slept with it by my side”). By now he has owned a number of different bikes. Currently his bread and butter bike, his daily ride, is a beige steel Temple gravel bike that he has spent hours and hours on adjusting to fit his needs. He used to work for a coffee company as an in-house photographer but for some time he is a full-time freelancer always biking to his different assignments. He moves around the city at dazzling speeds with his camera and lenses mounted on the front in a bump-safe Peli case and, if needed, tripod and light stand on the back.
”To bike through the city… It's the most fantastic thing. That amazing feeling of passing by buses, cars, people. You are in the rat race but you are the fastest person. I love that feeling.”
Oliver's love story with biking goes back to BMXing way back when being a young kid in North Wales, making trails, digging up tracks and riding in the woods, cruising the town with his friends. As he got older he got inspired by the fixed-gear scene. And the move to London in 2015 introduced him to the big city, heavy traffic, commuter style of biking. Now biking is a lifestyle to him, a part of his everyday. A cheat code making his commutes instead of being a time to rub elbows with stressed strangers in a packed, sweaty underground train. A time for himself moving through the elements, through the city. It gives him as he says a sense of freedom, a sense of life.
”I tend to have the best conversations when cycling. Being on the open road, the hand-eye coordination, the focus of the body, the concentration without thinking, it’s very freeing. It allows you to really be in a creative thought and process.”
Photos: Oscar Tan