Swedish brand kits out Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project
Craft Performance Apparel has been confirmed as the clothing provider for the Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project. The Swedish company will work with the new pro-team in 2011 and beyond to supply both racing kit and casual apparel, using technology from its skiing and speed skating apparel to further develop its cycling clothing.
The Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project is a newly formed of team of road racing cyclists led by brothers Andy and Frank Schleck, with Brian Nygaard and Kim Andersen as team managers.
According to a team press release, Craft has a history of creating “the most innovative performance clothing in multiple areas of Nordic sports,” and will now work with the team “to develop the most advance cycling clothing in the industry.”
“We couldn't be happier to have joined forces with Craft since they continually show the same passion and ambition we have for the sport,” said team manager Brian Nygaard. “We see this as a key component in the successful development of our project.”
Craft brand manager Erik Abrahamsson was equally pleased. “Everyone from the CEO to the designers to the seamstresses is extremely excited about the partnership. Our brand has based its core endeavours to develop products in conjunction with world class athletes; there is no question in our mind that we are joining the top team in cycling.”
The company will look to adapt its ski and speed-skating skin suits to cycling. “Our ski developments have worked well,” said Mr Abrahamsson. “But now that we have invested a lot of time, money and people, we are ready to tackle the cycling industry full throttle.”
The team kit will be tailored to each individual rider. “Everything will be customised to the needs and preferences of each rider, and their eventual feedback will play a huge role in our future product development,” explained Craft product manager Mattias Carlsson. “It’s a big task to have each rider with his own tailored kit, but at the end of the day, what we want is for every rider to be comfortable in his apparel, which will enhance everyone's performances and focus any feedback we will receive from them.”
