The company’s global consumer, sports and leisure market leader, Eve Luo, said: “Even the slightest advantage matters in an athletic competition, so competitors constantly look for gear that will make a difference. Many have found that silicone can enhance the functionality of practically every piece of modern, high-performance athletic gear.”

Silicone related products are available for each stage of the race. For swimming, goggles with a silicone seal are leak-free, hypoallergenic, protect competitors’ eyes from chlorine and water pollution, and are easier to clean. Silicone swimming caps are non-allergenic and offer increased durability and comfortable fit. Earplugs and nose clips made from silicone are inexpensive and prevent water from entering the ear or nose.

For the cycling event, advanced composite materials help reduce bike frame weight while increasing strength and impact-resistance. New helmet designs, racing suits and specialised wheel spokes reduce drag from air friction, facilitating increased speed and helping to conserve competitors’ strength. New sport hydration packs with a one-piece silicone valve allow bikers to drink from water containers on their backs without sacrificing speed.

Silicone adhesives are often used to bond the rubber sole to the leather upper of athletic shoes and silicone surfactants are also used to make polyurethane foam, a common material for shoe soles. Durable, non-toxic and washable silicone shoe inserts can help reduce impact on the shin and calve muscles when running on hard surfaces.

Silicone-based sunscreen formulations are also available, and the silicone element helps boost sun protection factor to provide greater protection as well as helping sunscreen to stay on, even in water. 

The multi-disciplinary sport attracted 150,000 people in the UK in 2006 and its popularity continues to grow. Dow Corning’s silicone sales have also grown, from $1.06 billion in the second quarter of 2006 to $1.23 billion in the second quarter of 2007.

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