March 20, 2007 (Encinitas, CA) – Elite sports performance clothing manufacturer 2XU is delighted to announce partnerships with four of the USA’s top domestic cycle racing teams for use of their compression garments.
Team Health Net Pro Cycling Team powered by Maxxis, Slipstream Pro Cycling Team powered by Chipotle, Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team and Team Successful Living Presented by Parkpre USA all committed to 2XU’s compression products to aid in post race and training recovery, in addition to use of the same garments while traveling between races; particularly during long haul travel where inactive muscles can fatigue due to decreased blood flow to the extremities.
Richard Verney of Sports Multiplied, LLC, the USA distributor of 2XU stated “There are arguably few sports out there as physically demanding as an average day spent in the saddle by these teams, so it’s imperative that their riders are given every available tool to support them on and off the bike. 2XU compression garments have been engineered and proven to improve circulation, reduce lactic acid build-up, and hold muscles in the correct anatomical position; all of which are incredibly important to the success of professional athletes in terms of maximizing recovery and minimizing muscle damage.”
“As the number one team in North America, we opt to use only the best products available. 2XU was a natural choice since their compression products are the key to quick recovery and travel comfort. We expect top performance from our athletes so it’s only natural we align ourselves with the best recovery and compression product,” said Thierry Attias, President of Team Health Net. “We first discovered 2XU products through Karl Menzies, who had purchased several pairs and was so impressed that he brought them to our attention. Upon further review we agreed they did everything they were supposed to do, and more.”
Mike Friedman, a member of the pro continental Slipstream Pro Cycling Team; has more reason than most to address the benefits of compression clothing following the discovery of a blood clot after surgery towards the end of last season. “Compression clothing is the best thing any recovering athlete could have, and I think there’s a strong possibility that, had I had the 2XU gear after my surgery; I may not have developed the clot. Now they are just great to have regardless – for traveling in or just hanging out after training. They are so lightweight that it’s easy to forget you’re actually wearing them. You just throw them on under your regular clothes and you’re good to go.”
2XU will continue their sponsorship of USA professional cycling teams through the 2007/8 season and will use feedback from athletes to continually monitor and improve the performance of their compression garments. Other sponsored athletes on the 2XU roster are Michellie Jones, 2006 Ford Ironman World Champion; Nicole Cooke, the UCI number one ranked female road cyclist, 2006 Le Tour Feminin winner and her Raleigh Lifeforce Creation Professional Cycling Team; and Sarah Hammer, 2006 UCI World Track Champion. 2XU is also the official supplier to the Australian Institute of Sport Triathlon program, where exacting standards require the best for Australian athletes.
