Our riders will sport the iconic eyewear in the dozens of races they will participate in across five different continents.
Eyewear and cycling is a natural, given that its athletes that spend so much time outdoors and want to protect themselves from both good and bad weather is natural. Most observers however will not have put much thought into how glasses and sunglasses can help to improve a cyclist’s performance.
2020 sees the start of a new partnership between Deceuninck – Quick-Step and globally renowned sports performance brand Oakley, bringing together two leaders from their respective fields, both of whom are synonymous with being innovative, in their strive to be the very best.
This will see Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s riders sport Oakley’s iconic eyewear during some of the toughest conditions any athlete will ever face. Oakley is known for its High Definition Optics®, which features unparalleled optical clarity and precision along with impact resistance, which can prove crucial when moving through a congested and hectic peloton during the Tour de France, or fighting for position ahead of one of Paris-Roubaix’s brutal pavé sectors.
In addition, Oakley’s PRIZM™ Lens Technology is a revolution in lens optics built on decades of colour science research. Prizm™ lenses provide unprecedented control of light transmission resulting in colours precisely tuned to maximize contrast and enhance visibility, making it easier for our riders to spot hazards such as potholes or debris in the road, or choosing the perfect line during a fast run-in to the finish.
Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s excitement to be working with Oakley was backed up by Luxembourg Champion and Monument winner Bob Jungels: “As a team and as individuals, we are always looking at the details that can help up become better. I think most people would look at sunglasses and eyewear as fashion accessories and something to add to the look, but I have been really impressed by Oakley’s PRIZM lenses. As well as the glasses looking stylish, from a sports performance standpoint, they give an amazingly clear vision of the road in front of you. I have already started to notice little details earlier than I used to, which helps with decision making and makes riding a little less stressful.”
It is hoped that the partnership between the two parties, which has initially been agreed for two years, can see both sides continue to push the evolution of sports and cycling technology.
Photo credit: ©Sigfrid Eggers