Progressive Sports Technologies help Speedo develop the LZR Racer triathlon suit
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/publicity/news-releases/2009/146_SPEEDO.html
Progressive Sports Technologies, a Loughborough University spinout company, has helped Speedo to develop a world-class triathlon suit. Inspired by the record breaking LZR Racer swim suit worn by athletes including Michael Phelps and Rebecca Adlington to take 94% of the swimming gold medals in Beijing, the new triathlon suit is designed to be the lightest, fastest and most comfortable suit on the market.
Progressive tested a selection of elite triathletes running and cycling in the LZR racer Tri-Pro suit in a controlled climate chamber. With a constant temperature of 32°C and 70% humidity, the suit’s quick dry, moisture wicking properties were pushed to the limit. Infrared skin temperature measurements were captured, along with the athlete’s perception of comfort, fit and function.
For Speedo, the Nottingham based brand world renowned for technical swimwear, the alliance with Progressive is ideal, as Dr Tom Waller Head of Aqualab, Speedo’s R&D arm, explains: “Our performance wear is underpinned by extensive research with world-leading experts. Progressive has tested our LZR racer Tri-Pro suit to the extreme to ensure it performs exceptionally across all phases of the triathlon.”
Based at Loughborough University’s Sports Technology Institute, Progressive works with many of the world’s leading sports brands on cutting edge research. Current projects include the commercialisation of a garment that boosts athletic performance by training breathing muscles, which was successfully trialed by members of the GB Triathlon team also headquartered at the University. Progressive has also developed a range of licensed fitness equipment, including an abdominal muscle training device (Ab-pump) which has recently been commercialised.
Ross Weir, Managing Director of Progressive, commented: “As a company originating from within Loughborough University, Progressive benefits from excellent relationships with sports scientists and engineers and the array of elite athletes based here. Our work with Speedo has enabled our expertise, coupled with access to Loughborough University’s facilities, to help Speedo launch a groundbreaking product.”
This entry was posted on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 3:08 pm and is filed under Swimming. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
