The professional cycling team Garmin-Sharp will be wearing the distinctive helmets and sunglasses of the Swedish company POC for three years, according to the companies who announced the deal today.
POC made its first push into cycling with mountain-bike helmets. Last year Garmin-Sharp rider Ryder Hesjedal began wearing POC sunglasses in road racing.
“We are now entering the road bike scene and we need to go all in and support our mission of doing everything we can to possibly save lives and reduce the consequences of accidents, and at the same time assist with performance through advances in technology," POC CEO and founder Stefan Ytterborn said in a press release. "With Team Garmin-Sharp’s spirit, values and attitude, we have found a perfect partner. Together we will come up with even better, safer and faster products for the team and in their quest to win, but also benefit road cyclists around the world who will be able to use the same products and innovations for training and racing.”
POC also makes ski helmets, and body armor for mountain biking.
Team Garmin-Sharp will be using POC's Octal, Octal Aero and Tempor time trial helmets, along with DID and DO Blade sunglasses.
“We pride ourselves in working with best-in-class partners to develop equipment that helps our riders perform at their best. POC is another great example of a superior partnership and we are thrilled to add them to the Slipstream family,” Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports and Team Garmin-Sharp, said in a press release.
Garmin-Sharp will begin racing the new gear at the Australian National Championships in January.
