Setting out for a ride in recent weeks, it's hard to know whether to take your sunglasses or a scuba mask. Nothing new there, you might say; there's a reason talking about the weather is our national pastime. But with the recent May bank holiday hailed as the hottest on record, it's fair to say that Pelotan - a new sun protection brand for cyclists - have timed their sprint for a summer launch to perfection.
Pelotan's flagship product is a spray-on sunblock that's been designed specifically for cyclists as 'once a day' protection from harmful rays. "Ride longer, tan sharper" is one of the brand's straplines, the idea being that cyclists can squirt on a dash before setting out to conquer the Etape du Tour etc, while "perfecting those ultra-sharp tan lines from sunrise to sunset."
It's true that razor-sharp tan lines can elicit a nod of mutual respect from other roadies (rule #7...), but the flipside is the post-ride hunt for aloe vera or an ice bath to soothe painful sunburn. There's nothing cool about that, and so as Europe's summer season hits full swing, skin protection becomes an important consideration for cyclists.
Pelotan's solution is an alcohol-based spray which, they say, is clear, quickly absorbed, lightweight and breathable. It's been laboratory tested as lasting up to 8 hours at SPF 30, meaning you can focus on a full day in the saddle without risking skin damage.
The brand concept was born on the roads of Europe as founders struggled to avoid sunburn on long, sunny rides. Tom Austen, Director at Pelotan says: "riding in the sun is one of the greatest joys of cycling, but also presents challenges if you're unprepared. We set out to create sun protection specifically for cyclists because legs should only burn on the inside, not the outside!
"We are launching across Europe in Summer 2018 and believe riders of all abilities can perform better if they avoid sunburn - from the pro peloton to the casual club rider. Pelotan is designed to give cyclists maximum comfort whilst riding and help craft those all-important tan lines."
Pelotan has already signed up with the UK's #1 ranked domestic team Ribble Pro Cycling for the 2018 season, but sun protection isn't just for pro cyclists and they'll be working to put their product in front of dedicated amateur cyclists as well.
The brand's website, www.pelotan.cc launches today, together with an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to help fund new product development and to launch internationally, after the UK summer has vanished into the realms of the distant past.
If you'd like a piece of that sweet tanline action, Pelotan are offering backers various rewards packages such as limited edition jerseys designed in collaboration with Isadore, bidons, and exclusive experiences with Ribble Pro Cycling - including a day in the team car at a UK race, and the chance to apply the team's pre-race suncream. (We might have made that last bit up.)
Pelotan have also teamed up with UK Cycling Events to provide sun protection for riders at a number of sportives this summer. To meet the guys and try the product, be sure to book on to the Yorkshire Tour on 12 August or the New Forest 100 in September.
For more info, check out the new site at www.pelotan.cc.
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