Versarien and Team Sky have agreed to collaborate to explore the benefits of adding graphene to high performance cycling equipment used by Team Sky. These products may include cycle frames, wheels and tyres, together with rider helmets and further rider apparel.
Versarien’s proprietary Nanene few layer graphene nano-platelets and graphene inks will be evaluated in the design and development of new and future products to ascertain any performance benefits that can be gained from improvements in material strength and impact absoprtion, material weight, and thermal radiation properties through the addition of graphene.
Carsten Jeppesen, Head of Technical Operations, Team Sky, commented: “This collaboration with Versarien provides us with a unique opportunity to explore the application of new and emerging materials in high performance cycling. Alongside our current performance partners we are developing a diverse network of innovation expertise in Britain and across Europe to support our riders’ ambitions.”
Neill Ricketts, CEO of Versarien, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Team Sky, the most successful Tour de France team in recent times, to bring the benefits of graphene enhanced materials to professional cycling. Professional cycling has always been at the forefront of technical innovation and the rapid adoption of new materials when they can provide a performance advantage. The success of Team Sky has been developed on the ‘marginal gain’ philosophy of seeking performance advantage in all elements that contribute to winning races. Team Sky recognize the potential for graphene enhanced materials to aid performance and this wide ranging collaboration will therefore look across both the cycle components and rider apparel to identify areas where additional performance can be gained through the use of graphene. Elite sport is the ideal showcase for our graphene technology as we continue to develop relationships with global organizations to bring graphene enhanced products to market.”
This is not the first ti,e that the sports equipment market attracts R&D of graphene-enhanced products. Some examples are Catlike's graphene-enhance helmets, Vittoria's range of graphene-enhanced bicycle wheels, HEAD's selection of tennis rackets and more.