Julbo becomes a partner of the Groupama-FDJ cycling team.

This three-year partnership highlights our commitment to providing the best glasses and helmets for cyclists of all levels, by developing the best in terms of performance!

A MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIP

This partnership with the professional cycling team Groupama-FDJ is a logical evolution for Julbo and illustrates our commitment to offering the best outdoor products. Having started with mountain glasses, and then expanded our activities to sports such as sailing, freeride skiing, Nordic skiing, trail running, and mountain biking (enduro and cross-country), it was natural for us to turn to road cycling.

In fact, we had already dipped our toes into road cycling last year by becoming the official supplier of L'Étape du Tour de France, the largest amateur cycling competition in the world. Moving towards the professional world was therefore a logical next step, and we are proud to take this step alongside one of the best teams in the world as the Groupama-FDJ professional cycling team competes at the WorldTour level. It's also worth noting that we are partners with La Conti, the little sister of the WorldTour team, which competes at a lower level and helps develop the world's top cyclists of tomorrow.

In fact, we had already been involved in the professional peloton for a few years as we have been working with David Gaudu for 2 years. The "little prince of Brittany," as his fans like to call him, indeed benefits from Julbo RX glasses. A real revolution for the young team leader who had never had the opportunity to ride with prescription sunglasses: "Every percentage of fatigue saved is an extra percentage we put on the bike. And every detail counts." An energy gain that translated into a 4th place in the final general classification of the Tour de France 2022!

For Christophe Beaud, President and CEO of Julbo, this partnership was almost a given: "The professional cycling team Groupama-FDJ, created in 1997, is now established at the top of the global hierarchy. It boasts numerous major successes and we are proud to start this adventure alongside them. We share the same mindset, the same human values as the Groupama FDJ cycling team. I also appreciate our geographical proximity to the Performance Hub based in Besançon, with whom we are already working on the development of future products. For all these reasons, our entire team is highly motivated for this new adventure."

Marc Madiot, the iconic director of the French team, echoes this sentiment: "I am particularly proud, on behalf of the entire Groupama-FDJ professional cycling team, to announce today this collaboration with the Julbo brand. Supporting French innovation is in our team's DNA, and Julbo is based in our region, in the Jura. Like our team, it is a family business that has grown through sports experiences. Our partnership is not just a simple exchange of supplies; we share ambitions of excellence. It is a real collaboration, a sharing of expertise between our two research and development teams, to achieve the most effective equipment and the highest results for our riders. We will now continue to grow together; we are on the road to beautiful emotions."

THE SHARED LOVE OF PERFORMANCE

Beyond the elements mentioned above, Julbo and the Groupama-FDJ professional cycling team share another common point intimately linked to their DNA: their passion for performance!

At Julbo, this desire to consistently offer innovative products is illustrated by the central role of the research and development service. The "Lab," as we call it, is at the heart of the brand and elevates all the products that come out of our factories. There are numerous examples of this culture of innovation. For instance, the quality of our lenses, like the Reactiv 0-4, is a real revolution in the world of optics. A photochromic lens that adapts to all lighting conditions, it can be used as well in pitch darkness as when the sun is at its zenith! Another example is the EVAD-1 connected glasses. These little technological gems provide real-time quantitative data (speed, elapsed time, etc.) to the wearer.

For the Groupama FDJ professional cycling team, the culture of performance is a real driving force. Marginal gains are at the heart of modern cycling, and the staff has long understood this. For several decades now, Frédéric Grappe (Director of Performance) and his team have been constantly seeking the small details that will make the difference: nutrition, bike position, recovery, physical and mental health, and of course, equipment are all subjects constantly scrutinized and reevaluated to achieve the best results in the world's most prestigious races.

A CAPSULE COLLECTION IN THE COLORS OF THE PARTNERSHIP

Since the beginning of 2023, La Conti has been equipped with helmets and glasses, while the WorldTour team currently has only helmets (but the riders will wear Julbo glasses starting next year).

Regarding the helmets, we have developed two models to be worn according to individual preferences and the goals of the day. The Sprint helmet, as its name suggests, is designed for the fastest riders in the peloton with a particular focus on aerodynamics. The Fast Lane helmet, on the other hand, emphasizes lightness and comfort, which should please the climbers! For the glasses, there are two new additions this year with the Density and the Edge! A duo with a distinct style that will not go unnoticed. Finally, we also wanted to keep two classics with the Ultimate and the Fury, models that have proven themselves.

In total, there are therefore four models of glasses, in two versions each, as well as two helmets. 10 products in the colors of the professional cycling team Groupama-FDJ, some of which are already available for sale, and the others should not be far behind…

JULBO AND THE GROUPAMA-FDJ PROFESSIONAL CYCLING TEAM, A PARTNERSHIP AIMED AT VICTORY

As you can see, the partnership between Julbo and the Groupama-FDJ professional cycling team is a source of motivation for both parties, and our sights are now set on the podiums of the most beautiful events in the international cycling calendar.

Within the WorldTour peloton, you can already find three riders who wear our glasses (in addition to helmets). As mentioned earlier, David Gaudu is once again equipped this year with Ultimate glasses fitted with Reactiv lenses adapted to his vision. He is now joined by two of his teammates as we will also equip the solid rouleur Bruno Armirail, the 2022 French Time Trial Champion, and the very promising young climber Lenny Martinez!

2023 marks the beginning of great years for Julbo in the world of road cycling, both among professionals and all cyclists who enjoy getting on their bike. If the pros trust us, there is no doubt that those who do not shave their legs will find their place in the adventure!