Gobik and INEOS Britannia present the collection for the America's Cup 2024: Seeking excellence in design and performance beyond cycling.
The America's Cup is the oldest international trophy in sport, 45 years before the modern Olympic Games. Although the Cup began in Great Britain with a race around the Isle of Wight in 1851, it has never been won by a British team. INEOS Britannia: the British sailing team led by Sir Ben Ainslie, the most successful Olympic sailor with 4 gold medals, aims to correct this mistake and achieve a British victory for the first time.
The 37th America's Cup Class Rule, the text regulating the rules under which the competition will be sailed in Barcelona this fall, had one change that really stood out: "that teams may use any part of the human body to propel the boat". Whereas previously teams were forced to use their arms as 'grinders', the rules now allow the use of their legs, which will give rise to a new America's Cup athlete called 'Cyclors', who will cycle aboard the race boat to help power the yachts' hydraulic system that controls the movement of the sails.
Gobik's challenge lies in bringing its excellence in tailoring and technology to a design that represents the team with the best performance features. Cycling is a fundamental part of the Cyclors' training, often sharing training with the INEOS Grenadiers professional cycling team. This has inspired the development of an equipment with the main premise of visibility on the road with the already characteristic orange design of the cycling team.
The next steps include the development of a specific equipment for competition on the water, designed in harmony with the boat and the team's accessories. This line promises extremely lightweight garments, offering maximum breathability, comfort and freedom of movement.
The collection also includes a line of merchandising for INEOS Britannia fans, which can be found on the Gobik website, in some retail outlets and in official America's Cup stores around the world. This line consists of jersey CX Pro 3.0 and bib Matt.
In this new collection, we find the bib Matt in solid lycra, with a minimalist visual weave and a matte finish. Its bi-stretch fabric with optimal compression helps to increase performance by promoting circulation during exercise. Its quick-drying technology makes it compatible with rainy or extreme weather. Heat where perspiration is very high. Finally, the polypropylene straps provide a feeling of support but at the same time of maximum softness and lightness.
On the other hand, we find the jersey CX Pro 3.0, with a profound renovation with respect to its reference model, being this one more aerodynamic thanks to its advanced aerodynamic sleeves and seamless laser cut. It has also improved breathability thanks to its side panels in mesh fabric. Finally, the waistband gains stability thanks to a new and improved elastic band.
The Gobik x INEOS Britannia collection transcends cycling and implies the beginning of a legacy of innovation and excellence in new sporting universes. The America's Cup 2024 will undoubtedly be a turning point in the evolution of Gobik and INEOS Britannia.
About Gobik:
Gobik emerged in 2010 when the cycling club of Yecla, Murcia (Spain) needed an equipment to compete. Since then, the customization of cycling apparel has been a major part of its DNA, dressing professional teams such as FDJ-Suez, UAE Team Emirates or Movistar Team, and from 2024, the INEOS Grenadires cycling team.
An unforgettable journey perfectly encapsulated in its new brand claim, What a ride.
About INEOS Britannia:
Backed by INEOS founder and chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe and led by the most decorated Olympic sailor of all time and America's Cup winner Sir Ben Ainslie, INEOS Britannia is the Challenger of Record for the 37th America's Cup. The British team, which will race for Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, was formed in 2014 before joining forces with INEOS in 2018.
In challenging for a third consecutive America's Cup, INEOS Britannia has much-needed continuity, the cornerstone of any successful America's Cup team. It will be the first time a British team has competed in three consecutive Cup cycles since Sir Thomas Lipton and Royal Ulster YC did so between 1899 and 1930.
The America's Cup, the pinnacle of sailing, was first contested in 1851 at Cowes, Isle of Wight, organized by the Royal Yacht Squadron, 45 years before the modern Olympic Games. The last British Challenger of Record to compete in the America's Cup was the 12-meter Sovereign in 1964.
INEOS Britannia will compete in Barcelona against four challenger teams in the Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selections Series from August 29th to October 7th) to earn the right to face the defending Emirates Team New Zealand in the 37th America's Cup (October 12th to 27th).
www.ineosbritannia.com
