New ethical cycle clothing range will change face of cycling fashion

Leading New Zealand clothing company Untouched World believes the launch of its new Ethical Performance Cyclewear range will change the face of cycle clothing.

The new eco-friendly range, which is the result of more than two years of development, is being launched in Christchurch on December 17.

Cyclists have already extensively field tested the new sportswear in gruelling conditions – and insist it dramatically outperforms the synthetic sportswear traditionally worn by competitive cyclists.

In May 2009, Kiwi-born Phil Keoghan, host of American TV show The Amazing Race, embarked on a mammoth coast-to-coast cycle ride across the United States, from Los Angeles to New York, to raise money to help fight MS.

Keoghan covered more than 5,630 kilometres, averaging 160 kilometres a day. He crossed the Rockies and four time zones and spent six hours a day in the saddle wearing the new Untouched World cycle clothing.

Keoghan was very impressed by the clothing.

“My favourite article of clothing is my Untouched World Mountainsilk top,” Keoghan said. “Unlike synthetic material, it doesn’t get smelly. I’m amazed it stays in such great shape. It breathes very well; it’s good for temperature control and comfortable – I love it.”

Christchurch competitive cyclist Nimesha Smith is also impressed. Smith has raced throughout New Zealand and overseas and found the Untouched World Ecovelo range exceeded her expectations.

“I love the new cycling range from Untouched World. It’s the most comfortable cycling wear I have worn, and I have worn a lot of lycra. It looks hot, too, and for those that know me, you know that’s important!”

Former All-Black captain Todd Blackadder wore it on the Molesworth Muster mountain bike ride and was full of praise.

“The Untouched World gear is awesome. I’m a big guy and I sweat a lot on a ride but the gear takes the sweat away but keeps you warm. It’s perfect.’’

The Untouched World Performance Cyclewear range is the result of more years of development by Untouched World Design Director, Emily Dean, who gained a Master of Arts specializing in performance sportswear design in the UK.

“Using the latest high performance textile technology we have designed the collection to be just as comfortable whether you are riding on a scorching hot day or if you get caught out in the mountains in the middle of winter.”

She says Mountainsilk creates its own microclimate next to the skin.

“The fabric “wicks” moisture away from the skin, so cyclists stay drier. It’s also anti-microbial, so it stays fresher longer. There are two new fabric developments: Mountainsilk Recycle is a revolutionary new fabric that combines an inner base of merino and a protective outer layer of recycled polyester; and Mountainsilk Procycle combines a merino inner base with an outer layer of nylon and elastene.”

The Untouched World Performance Cyclewear range is being officially launched in Christchurch on Thursday 17 December and will be available from Untouched World stores in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown from Friday 18 December.


About Untouched World
Untouched World is the only clothing company in the world to be recognized by the United Nations for sustainability. All Untouched World garments carry the “United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development” logo in recognition of this achievement.

10% of all profits, or 1% of sales from all Untouched World products (whichever is greatest) are given to the Untouched World Charitable Trust (UWCT). The UWCT’s activity is centred on educational, environmental, social, cultural, and community issues, providing young adults with a unique learning experience, developing life skills to maximize their potential and inspire them to lead the way in achieving a sustainable future. Untouched World is also working with the Clinton Global Initiative on a joint WaterWise student leadership project.

ENDS
www.untouchedworld.com

For more information please contact:

Peri Drysdale
CEO
Untouched World
03 358 3809
021 326 079

John McKenzie
enthuse ltd
021 384 730
03 384 7338
________________________________________