Outside Festival Doubles Attendance in Year Two Cementing Colorado as a Hub for Outdoor Culture

DENVER, Colo – June 6, 2025 – The Outside Festival and Summit, founded by Outside Interactive Inc. and presented by Capital One and REI Co-op, wrapped its second successful year at Denver’s Civic Center Park with 35,000 attendees across four days of events and gatherings, nearly doubling in size from 18,000 in its inaugural year in 2024.

“This year’s Outside Festival and Summit proves that we’re building something much bigger than an event… we’re fostering deeper connections and bringing the outdoor community together,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive. “The Outside Summit rethinks the traditional outdoor trade show model and brings leaders in the industry together to discuss new ideas, successes, and challenges that top outdoor businesses are facing today. The Outside Festival is where we see huge potential for more engagements at the event, continuing to celebrate outdoor culture and attract fans of music, film, wellness, and adventure. We hope to keep growing this event and adding value for years to come.”

The Outside Summit began on Thursday, May 29, with Outside Ignite, a national startup pitch competition where a panel of five judges awarded a grand prize valued at $100,000 to Carbondale, Colorado-based Raide Research, and the runner-up prize to Campfire Ranch. Campfire Ranch was also voted the recipient of the People’s Choice Award by the audience. Judges narrowed down almost 200 applications to five presenting finalists.

The Outside Summit brought in 900 registrants, marking an 80% increase from last year. Filled with 15 back-to-back sessions from 46 speakers, Friday began with an address from Conor Hall at Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Carrie Besnette Hauser of Trust for Public Land, centering an industry focus for attendees at the onset of the event. Summit badge holders also had an opportunity to hear from Albert Lin, the National Geographic explorer, scientist, and television host.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Outside Festival was at capacity, with 33,000 attendees, including children 12 and under who entered free. Organizers report that 26% of attendees came from out of state and 32% of festgoers identified as BIPOC. 53% of ticket buyers were female, and 47% were male. A total of 12 musical acts performed, including headliners Khruangbin, Lord Huron, Sylvan Esso, Trampled by Turtles, Neal Francis, Waxahatchee, Husbands, and more. There were 10 Ideas sessions at the Denver Art Museum with 18 speakers on Saturday and 13 speakers on Sunday. Outside Festival Film, curated by Mountainfilm and presented by KEEN, screened six films on Saturday and seven on Sunday, each followed by a conversation with film subjects at the Denver Public Library.

There were 20 partners on site from the Adventure Travel Trade Association, 26 Camp Colorado partners and businesses, and 15 nonprofit vendors. Outside replaced single-use cups for cocktails with reusable cups. Out of 15,000 cups distributed, less than 1% ended up in separated waste. There were 120 yogis at the UCHealth Health and Wellness zone, 500 climbers who conquered The North Face climbing wall, and over 100 walkers who joined Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll for the EverWalk session on Sunday morning. Thousands explored additional touchpoints across zones like the REI Wild Ideas Worth Living stage, Scout Motors’ Tailgate sessions, and Outside’s Ultimate Basecamp with Colorado Wildlife Council.

Sponsors for the Outside Festival include Capital One, REI Co-op, Brooks Running, Scout Motors, Berghaus, The North Face, VF Corporation, UCHealth, the State of Colorado, Visit Denver, and the Denver Art Museum.

###

Media Contact:

Rachel Weiss rachel.weiss@backbone.media

Photo and Video Assets (Credit Outside)

About the Outside Festival and Summit

The second annual Outside Festival and Summit took place in downtown Denver from May 29 – June 1, 2025. The Outside Festival, presented by Capital One and REI, May 31 – June 1, is a celebration of everything outdoors, featuring music, films, speakers, gear, and more. The event is driven by a partnership between Outside Interactive, Inc., The State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Office, and Visit Denver—all with a shared vision to make the outdoors more accessible and more inclusive. The Outside Summit, May 29 – June 1, 2025, is the outdoor industry’s premier networking conference. For more information please visit theoutsidefestival.com.

About Outside Interactive, Inc.

Outside Interactive, Inc.– a media and news winner of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2025– is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and celebration. Each year, Outside reaches more than 300 million unique users and has more than 100 million registered users across its network of 25 media, service, and utility brands, including Outside, MapMyFitness, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, Gaia GPS, Trailforks, athleteReg, and more. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outside, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives by creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s subscription offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, and more. Learn more at outsideonline.com/outsideplus

Royal Robbins unveils Spring 2026 collection, highlighting innovation and adventure

SAN FRANCISCO (June 6, 2025)Royal Robbins, a pioneering outdoor and adventure apparel brand, proudly introduces its Spring 2026 collection, which comprises a dynamic lineup crafted to empower modern adventurers with sustainable performance, timeless style and next-level versatility.

From the granite walls of the Yosemite Valley to the backcountry trails of the Rockies, Royal Robbins Spring 2026 collection channels its iconic past while boldly embracing a future defined by innovation and environmental responsibility.

Continuing the brand’s commitment to sustainable design, Royal Robbins adds to its innovative  Mosquito Protection Technology™ (MPT) apparel collection, providing a chemical-free, robust barrier from mosquitoes. In addition, 90% of styles in the Spring ‘26 collection meet Royal Robbins highest sustainability standards, crafted with at least 75% lower-impact fibers like TENCEL™ Modal, organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp, and preferred forest materials.

Royal Robbins’ iconic Pucker family continues to redefine adventure with ultra-soft, breathable shirts made from sustainably-sourced beech wood fibers. The Camino Pucker brings vibrant, vintage-inspired prints and colors, while the Desert Pucker continues to lead in sustainability as a carbon-neutral staple, thanks to the brand’s ARC (Avoid, Reduce, Compensate) approach.

A new silhouette and extension of the Pucker collection, the Camino Pucker Dress combines versatility and comfort with its lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying design. This dress transitions easily from the beach, hiking, or relaxing at basecamp, and effortlessly blends style and function with eco-conscious materials.

The Salathé Sun Hoody is the world’s first lightweight, breathable hoody to combine chemical-free mosquito protection with UPF 40+ sun protection.   Featuring MPT, this shirt’s tightly woven, chemical-free fabric blocks 92% of mosquito bites while delivering UPF 40+ sun protection and exceptional breathability. The Salathe collection is inspired by the legendary El Capitan route, and includes long sleeve and short sleeve and short sleeve styles.

Crafted with natural, lower-impact fibers, the Hemp Adventure Pants, Shorts and Capris are designed for sustainably-minded exploration without compromising performance. With natural performance properties including temperature regulation and odor-resistance, this collection delivers freedom of movement and comfort whether you’re summiting peaks or strolling coastal trails.

The new men’s Crux 3/4 Pant offers rugged durability and comfort with its knee-length design and tough, tear-resistant ripstop fabric featuring built-in stretch. Equipped with an elasticated waist, built-in belt, multiple pockets, articulated knees, and UPF 40+ sun protection, it’s built to handle any outdoor adventure with ease.

“As a brand born in Yosemite, we continue to focus on versatile and innovative gear that is comfortable and environmentally conscious,” said Erik Burbank, Brand President at Royal Robbins. “Crafted to enable, we believe the spring/summer 26 line will resonate with the adventurer in all of us.”

The new Spring 2026 collection will be available to consumers in March 2026 at specialty retailers and online at royalrobbins.com.

About Royal Robbins®  

Founded in 1968 by world-renowned climbers and adventurers Royal and Liz Robbins, Royal Robbins is a leading designer, manufacturer, and retailer of versatile, durable, and stylish apparel for the next generation of adventurers. The brand maintains a commitment to environmental and social responsibility by prioritizing natural fibers and maintaining carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Royal Robbins gear can be found in outdoor and specialty retail partners throughout the world. We believe nature and adventure are good for the soul. To learn more, please visit royalrobbins.com.

Wiley X and American Sniper Join Forces on Limited-Edition WX JAKL Frame

FRISCO, Texas (June 5, 2025) – Wiley X, a global leader in protective eyewear, announces the release of a special-edition WX JAKL frame developed in collaboration with the American Sniper brand. Building on the success of the original WX JAKL launched in March, this release underscores Wiley X’s commitment to protecting those who serve on and off the battlefield.

“This collaboration is more than a product launch. It’s a tribute to shared values of honor, grit, and protection,” said Dan Freeman, CEO and Co-Founder of Wiley X. “We designed the WX JAKL x American Sniper to deliver elite performance while honoring the legacy of those who put it all on the line.”

The partnership was forged with Colton Kyle, son of the late Chris Kyle, the legendary U.S. Navy SEAL whose story inspired the American Sniper brand. Now leading the brand, Colton carries his father’s mission forward.

“My dad wore Wiley X,” said Kyle. “This frame represents the warrior spirit and values he lived by, including faith, discipline, and fierce love for others. It feels like a full-circle moment.”

Engineered for high-stakes environments, the WX JAKL x American Sniper combines Wiley X’s signature protection with purposeful design. Features include:

  • Designed to meet or exceed U.S. military standards for ballistic protection, including V0 Ballistics standards.
  • CAPTIVATE™ lens technologyto enhance contrast, reduce glare, and deliver vivid clarity
  • Aggressive 8-base wrap designfor full coverage and peripheral protection
  • Triloid™ Nylon frame with dual-injected rubber grips, delivering lightweight comfort and all-day security

Designed and assembled in the USA, the WX JAKL x American Sniper reflects Wiley X’s 35+ year legacy of innovation and impact-ready performance.

To learn more or shop the new styles, visit www.wileyx.com. To learn more about the American Sniper Brand collaboration, see HERE.

###

About Wiley X

Veteran-founded in 1987, Wiley X has been producing the world’s most protective eyewear to various markets that rely on impact resistance for over 30 years. Myles Freeman Sr., a military veteran, started Wiley X to protect the eyes of those who protected America. The company’s military heritage helped carve a roadmap for Wiley X in the years to follow for many well-respected weekend warriors. Every adult sunglass style made by Wiley X meets ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety Standards, for protection that goes far beyond the harmful rays of the sun. Several styles also meet U.S. military MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) standards for ballistic eye protection, a key reason why Wiley X has been a leading provider of vision protection equipment to the U.S. military and law enforcement for more than 30 years.

About American Sniper

American Sniper is more than just a clothing line; it’s the continued legacy of the life and service of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. Navy SEAL history. Operated by his son, Colton Kyle, the brand honors Chris’s legacy by encompassing the core pillars of godliness, patriotism, passion, service, and excellence. Through a range of lifestyle and tactical apparel and products featuring the iconic American Sniper logo, the brand supports military veterans, first responders, and proud Americans who embody the spirit of service and sacrifice. By wearing American Sniper gear, individuals can show their support and help continue the legacy of one of America’s greatest heroes.

La Sportiva Introduces the Front Range Collection

BOULDER, Colo. (June 4. 2025) – La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announced the Front Range Collection, a new apparel line designed and tested in Boulder, Colorado. Built by and for climbers, the collection, which will be available in the spring of 2026, is inspired by the iconic routes of the Front Range and is made to handle long days on the rock while staying comfortable and functional everywhere else life takes you.

Named after classic local climbs like Cosmosis, Mainliner, and Outer Space, the new capsule blends durability, mobility, and thoughtful fit, reflecting how climbers move through the world, both on and off the wall.

“The Front Range Collection reflects how today’s climbers actually live,” said Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America. “We built this line to perform on technical routes and alpine approaches but also to feel right at home post-session or on rest days. It’s rooted in La Sportiva’s mountain heritage and is made for the rhythm of modern climbing life.”

The Spring 2026 line features a mix of men’s and women’s styles engineered with climbing-specific movement, lightweight durability, and clean design in mind. The Freeway Wind Jacket, available for men and women, is an ultralight, abrasion-resistant shell built for fast missions in the alpine or breezy evenings around town. Laser-cut perforations at the ears and underarms keep airflow and hearing dialed during high-output movement, while the helmet-compatible hood and two-way zipper make it equally at home on an exposed ridge or your ride back from the gym. At just 5.6 oz and packable into its own pocket, it completely disappears in a pack, but performs when you need it.

For women, the $99 Cosmosis Legging rethinks what a climbing legging should be. Built for dynamic movement and designed to survive constant contact with rock, it features durable, four-way stretch compression fabric and a flattering high-rise waist. It performs on sharp granite but feels just as good lounging at the gear shop or grabbing a coffee with a friend after a send. The women’s Cosmosis 6” Short delivers the same performance in a more minimal, hot-weather-ready silhouette. It’s breathable, harness-compatible, and made for movement, whether you’re warming up at the gym or hiking to your project. This send-ready short has an MSRP of $75.

The $65 Cosmosis Bra and $69 Cosmosis Bra Tank are designed specifically for climbers, offering medium support, breathable comfort, and full range of motion. Both feature an open-back design to accommodate strong lats and allow for unrestricted arm movement on the wall, along with reinforced straps and removable pads for personalized fit. The cropped Bra Tank version adds extended coverage and a built-in mesh-lined shelf bra, making it a versatile one-piece option that transitions easily from the gym to the crag to everyday wear.

The Cloud Shadow Sun Hoody is the climber’s sun shirt. With UPF 50+ protection, HeiQ Mint odor control, and more abrasion resistance than your average layer, it’s made for long sessions on rough routes. The fabric has just enough stretch to move with you, and thoughtful details like thumb loops and a helmet-ready hood make it a reliable go-to from the canyon floor to high country ridges. Available for men and women, this lightweight shirt retails for $95.

Named after a proud Lumpy Ridge climb, the $119 Mainliner Pant combines the durability of workwear with the mobility and fit climbers need. This new pant is available for men and women and features a heavyweight cotton-blend twill with built-in stretch, flat belt loops to sit comfortably under a harness, and articulated knees that won’t bind on a high foot. Six pockets, including a zippered leg pocket, keep your essentials close, while a subtle back pocket stitch pays homage to La Sportiva’s alpine heritage.

Another highlight of the collection is the men’s $95 Superfly Shirt, which brings button-down energy to your climbing kit. Made from stretch ripstop with low-profile snap closures and a hidden brush holder, it’s a crag-to-coffee essential, and is designed for those who don’t mind getting a little chalk on their collars.

The new Front Range Collection will be available at select specialty retailers and at www.lasportivausa.com in the spring of 2026. Select samples for media will be available prior to the release of the line.

About La Sportiva
With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, mountain running® and hiking shoes on the market as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.lasportivausa.com or their Facebook page at facebook.com/LaSportiva.

 

 

 

OARS Releases Film About Damn Time: The Dory Women of Grand Canyon

Angels Camp, Calif. — “Don’t let anybody tell you that you’re too little or that you’re a girl, or you can’t do what you set your life to do,” says Cindell Dale, veteran Grand Canyon dory guide in the powerful, award-winning short film, About Damn Time: The Dory Women of Grand Canyon, which will be released to the public on June 5, 2025.

Presented by OARS and directed by award-winning filmmaker Dana Romanoff, About Damn Time celebrates the fearless women who have navigated the Grand Canyon’s legendary whitewater in handcrafted wooden dories, breaking barriers and building a legacy of environmental advocacy and adventure along the way.

“It was a man’s world down there, so it was a little intimidating,” Dale recalls in the film. “I had to prove myself. Proving it to myself was easy. Proving it to others was a journey.”

From its award-winning premiere at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival to an International Women’s Day spotlight at the No Man’s Land Film Festival and most recently at Mountainfilm in Telluride, About Damn Time has resonated with audiences across the country. Now, this moving tribute to resilience, camaraderie and conservation will be available for all to watch online when it drops publicly on June 5.

“Being a female in this industry, I think I came in at a really good time,” says Mary Kruse, an OARS Grand Canyon guide. “The women that have come before me, whether they knew it or not, are why I’m here.”

The film explores the evolving legacy of dory boatwomen—from early pioneers to today’s emerging leaders—while spotlighting the ongoing challenges surrounding Colorado River conservation. Originally introduced in the 1970s to honor threatened wild places, dories have become vessels of both exploration and environmental storytelling.

“I don’t want to have any regrets in life,” says Dale. “And my biggest fear with the Colorado River is that we have just used her up. We as river guides are provided the opportunity to advocate for mother nature and to tell that story.”

Director Dana Romanoff adds, “This film is dedicated to the women who’ve run the rapids before us and those still pushing against the current.”

About Damn Time will premiere to the public starting Wednesday, June 5, at 12:30 p.m. PT: https://youtu.be/rzf8dGYscwk

Available upon request:

  • Interviews with Grand Canyon dory guides featured in the film and filmmaker.
  • Full film access for private viewing.
  • Production and Grand Canyon stills.

Media Contacts:

Emily Nuchols: emily@undersolenmedia.com // 360.510.8696

Jess Grant: jessica@undersolenmedia.com // 315.420.0127

About OARS:
In 1969, OARS became the first exclusively non-motorized rafting outfitter authorized by the National Park Service to run trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Today OARS caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes. Each year the company contributes to regional conservation organizations around the globe via voluntary donations and annual fundraising events, and in partnership with their guests, OARS has contributed more than $6 million in donations and fees toward the preservation of the environment and to various conservation initiatives since the company’s inception. For more information on OARS’s eco-friendly adventures email the company at info@oars.com or call 1-800-346-6277.

 

###

 

Altra Launches “Experience a New High” Campaign with New Footwear to Fuel the Runner’s High

DENVER, CO (June 3, 2025) — Altra, a leading innovator in performance running footwear, is excited to announce the launch of its “Experience a New High” campaign, a bold celebration of the euphoric power of movement and the dopamine rush runners know and love.

Rooted in Altra’s brand ethos of Stay Out There, the campaign showcases the new  Experience Collection: three dynamic shoes designed to deliver a smooth, propulsive ride across both road and trail while helping runners tap into that elusive feel-good flow.

The campaign celebrates the kind of natural “high” that movement has the power to create. It centers on the dopamine rush of running: the joyful, euphoric sensation that comes from being fully present in your body and your stride.

“This campaign is about more than just running. It’s about unlocking the mental and physical high that running gives back,” said Reyna Alishio, Head of Brand and Global Marketing at Altra. “When your shoes move naturally with you, no friction, no distractions, you can free your mind, stay present, and truly enjoy the ride.”

The Experience Collection includes:

  • Experience Flow 2 (Road): a sleek, lightweight road shoe built with versatility in mind for everything from easy runs to strides and light tempos, featuring new EGO P35 midsole foam for increased energy return
  • Experience Wild 2 (Trail): a trail shoe that strikes the fine balance between rugged and nimble for moving smoothly over unpredictable terrain, featuring a redesigned upper for enhanced breathability and overfoot protection
  • Experience Form (Road Stability): a supportive road shoe featuring the same sleek silhouette as the Experience Flow with the addition of subtle guidance technology for underfoot stabilization

Each model features Altra’s signature FootShape Fit, a low 4mm drop, and rocker shape geometry for a propulsively smooth stride that makes it easy to get into a groove across all types of terrain.

Colorado: Home Base for a High-Energy Summer

To help spread the runner’s high across Colorado, Altra will activate “Dopamine Dispensary” pop-ups throughout the region. Activations will take place at a dozen events, from local trail races to cooldown run club meetups and run-adjacent gatherings like Yoga on the Rocks.

“Colorado is the perfect setting for this campaign,” said Reyna Alishio, Head of Brand and Global Marketing at Altra. “Our global headquarters are here, and Colorado is a place where movement is part of the lifestyle, and where running isn’t just about fitness—it’s about resetting your mind, lifting your mood, and reconnecting with yourself and others.”

The Experience Collection is available now at altrarunning.com and select retailers nationwide.

About Altra
Altra was born from a passion for innovation and natural running in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Today, Altra has made its home in the heart of Colorado’s outdoor culture, where the brand continues to design footwear that helps runners move more naturally. From humble beginnings in a small specialty running store to its current base in Denver, Altra has always focused on creating shoes that empower runners to achieve their best. The signature FootShape™ toebox allows the toes to spread for enhanced stability, while the Zero to Low Drop promotes a more natural running posture. Altra is committed to unlocking human potential by inspiring people to move naturally, wherever their journey takes them. #altrarunning #stayoutthere

 

Skratch Labs Celebrates the Season with a Bold and Tropical Summer Flavor

June 3, 2025Boulder, COSkratch Labs, the Boulder, CO-based leader in performance nutrition, launches its annual limited edition summer flavor for Sport Hydration Drink Mix: Passion Fruit + Orange + Guava. This year’s summer seasonal blends tangy passion fruit, juicy orange, and mellow guava for a smooth, tropical thirst-quencher.

Each summer, Skratch Labs explores exciting flavors using real fruit to invigorate their flagship Hydration Sport Drink Mix with a seasonal launch. This year, they share a classic Hawaiian flavor combination charged up with an electrolyte profile that mirrors what’s lost in sweat. The drink mix delivers 19 g of sugar at a 1:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio, and 400 mg of electrolytes in 80 calories per serving to fuel athletes. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and Kosher, Skratch Sport Hydration Drink Mix is easy on the gut and palate during exercise since it eliminates functionless ingredients like artificial sweeteners and color agents.

“Our summer seasonal flavors are one more way we show that sports nutrition and hydration can taste great when it’s made with real ingredients,” said Mellisa Allen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Skratch Labs. “Passion Fruit + Orange + Guava is our tropical take—bright, juicy, and fruit-forward—while still giving athletes exactly what they need to stay hydrated when training and racing in the summer sun.”

Passion Fruit + Orange + Guava joins six regular Sport Hydration Drink Mix flavors as the rotating summer seasonal: Lemon + Lime, Orange, Raspberry Limeade (50 mg of caffeine per serving), Strawberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch, and Pineapple. It is available in a 20-serving 440g bag. Passion Fruit + Orange + Guava Sport Hydration Drink Mix may be purchased directly at skratchlabs.com, at select retailers, Amazon, The Feed, and Skratch Labs Cafe in Boulder, CO.

For more information on Skratch Labs, the Skratch Cafe, and the latest product releases and innovations, please contact Tim Nooney at tim@darbycommunications.com.

About Skratch Labs:

Born in Boulder, CO in 2012, Skratch Labs is a performance nutrition innovator that helps athletes be better. Founded by two cycling pros who spent years on the Pro Cycling Tour watching teammates consume bad-tasting sports nutrition products that caused digestion issues, they created a “secret drink mix” composed of real sugar, salt, and fruit powder mixed in a 5-gallon paint bucket for their team. More than a decade later, Skratch Labs’ approach is the same: help athletes perform better by solving their nutrition problems without causing new ones, using real food ingredients. You can learn more at Skratch Labs, follow on social, join Skratch Labs’ Strava Club, enroll in the affiliate program, or visit the Cafe and Flagship Store.

 

 

POC release release new Team Amani collection

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (June 3, 2025) — POC and Team Amani are proud to release a new ‘Team Amani’ collection, which includes the new Cytal and the brand-new Ultra Vest. Designed and developed with the Amani team and riders, the new Team Amani edition channels the team’s raw energy and celebrates their deep-rooted fire and purpose.

The limited-edition collection is available immediately and will also be used by the team during the Migration gravel race in Kenya. This unique race has established its place in the global gravel race calendar and plays a fundamental role in bringing the best professional riders and focus to East Africa. It’s also where Amani riders finally get the chance to ride and compete on home turf.

“The new Team Amani edition exudes everything we stand for — it’s fueled by our energy, our fire, and our drive to do things our way,” said Mikel Delagrange, Director — and head cheerleader — of Team Amani. “We want our riders to bring their own spirit to elite performance — smiling, enjoying the pressure, embracing the competition. But behind that joy is a deep, often unseen dedication: the hours in the dark, the sacrifices, the quiet discipline it takes just to reach the start line. That kind of dedication, drawn from deep within and shared across the team, is what makes Amani special. It creates a special energy, our fire. And it’s inspirational.”

POC and Team Amani sat down and considered how best to convey the team’s ethos and spirit. The brown, with its closeness to the land, was a natural choice, as was the orange, which conveys the energy and positivity of the team as a whole. Together, it’s a combination that, like the team, brings a different perspective to gravel racing.

“The Team Amani edition perfectly captures their spirit — a team proud of their roots and fuelled by incredible energy and fire,” said POC CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall. “From day one, they’ve worked tirelessly to build opportunity and inclusivity in cycling, especially for riders based in Africa. As riders, they work even harder to compete at the very highest level. It’s deeply inspiring. Their belief is simple but powerful: given the chance to compete, they’ll show the world exactly what they’re capable of.”

To celebrate each rider and their unique approach to racing and training, every helmet will come with a variety of personally chosen decals that can be used to create a personalized helmet.

The Team Amani edition – details

The Team Amani edition collection is a limited collection that consists of the Cytal helmet, which the team uses throughout the season, and the brand new, previously unreleased Ultra Vest. Both will be available to buy and order online at POC.com and in selected official POC retail partners from Tuesday, June 3rd.

The Team Amani Ed. Cytal 

Influenced by Cytal Carbon, which is currently used by many EF Pro Cycling riders, the Cytal uses all the pioneering aerodynamic and ventilation knowledge developed from Cytal Carbon and adds a refined balance and enhanced protection. Developed to establish a new benchmark in performance, the Cytal uses an integrated wing to improve ventilation and aerodynamics. Designed for road riders, it’s a helmet constructed for a precise and unique balance in performance and protection.

Team Amani Ed – Product details

Protection – Safety is the central role of a helmet, and the Cytal has been developed with this as its priority. The EPS liner has variable density across the helmet, which was created by heat map evidence analyzed by POC’s in-house tech and research team. It’s an approach that leads to a lightweight and naturally balanced helmet. It also supports enhanced protection, and Virginia Tech has tested the Cytal and has achieved a five-star rating. (As of March 2025, it is ranked as the number one road helmet and number three in all helmets tested.)

Ventilation – The Cytal continues to use the Venturi effect, POC’s well-known and respected approach to airflow and ventilation in its helmets. The integrated wing creates superior ventilation and cooling across the whole head. To encourage airflow and create precise pressure zones inside the helmet, the wing has an exact shape that increases air velocity and enhances cooling. Combined with the linear interior channels to guide airflow, vast amounts of air pass through and out of the helmet, all cooling the rider in the process.

Aerodynamics—Ventilation and cooling are essential for modern performance, as is aerodynamics, and the Cytal has benefitted from POC’s extensive CFD simulation, wind tunnel, and real-world testing. The integrated wing supports larger frontal ports of precise size and angles. It allows the Cytal frontal air intakes to capture and lead air through the helmet instead of around it, significantly reducing the high-pressure zone at the front of the helmet and improving a rider’s aerodynamic profile.

Mips—A seamlessly integrated Mips Air Node system enhances protection from angled (non-linear) impacts.

Fit system—It is essential to fine-tune a fit to meet individual preferences. The Cytal has a variable adjustment system, including removable front brow pads for enhanced ventilation, adjustable straps (up, down, side to side), and a vertical adjustment on the rear cradle.

Eye garage – Eye garage to keep your sunglasses, especially the Elicit toric, securely in position.

Sizes – Small (50-56), Medium (54-59), Large (56-61).

Price: $350

The Team Amani Ultra Vest

The Team Amani Ultra Vest is a first and is designed with the team to make it easier for them and you to stay hydrated during the heat of the race. Highly practical with multiple pockets, a race fit and sporting the Amani Team logo, its orange colour also makes it easy to stay visible and safer on day-long races or multi-day adventures

Team Amani Ed – Product details

Highly visible and hydrated – A fluorescent orange couples with reflective details to make it easier for others to see you in all conditions, which is vital for your safety on long-distance races. The vest has a pocket to store a 2L water bladder and space to keep a drinks tube secure so you don’t run short of water.

Pockets – All pockets on the vest are easily reachable while riding. Four separate large pockets at the front of the vest, with enough space for two soft water bottles and secure enough to keep the bottles safely in place while riding over rough ground. Two smaller open pockets are included under the arms and are ideal for storing smaller items like gloves, arm warmers, more food, waste, etc. Whilst the open pocket to the rear is perfect for stashing a jacket or extra warm layers if you ride into the night.

Slim fit with elasticated adjuster – The vest is constructed to give a slimmer, tighter fit, ideal for the demands of competition and which avoids drag. The elasticated front adjuster system keeps the vest secure and is easy to operate with one hand.

Comfort – The vest is cut with more space around the arm holes to ensure you stay comfortable in various riding positions. The precise length of the vest also means that you can easily reach all your jersey pockets and extra food.

Highly Breathable – The highly breathable lightweight mesh construction helps keep you comfortable even on longer rides.Price:  $180

(Note – the Team Amani Ultra Vest is a limited-edition. The Ultra Vest will also be available in a ‘regular’ version)

Notes to editors

Assets

Images and assets are available here

About AMANI

The AMANI Team is part of the AMANI project which brings together initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity in cycling and creating opportunities for riders based in Africa.

About POC

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance pioneer on a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of protection for cycling and snow sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of innovation.

POC and Team AMANI

POC and Team AMANI have been longtime partners in the Amani project, and since 2019 have been working together to bring greater racing opportunities to African cyclists and to level the international cycling field

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications | (970) 235-0268 | poc@verdepr.com