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Lehigh Valley, Penn., (April 3, 2025) – Gran Fondo Hincapie has created spectacular cycling experiences for over 13 years, and its Lehigh Valley, Penn. event, now in its fourth consecutive year, will take place on May 31. Registration is now open and participants who register by April 13 will get their event jersey onsite, rather than having it mailed after the fact. Hosted by former professional road cyclist and Olympian, George Hincapie, and the Hincapie family, the format for this bike event aims to give riders a taste of the European ‘Spring Classics’, one of George Hincapie’s favorite riding styles. Cyclists will tackle the short climbs of Flanders, the smooth dirt sections of Strade Bianche, and the iconic velodrome finish of Paris-Roubaix, all in one epic ride.

On Saturday at 8 a.m., starting from the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Gran riders will head out of the stadium and venture onto the best roads that Lehigh Valley has to offer. Over approximately 80 miles, riders will take on 13 sectors of ‘Pennsylvania Pavé’, seven bergs (short steep climbs), approximately seven miles of gravel riding, three covered bridges, and the stadium atmosphere of a finish at the Velodrome.  Speed Zones along the course are designed to challenge riders, showcase their speed and skill, and keep everyone safe, allowing participants to push their limits and vie for top honors in a friendly competition.

Below are the course specifics for each of the three distances:

• Gran – 81 miles, 5800 ft of elevation, 4 rest stops, 5 timed Speed Zones
• Medio – 53 miles, 3600 ft of elevation, 2 rest stops, 3 timed Speed Zones
• Piccolo – 14 miles, 830 ft of elevation, 1 Speed Zone

“We are thrilled to welcome the Gran Fondo Hincapie back to the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. This event adds so much value to the beginning of our cycling calendar, bringing together passionate cyclists and the community for an unforgettable experience,” said Jorge E. Romero, Managing Director & Community Outreach Lead at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. “Hosting the Gran Fondo at our venue underscores our commitment to promoting cycling and fostering a vibrant, active community. We look forward to this grand opening of the 2025 season at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center with the Hincapie Lehigh Valley Grand Fondo.”

To commence the weekend festivities, on Friday night, all Gran Fondo Hincapie participants will get a free entry to the American Classic, which is the kickoff event for track season at Valley Preferred Cycling Center. Hincapie participants are invited to join for a night under the lights filled with high adrenalin racing and excitement. The races start at 7 p.m. with a fireworks finale. For those looking to elevate their Friday night experience at the Velodrome, a Night with the Stars dinner will take place on the upper VIP deck. This event features food stations, top-rated wine, and a chance to mingle with George and other VIP guests – it’s the best pre-ride party you can imagine. Tickets for this VIP dining experience are available now.

Gran Fondo Hincapie events attract cyclists of all abilities with their perfect mix of challenging courses, breathtaking views, and a welcoming community of riders. Alongside the Family Fun Festival, which will feature gourmet food by world-renowned Chef Biju Thomas, drinks, music, kid-friendly activities, awards, prizes, and an expo, Hincapie events are known for offering a top-tier, professional experience for all participants. With perks like a free event jersey, timing chips, SAG support, fully stocked rest stops, participant medals, photos, course safety, and appearances by cycling celebrities, Hincapie events live up to their world-class reputation.

The Lehigh Valley event is just one of Gran Fondo Hincapie’s four world-class events in 2025; the next will take place Oct. 18 in Greenville, S.C., where the Hincapie Gran Fondo events started in 2012. Registration is now open for all of the 2025 events.

To learn more about Gran Fondo Hincapie, please visit https://hincapie.com/ or follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Hincapie

Cycling is our life. It’s what we know, and it’s who we are. But we are not a bike company. We’re a people-who-ride-bikes company. We are cyclists, and we are makers. We are master craftsmen of custom-made, high-performance cycling apparel. Our team is our family. Not only do we design our cycling apparel, but we also make it in our family-run factory. We also create and run upscale cycling events. We have a restaurant and hotel that hosts visiting cyclists from all over the world. We manage a spring series of races. Cycling inspires everything we do, and every day we work even harder to improve the sport, make it more accessible to others, and build a strong community for future cyclists. Join us on our journey.

​​About George Hincapie

George Hincapie is a retired professional road cyclist who was one of the most accomplished American cyclists of his generation. Over his 19-year career, he competed in 17 Tours de France, the most of any American cyclist, participated in five Olympic Games, and excelled in the Spring Classics, including winning Gent-Wevelgem in 2001 and securing multiple top-10 finishes in Paris-Roubaix. Since retiring from professional cycling in 2012, Hincapie has remained active in the sport as a co-founder of Hincapie Sportswear, which specializes in cycling apparel, and launched a professional cycling team. He is also the co-owner of Hotel Domestique, a luxury cycling destination in South Carolina, and hosts the Gran Fondo Hincapie series with his family.

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View and Download 2024 event images HERE (Credit: Hincapie)

General Hincapie Gran Fondo photos HERE (Credit: Hincapie)

 

 

 

SEATTLE (March 31, 2025) — Astral Archetype and thru-hiker, Billy “Wahoo” Meredith, has set a new fastest known time to complete New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail self-supported. Meredith completed the feat in 52 days, 11 hours, and 58 minutes starting in Te Rerenga Wairua and finishing the journey on the southern bluff of Motupōhue.

Over the 3,012 km trail, Meredith faced incredibly challenging conditions. He endured over  273,000 feet of elevation gain, hiking through deep mud, 48-hour sleepless stints, and traveling as far as 54 miles in a day to reach the finish line. Adverse weather and a severe case of trench feet nearly called off the attempt with only a few days of hiking remaining. However, he persevered with a strong final effort, knocking out over 95 miles of swamp, forest, sand, and road in one long final push to the finish, shaving over two days off the previously held self-supported record.

“Over the course of the last 52 days 11 hours & 58 min, I traversed the entire length of Aotearoa, New Zealand entirely self-supported and in record time. And through it all, I carried my camera and captured the moments that meant the most to me,” said Billy. “Oftentimes those moments were the ones which involved the people I met along the way. Those strangers who helped me or gave me words of encouragement when I needed it the most. Even on these journeys of solitude and deep immersion in nature, I still find it’s the community of people and chance encounters with fellow humans who have the longest-lasting impact on my life.”

“We’re incredibly proud of the effort Wahoo has put forth on the Te Araroa,” said Cooper Lambla, Head of Brand + Marketing of Astral. “Running an ultra for 50+ days in a row across some of the most demanding terrain on earth is superhuman. Doing it unsupported is legendary. It’s the definition of wilderness athletics.”

Meredith has also used this opportunity to raise funds for Forest & Bird, Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading conservation nonprofit, to help protect the country’s wildlife and wild places for future generations. As a thru-hiker, trail runner, and landscape photographer, Nature has always been his refuge, yet it faces an urgent crisis—Aotearoa New Zealand has the world’s highest proportion of threatened species, with over 75% at risk. This effort is about more than setting a record—it’s a call to protect the landscapes that inspire and sustain us all.

In 2023, Billy Meredith achieved a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Calendar Year Triple Crown (CYTC), completing the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail in an astounding 234 days. Averaging 32 miles and 5,556 feet of elevation gain per day, Meredith’s record-breaking feat pushed the limits of endurance and resilience.

Meredith joined the Astral team in 2024 as an Archetype, advisor, and ambassador, playing a key role in refining the brand’s next generation of long-distance hiking footwear. His experience setting FKTs has given him deep insight into gear performance and durability, which he brings to his partnership with Astral. His collaboration reflects his confidence in the brand’s vision and commitment to high-performance, durable, and sustainable footwear. He accomplished this feat wearing the new Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0. The shoe is exceptionally breathable, ultra-lightweight, and naturally shaped, making it the perfect choice for this challenge.

To learn more about Billy, what got him into backpacking, his recent hikes, and his passions outside of hiking, check out Astral’s recent interview with him.

View all of Astral’s Archetypes, including fellow thru hiking legend, Jennifer Pharr Davis here explore.astraldesigns.com/ambassadors. For more information about Astral, its products, and initiatives, please visit Astraldesigns.com.

ABOUT ASTRAL
Established in 2002, Astral designs high performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.

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Media Contact:
Max Akselrad | Verde Brand Communications | (917) 699-8491 | max@verdepr.com

 

 

 

Boston, MA – March 27, 2025 – Intercontinental Football Academy (IFA) New England, Challenger Teamwear, and Craft Sportswear North America are proud to announce a multi-year partnership to provide IFA New England players and coaches with premium uniforms and training apparel. The collaboration brings together three organizations with a shared commitment to excellence and dedication to delivering top-tier products, exceptional service, and a best-in-class experience for athletes.

With Challenger Teamwear as the official uniform provider and Craft Sportswear supplying elite performance apparel, this partnership ensures that every IFA New England player—from those just starting their soccer journey to those competing at the highest levels—has access to premium gear that meets the demands of the modern game.

“This partnership with IFA New England and Craft Sportswear is a huge step for Challenger Teamwear,” said Luke Krawczyk, President of Challenger Teamwear. “At Challenger, we’re all about supporting players at every level, making sure they have the best gear to train, compete, and perform at their highest level. IFA New England’s commitment to developing players and building a strong soccer community—whether it’s those just starting out or those reaching for the highest levels—perfectly aligns with our mission. With Craft Sportswear alongside us, we’re not just supplying uniforms; we’re helping build a culture that puts players first, fosters excellence, and grows the game in the right way. This partnership is about making a real impact, and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.”

The collaboration also reflects a shared vision of fostering ambition and excellence within the IFA New England community. With Craft Sportswear’s deep-rooted expertise in technical performance apparel, the partnership will provide players with gear designed for professional-level performance on and off the field.

“At Craft, we believe in pushing beyond limits, challenging expectations, and never settling. That’s why this partnership with IFA New England and Challenger Teamwear is so exciting,” said Jake Rawson, CEO of Craft Sportswear North America. “IFA New England is building something different, something that challenges the status quo in American soccer, and Challenger Teamwear is the perfect partner to help bring that vision to life. Together, we’re providing more than just uniforms—we’re fueling a culture of ambition, innovation, and excellence. We’re proud to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see where it leads.”

For IFA New England, this partnership represents an important investment in the club’s players and overall soccer culture. Providing top-tier apparel for all players—from the youngest academy members to those competing on the national stage—reinforces the club’s mission to elevate the player experience.

“At IFA New England, we are obsessed with quality and driven by a vision to elevate youth soccer in the U.S.,” said Bill Altieri, President of IFA New England. “This partnership is about more than just uniforms—it’s about identity, culture, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for our players. Challenger Teamwear and Craft Sportswear have shown an incredible attention to detail, not just in the quality of their gear but in their commitment to truly supporting our club and our players. We want every player, from our youngest academy members to those competing at the highest level, to feel like they’re part of something special. With this partnership, we’re strengthening that foundation and giving our players the tools to succeed both on and off the field. We’re proud to be working with partners who share our vision and commitment to the game.”

In the coming weeks, IFA New England, Challenger Teamwear, and Craft Sportswear will unveil more details on the partnership, including a first look at the new kit design that players will wear throughout the season.

ABOUT CRAFT SPORTSWEAR
Craft Sportswear has been a leader in performance apparel for over four decades, designing innovative, high-quality gear that helps athletes push their limits in any condition. Rooted in Swedish heritage and driven by a passion for sport, Craft has collaborated with elite athletes worldwide to develop sportswear that enhances comfort, durability, and performance. Since 2018, Craft has expanded into teamwear, becoming a trusted brand for teams and clubs globally. Committed to sustainability and continuous innovation, Craft creates gear that empowers athletes at every level, helping them train harder, play stronger, and go one step further in their athletic pursuits.

ABOUT CHALLENGER TEAMWEAR
Challenger Teamwear, established in 2001 and headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, has outfitted millions of athletes and thousands of organizations, fueling their passion for sports. Known for its high-quality products and exceptional customer service, Challenger Teamwear offers a comprehensive range of sports apparel and equipment. With in-house production capabilities, they provide personalized and efficient solutions for sports organizations across the United States. With a commitment to supporting its partners and thinking outside the box, Challenger Teamwear continuously finds new ways to help teams and clubs succeed both on and off the field.

ABOUT INTERCONTINENTAL FOOTBALL ACADEMY NEW ENGLAND
Intercontinental Football Academy (IFA) New England is a premier soccer program based in Massachusetts, dedicated to elevating the standard of youth development in the U.S. Serving a large, highly committed player base across the region, IFA New England provides top-tier training for both boys and girls, combining a player-first approach with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their program features advanced training methods, video analysis, and specialized coaching designed to develop top-level players who are well-prepared to excel in the modern game. With a strong European influence and a diverse player base, IFA fosters a unique footballing culture rooted in quality, ambition, and innovation. Their teams compete at the highest levels, reinforcing their commitment to developing elite talent while strengthening the broader soccer community.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Challenger Teamwear
Luke Krawczyk, President of Challenger Teamwear
lkrawczyk@challengerteamwear.com

Intercontinental Football Academy New England
Bill Altieri, President of IFA New England
baltieri@ifanewengland.com

 

 

 

 

 

FRISCO, Texas (March 27, 2025) – Wiley X, a global leader in protective eyewear, is proud to introduce the WX JAKL, the latest addition to its Tactical Series. Engineered for uncompromising performance, the WX JAKL combines cutting-edge lens technology with a sleek, high-wrap frame to deliver superior optical clarity, impact protection, and all-day comfort in any environment. Designed and assembled in the USA, the JAKL exemplifies Wiley X’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

Designed with Wiley X’s hallmark durability, the WX JAKL features shatterproof Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses that meet ANSI Z87.1+ high-velocity and high-mass impact standards. Additionally, select non-polarized WX JAKL styles meet U.S. military standards for ballistic eye protection, ensuring maximum protection against high-speed impacts for military personnel, first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether on the job, on the water, or on the move, the JAKL guarantees superior eye safety. The CAPTIVATE™ polarized lenses enhance contrast and color for unparalleled visual clarity while reducing glare, making them an essential companion for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

“At Wiley X, we understand that our customers need eyewear that can keep up with their active lifestyles while providing the highest level of protection,” said Dan Freeman, CEO and Co-Founder at Wiley X. “The WX JAKL delivers on all fronts, combining top-tier safety standards with sleek aesthetics and advanced lens technology.”

The WX JAKL features 8-Base lenses with high-wrap frames for superior protection and durability. Equipped with 100% UVA/UVB protection and available in both polarized and non-polarized options, the WX JAKL shields your eyes from harmful rays while ensuring optimal vision in any condition. Made with super-tough Triloid™ Nylon, the ultralight, balanced frame provides all-day comfort, while the dual-injected hydrophilic rubber nose pads and temple tips ensure a secure fit. Designed for versatility, the WX JAKL features shatterproof, interchangeable semi-rimless lenses that maximize coverage and visibility without sacrificing style.

The WX JAKL is also available with Wiley X’s proprietary Digiforce2™ digital lens technology, ensuring precise vision correction without compromising safety.

For more information about Wiley X and its product offering or to shop the new styles, visit www.wileyx.com.

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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.

 

 

 

TACOMA (March 20, 2025) –EXPED, a leader in Swiss designed outdoor equipment, has been recognized as a Global Vision Honoree, by Travel + Leisure. The Global Vision Awards honor the people, companies and nonprofits that are changing the way of travel for the better.

Every year, Travel + Leisure presents its Global Vision Awards, where individuals, products, destinations, and organizations are acknowledged for pioneering sustainable and eco-friendly travel. These visionaries are focused on the future of travel—and are dedicated to ensuring that we, as humans, can continue to explore the world without damaging it as we go along.

Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Awards will be featured in the April 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure and a link to the results can be found HERE.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Travel + Leisure as a leader in sustainable travel products and thoughtfully moving toward a brighter, carbon-conscious future,” said Ted Steudel, president of EXPED USA. “We are proud to uphold environmental and social standards, ensuring that EXPED gear not only enhances outdoor experiences but also has a lighter footprint on the places we explore.”

Sustainability has been a core principle at EXPED from the very start. Durability, reliability and reparability of all products are key focus areas in their development. EXPED’s longstanding and close relationships with partner factories and strong emphasis on environmentally friendly production practices that reduce harm on the planet allow the company to make outdoor gear that is responsibly and ethically made.

For more information, visit https://www.expedusa.com/pages/sustainability.

About EXPED

Started in 1981 by Swiss adventurers Heidi and Andi Brun, Exped builds truly innovative outdoor equipment, refining every detail to produce quality, sustainable gear suited to all your outdoor pursuits. The result is incredibly sleek, minimal designs that forgo unnecessary frills while maximizing both performance and comfort. www.expedusa.com