The rider's suitcase for the Tour contains small slices of his world and everything he might need during the three weeks of the raceThe large suitcase and trolley you always carry with you, the one in which you put your computer, shoes, helmet, and a racing kit, in case the bulkier bag gets lost between one transfer and the next. We asked to Benjamin Thomas to photograph his suitcase and from there we started to tell the story of the company that produces clothing for the Cofidis. Is called Van Rysel and it is the top of the range of Decathlon: shops that everyone, more or less, knows well having been in them at least once in their life to buy or just to browse.
The entire staff
In these French days, it has been interesting to realize how There is a constant coming and going of technicians around the team who talk to the riders and write down their requests. Until the start of the Lille stage we met Van Rysel's staff and, thanks to Marion Gachies who until recently worked in the FDJ press office, we tried to understand the link between the new brand and Decathlon, between Decathlon and the WorldTour.
«In 2019 – explains Marion, the company's Partnership Leader – Decathlon changed and stopped being a single brand. Van Rysel was born, which is the top of the range of the company. Btwin is for children and mobility urbana. Van Rysel produces everything a rider might needFrom the bike to the shoes, including the helmet, glasses, and clothing. The difference compared to my previous involvement with a team is that Now our products are made in collaboration with athletes».
From Nocentini to the future
The first ones, in fact, as we remember well, were in 2007 the Ag2R riders in which Rinaldo Nocentini racedThe team was supplied with Btwin products and he was allowed to change little from the standard equipment. Compared to then, the difference is evident.
«It was important for us to develop the product – he explains Nicolas Pierron, manager of Van Rysel – and now I think the level is definitely high. For a WorldTour team you need high-tech products, developed by riders who have a good sensitivity in giving indicationsWithin Decathlon we have a group of people focused on this project, with the aim of return to the group even with our helmets, glasses and bikes».
Starting from scratch
For now it's about clothing, with items we have already told you about in recent days, whose development is entrusted to Guillaume Pichot.
«We started from scratch – he explains – collecting the specific needs of riders, starting from fit, then moving on to aerodynamics and breathabilityWe had several meetings among ourselves and with the team. We identified the right fabrics and developed a tailor-made fit for the riders, who continue to provide us with their feedback. To develop the jersey we currently use, we worked for a year, with wind tunnel sessions to ensure we were on the right path. For the Tour, we provided a specific kit and another one is being built for the Vuelta».
Striped aerodynamic socks: Van Rysel's product research is top-of-the-line. The sleeves also have an aerodynamic design and a raw cut hem (Mathilde L'Azou) The fabric of the bibshort on Simon Geschke, current polka dot jersey In these scorching hot days, the shirt must be ventilated, but also protect from UV rays (Mathilde L'Azou) The riders provide daily feedback. Work is now underway on a kit for the Vuelta. (Mathilde L'Azou)
Striped aerodynamic socks: Van Rysel's product research is top-of-the-line. The sleeves also have an aerodynamic design (Mathilde L'Azou) The fabric of the bibshort on Simon Geschke, current polka dot jersey In these scorching hot days, the shirt must be ventilated, but also protect from UV rays (Mathilde L'Azou) The riders provide daily feedback. Work is now underway on a kit for the Vuelta. (Mathilde L'Azou)
Test riders
The riders participate in the development and the enthusiasm that shines through Pichot's words certainly speaks of his experience, but also of the continuous discovery upon impact with such a stimulating world.
«Athletes propose changes daily – he admits – which they believe would allow us to be more efficient. We have some we turn to more than others. I'm thinking of our leader. William Martin, as well as Izagirre. And then there's Walscheid, a time trial specialist, and also Anthony Perez. We're discussing the Vuelta with them, looking for some changes that will allow us to be faster. Within the Van Rysel group, there's an engineer who only cares about the team».
Guillaume Martin in action at the Planche des Belles Filles Walscheid, now competing in the Tour, is one of Van Rysel's testers.
Guillaume Martin in action at the Planche des Belles Filles Walscheid, now competing in the Tour, is one of Van Rysel's testers.
In 2024 the bikes
And if for now we are talking about clothing, the project is much more ambitious and would like to bring a full range of equipment to the team. At a time when technical sponsors are providing both material and money, this is a counter-current choice. And while we have no doubt that a giant like Decathlon has the liquidity to pay for its presence, it's interesting to understand that the supply of bikes will take place when they are sure they have suitable products.
«The bikes – explains Marion Gachies again – won't be ready for next year, but we are working on it with some athletes. In 2023 the time trial ones will be ready to start developmentThey are the real front of the challenge, because supplying bikes to a WorldTour team means be at the top for road and time trial bikesWe'll be ready in 2024, and then maybe we'll get back together to talk about it again."
The origin of the name
before you go away, Marion takes away the last curiosityWhy Van Rysel? "Simple," he smiles, "that's the explanation. 'Van' in Flemish means 'from', in the sense of origin. 'Rysel' in Flemish is also the name of Lille, the city in French Flanders where our product research and development center is located. So Van Rysel means “from Lille”, but it sounds much better this way."
Then he goes away with his team, which also includes designer Claire Fernandes who had been on the sidelines all along. The challenge is interesting. Benjamin Thomas and his companions were provided with 52 items for every needPacking for the Tour amidst so much abundance won't have been too difficult.
