100 years since the discovery of insulin in Sanremo 112th edition: the main objective of the season Team Novo Nordisk with a commemorative shirt on his shoulders. We already had spoken with Massimo Podenzana in the last few weeks of their great desire to go on the run, even more so today, with that nice round number printed on the uniforms GSG by Simone Fraccaro. Do you remember him? After 11 years of professional cycling, serving champions like Saronni and Moser, and with two stage wins at the Giro (Longarone 1976 and Isernia 1977), in 1984 he decided to start a new adventure in the world of sportswearOver time, it has sponsored top-level teams like AG2R, Novo Nordisk, Valcar, and even the Giant mountain bike team. We spoke with Alessandro Costa, the company's Marketing Manager, about the Team Novo Nordisk jerseys.
How many fabrics do you use to produce these garments?
The jerseys are mostly made with a mix of fabrics, both for the top-of-the-range versions and for the mid-range versionsThe aim is to provide a material that saves the rider as many watts as possible thanks to its aerodynamics.
Let's go into detail.
For the jersey, we use three fabrics: a two-way stretch micromesh for the front; an Interpower micromesh for the back; and another two-way stretch mesh on the sides.
And what about the shorts?
A highly elastic Lycra base fabric; an anatomical and comfortable elastic for the braces and a perforated and silicone elastic for the leg ends. For the central part, we offer heat-sealed seams that are ideal for maximum comfort. Our shorts have the advantage of being “compression” in the sense that they stimulate the muscles.
What can be said about the caseback?
We are a proud of the fact that we produce it in the companyWe have a very wide range and we respond to many types of needs, between various paddings based on the athlete's weight and the customizations that we are able to provide excellently. The difference between our pads is in the sponge that we use; we have several types.
Can you give us some examples?
We use some medical and biotechnological sponges that are modeled with three-dimensional cutting, avoiding thermoforming which risks excessively burning the surface. The top of the range caseback is called Zenit, It stretches both laterally and frontally and has extraordinary elasticity.
What products do you offer the team for when it rains?
We use some water-repellent and breathable windproof fabrics, which are also water resistant. The Monsoon cape is constructed with a windproof and rainproof membraneIt is waterproof and at the same time very light.
What tests do you perform?
Certainly in the wind tunnel to test its effectiveness. Then they are worn and they are tested by trainingWe want high comfort.
How do you get it?
You should not look exclusively at the anatomical cut of the garment, but the quality of the fabrics must also be taken into consideration that are used.
And what are the results?
A formidable one elasticity of the fabrics on the front and sleeves, while in the back there is no need to get to this point because the pockets tend not to fill up very much and consequently there is no excessive load to cope with with elasticityThere are also other aspects to consider.
Which?
For summer jerseys, excellent breathability is important, but above all, the fabric must dry immediately on descents. If you sweat a lot on climbs, It is important that after a few hundred meters the jersey is already almost dry. While winter clothing must protect you from the wind and possible rain, we therefore focus heavily on optimal coverage for the individual athlete.
Which other teams are using GSG apparel in 2021?
This year we have the honour of being represented by the Novo Nordisk team, by Area Zero and finally by team Valcar&Travel Service, which we are proud to support.
Do you provide standard sizes or do you make custom garments?
It depends on the team's requests, we are equipped for every solutionIn 2016, we supplied the AG2R team, and we measured their first retirement. But there's a risk...
What?
That riders generally in January they have one size, in July they have another.
What has changed in production over the years?
Let's say that fashions also develop, For example, the sleeves of the shirt, which were initially worn to the elbow, are now pulled slightly higher. The same goes for the shorts. As for materials, we are constantly researching and evolving. The bodysuit was a nice change.
That?
Now professionals ask us for a competition body, therefore a single piece that compared to the classic stopwatch one has the presence of pockets on the back and the front part instead has a complete opening.
Is it more of a fad or a necessity?
Both. Cyclocross riders were the first to make this change, to prevent the jersey from getting caught on the bike. Then as for the road there are also aerodynamic advantages and it is an important factor.
The picture is clear and complete, so let's go back to Sanremo. Are you saying that there will already be a Team Novo Nordisk jersey in the first breakaway? Maybe they won't win, but let's admit that we're rooting for them a little too...
