Alé has a feminine soul. For this reason, it takes care of women's clothing like no one else before, studying fit and unique style. This is the philosophy that is applied 360 degrees throughout the entire range. AléFrom direct sales to e-commerce, to the creation of clothing for a women's WorldTour team. Alessia Piccolo, CEO of APG, is a first-hand actor in the intent aimed at promote women's cycling, with dedicated ranges and sponsorships for youth teams for girls.
For this behind-the-scenes journey, let's take Team BikeExchange-Jayco as an example, which the Veneto-based company dresses for both men and women. When creating technical gear for a team of this caliber, attention to detail reaches a level of tailoring. Let's find out together. Alessandro Migliorini, Marketing Manager and Monica Rudella, Product Manager.
The woman at the center
Attention to every detail is what makes the difference, and in the sports world this aspect is amplified to the nth degree in many directions. For Alé every need and curve of the female body has a visceral and non-negligible importance"All Team BikeExchange garments," explains Monica Rudella, "are designed with women's anatomy in mind. We don't start with a men's model and then develop it for women, like everyone else does. We do exactly the opposite." let's start from the feminine ex novo. The common practice is to take a men's garment and make it smaller. Our pattern makers study the female body and reflect it in the materials. Just like the seat pad designed specifically for women's needs, with pressure points that are totally different from those of men. This, in my opinion, is the plus of Alé.
«Being a woman, Alessia Piccolo, takes great care in taking care of women's clothing because it's something that sets us apart. We often have our lab-designed garments worn by our WorldTour athletes before we put our brand on them and send them to production. We also do ten fittings before saying that the item is correct».
Tailored care
Alè boasts thirty years of experience in this sector, for this reason the choice of fabrics and knowing how to combine and sew them with care is one of the arts that distinguishes the company. Ensuring the maximum performance and give the best sensations to cyclists Even in the most difficult situations, it is the goal that underlies everything.
«The choice of materials – says Migliorini – does not differ so much between males and females because they are used top-of-the-range, high-performance yarns. More than anything, the choice of graphics and cuts changes. Fit is a key factor in women's comfort. For example, more fitted hips. The back is adapted because it has a different physique compared to the male body. The front panels are never mesh but are closed to avoid transparency. Then, regarding the materials, we conducted research and the requirements remain the same. Fit remains a key element in the creation of the uniform and garments in general.
«In addition to the difference between male and female, it must be considered that each athlete has his own kitThey're tailored products. For example, Sanchez likes the sleeves a centimeter longer, while Landa likes them a little shorter. We make them perfect for each of them. All the athletes have their fits made to measure. For a team, on average, we make at least twenty different cuts, completely tailored for each rider. We respect their needs down to the millimeter because we believe these are details that can make the difference. These are garments that are worn next to the skin, so they must follow the contours of the body in every aspect. Team measurements are taken at the training camps, and after a few days, we are able to provide the kits to the entire team.
Alessia Piccolo on the front line
Alessia Piccolo cares deeply about women's cycling and about paying attention to the product at every stage.
«Alessia sees everything worn in cycling position – says Monica Rudella – to be able to appreciate every detail in motion. The athlete gets on the roller and we look for every detail, recording all the functioning of the fabrics and the applied fits.. Everything should be worn in an athletic position, not standing because that is its true function. Alessia's vision is total, she leaves nothing to chanceBoth for the fit and the materials, it's essential that the entire outfit be designed specifically for women. The graphics and design are meticulously crafted; we also collaborate with external stylists, but she always oversees the process. Alessia tests the products first and she is the first to point out corrections and details to be taken care of before sending it into production."
Piccolo also promotes women's cycling through sponsorships. The Grand Prix took place on September 4th. Alé Cycling dedicated to girls in the Beginners and Students categories.
From pros to amateurs
Research needs "guinea pigs". Those of Alé They are definitely special. They are the professional cyclists with whom the company has collaborated for years. In fact, no one is better able to give advice and suggestions on the products to be developed than them.
«Everything is developed on the fly. For example – continues Rudella – the athlete tried on a particular item and suggested some improvements or modificationsWe listen to it and improve it in the lab for the next time. And that's where we start to develop the range we sell to the public, taking advantage of this valuable advice and then sharing it with the users who will then go on to buy our garments. We believe that our testers are the riders in the field and that this is a unique element that Alé can be proud."
