Are there any technologies/innovations that you feel you were the pioneer of in the peloton?

One big chance we felt in the Peloton was the utilization of faster textile materials on the clothing. Obviously the body is the biggest thing that catches the wind. It was very noticeable when teams gained access to these materials before others, for the same effort you were simply traveling km’s per hour faster. Obviously now everyone has access to these materials to a certain extent so it’s harder to gain a significant advantage in this field.

On top of that, in my generation, digital shifting & disc brakes have obviously had a big impact but also those where more accessible to everyone from the time they were introduced.

What are the key characteristics you look for in your equipment (bike and apparel)?

Firstly performance is incredibly important to me. I need to know I’m not at a disadvantage to my competitors before worrying about the physical elements involved in elite sport. Then, when I have multiple options, I’ll test everything & asses which products allow me to best deliver my optimal physical performance.

What was the first Q36.5 garment you tried? How would you describe it? Could you “feel the difference”?

The first Q garment I tried was simply a Gregarius bib short and jersey. This is obviously something I’ve worn so many times over the years with different brands, provided the perfect opportunity to immediately assess how Q36.5 distinguish themselves from the rest of the market. The quality of the materials ensured a more tailored fit than if experienced in the past, even more so than custom kits from other brands. Obviously, the comfort meant that that my performance in the training session was optimized as well, I was immediately incredibly impressed by Q36.5.

What Q36.5 equipment are you using this season for training and racing? Could you please talk us through a few of your favourite items?

I guess for me the most important piece of Q36.5 apparel is the Tri suit. From my first race in South Africa at the beginning of the season I was blown away by the performance of the cooling elements of the suit. It was a hot 28 degree 90% humidity day, I’d arrived directly from a European winter so far from heat acclimatized. However when I made the suit wet I simply didn’t think of the conditions, I just felt so comfortable. It allowed me to focus on the execution of the best race I could do on the day, zero chafing or rubbing, the suit far surpassed my expectations.

As far concerns a personal favorite garment, the Q36.5 base layer is totally revolutionary. I find I can ride in shorts and a jersey in 10°C an be sufficiently warm when wearing the base layer, but also, in 30°C if a day gets hot unexpectedly, I’m still comfortable wearing the same base layer, it seems to have some magical way to thermo regulate.

Also I have to mention the rain jacket, it is a huge winner. It’s incredibly light & can fold up so tight it takes up little space in your jersey pocket. I live in Andorra in the heart of the Pyrenees where the weather can change exponentially in a heartbeat. No matter how cold or wet I can become suddenly, I know I’ll always be perfectly warm & dry if I have the rain jacket with me.