Julbo Adds Maxime Turgeon and Caroline George to Athlete Roster

Officials from Julbo, Inc. are pleased to announce the addition of two world-class climbers to its athlete roster in Maxime Turgeon and Caroline George.

Julbo has been setting the industry standard in lens and frame technology since the company’s inception over 100 years ago. The addition of these two athletes exemplifies clearly Julbo’s heritage in core mountaineering performance optics.

“We are very excited to add two such talented and all around great people as Max and Caroline to our team,” said Nick Yardley, president of Julbo, Inc. “Both exemplify the best of climbing, seeking out strong lines in the mountains in the purest style possible.”

Maxime Turgeon, 26, is a relative newcomer to the alpinist world. Turgeon’s attraction for the steep faces of the big mountain ranges started six years ago, when he first put his feet into climbing shoes. Since that time his passion has grown tremendously.
On Turgeon’s first trip to Alaska, he claimed a first ascent on one of the finest North American and the hardest Alaskan route of 2005: “Spice Factory” North Face of Bradley (1600 m, AI5, 5.10 R, M7) achieved in alpine style, no bolts, in a 55-hour push.

Additional achievements include a new route on the south face of the French Ridge on Mount Foraker (WI5+, M6, A0, 5500 ft.) with Will Mayo, in 40 hours up and 10 hours down in May 2006. Later that same month, Turegeon summitted via a new route on the south face of Denali, “Canadian Direct ‘the real direct,’” Alaska grade 6, 5.9, M6, AI4, 8000 ft. with Louis-Philippe Menard in 58 hours.

“Julbo always seems to be a long way ahead in the eyewear industry because they manage to match simplicity, style and versatility in their products,” Turgeon said. “I think the Zebra lens is a good example of that, allowing the perfect darkness in every situation. In an alpine environment, you have to adapt to different conditions and stay as light as possible at the same time, and Julbo, with their interchangeable lens system, brings the perfect solution to this need.”

American Caroline George (née Ware) was born in the Swiss Alps, which helped spark her passion for the mountains. After competing in the Ice World Cup for three years, George felt a deep need to explore bigger mountains. Soon, she was traveling to the Himalayas and tackling all the big north faces of the Alps. George became the first American woman to climb the three great north faces of the Alps – the Eiger, the Matterhorn and the Walker Spur on the Grandes Jorasses, all in just three months.

After attempting to work a “real job” as a lawyer for two years, George couldn’t get enough climbing in so she headed to the U.S. to guide for companies such as Exum, Colorado Mountain School and Chicks with Picks.

In 2006, George took what has been called the biggest ice climbing trip any woman has ever taken to the Canadian Rockies. On that trip, she met her husband, and they spent their honeymoon climbing the amazing summits of the Patagonian range. In January, George placed third in the Ouray Ice Festival. Later this year, she is planning climbing trips to Africa, Iceland, South America and Europe.

“There is a lot of competition out there in the sunglass industry, but none provide the quality and diversity that Julbo offers,” George said. “I have used many glasses before but I didn’t feel that they offered enough protection in the mountains. Julbo is the only brand that does not compromise quality for commercial needs.”

George and Turgeon join Julbo’s stable of professional athletes including John Varco, Ed Viesters, Jared Ogden, Tommy Caldwell, Vince Anderson, Caroline Parker, John Kear and Barry Blanchard.

Julbo also announces a partnership with the American Mountain Guides Association, offering AMGA-certified guides an incredible offer. From now until May 15, 2007, AMGA-certified guides are able to receive Julbo’s new top-of-the-line mountaineering sunglass, the Explorer, for free. The Explorer with Julbo’s Category 4, Alti Spectron X6 lens carries a suggested retail price of $116. It is just shipping into retail stores now.

For additional information on Julbo eyewear, visit www.julbousa.com or call 800.651.0833. For media inquiries, please contact Verde PR at 970.259.3555.

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