Rudy Project Helmets Rank Second in DATEV Challenge Roth Helmet Count

The tri industry’s first-ever Europe-centric indicator of purchasing patterns among consumers in triathlon shows solid foothold for the innovative Italian company

Denver, Colo. – July 17. 2017

Rudy Project, Italian crafters of helmets (road, TT, and road-aero helmets), performance and prescription eyewear, and sport gear, took a respectable second place in the inaugural 2017 DATEV Challenge Roth count. A group of industry experts, led by industry writer Jay Prasuhn, tallied up the preferred brands of bikes, wheels, helmets and other related parts and pieces of equipment laid out in T1. Rudy Project was well-represented, with a total of 383 helmets, second only to Giro.

“This is fantastic news,” said Paul Craig, President and Co-Founder of Rudy Project North America. “Everyone knows Rudy is the #1 helmet at Kona but now it goes to show that triathletes all over the world are choosing our product because it keeps them aerodynamic, well-protected, and looking their best no matter where they’re racing. In a market that is arguably even more crowded in Europe than North America, it’s fantastic that Rudy Project did as well as it did.”

Rudy Project is well known in North America as the “Most Worn Helmet at the IRONMAN® World Championship” for the past 6 years running, something that has never been achieved in the helmet industry before. For an innovative, family-owned Italian company to emerge as a dominant helmet player in the elite global triathlon scene, it speaks to the level of research and technology behind the development of Rudy Project’s aerodynamic and technically cool lids.

Rudy Project’s pro triathlete field was well-represented in the 2017 race, with female athlete Yvonne Van Vlerken of the Netherlands coming in 4th, and Per Bittner of Germany coming in 9th respectively. Both athletes raced in Rudy Project’s aero helmet of choice, the Wing57. The Wing57 helmet has a history of seeing athletes to the finish line first at Challenge Roth. Yvonne Van Vlerken and Carrie Lester took first and second, respectively, in 2015, both sporting the full aero helmet. Timo Bracht proudly sported a Rudy Project Wing57 during his 2014 Challenge Roth victory, where a smart bike race and searingly-fast run won him the title. This year’s Challenge Roth was Bracht’s last major race; he announced prior to the race that it would be the last major race of his 15-year long career that garnered him 9 IRONMAN titles and the 2014 Challenge Roth title.

“For those who have never worn a Rudy Project helmet, we hope they realize that our products are trusted and loved by everyone from champions like Josh Amberger and Sarah Crowley to weekend warriors all around the world,” said Craig. “Our mission at Rudy Project is simple: to provide athletes with the highest quality and most technologically advanced helmets and sunglasses in the world, and our presence at Roth and Kona is a testament to those values.”

Rudy Project’s aero/TT helmets are designed with the aid of aerodynamics guru John Cobb and wind-tunnel tested to demonstrate their advantages over the competition. The Wingspan has been named ‘Best Aero Helmet’ by Triathlete Magazine, the Wing57 was given the esteemed ‘Best Triathlon Helmet’ award by Gear Patrol, and the new Boost 01 is receiving rave reviews throughout the triathlon industry after being featured in Triathlete Magazine’s 2017 Buyer’s Guide. All Rudy Project helmets are covered by the “Best Helmet Warranty and Crash Replacement Program on the Planet,” with an expanded 6 Year Crash Replacement Guarantee in North America, and a 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty against all defects. The combination of these policies was heralded by cyclists, mountain bikers, in-line speed skaters, adrenaline junkies, and triathletes everywhere, as they now have access to the best helmet policies on the planet, in addition to Rudy Project’s advanced technologies, aerodynamic styling, and cutting-edge designs.

With the establishment of the expanded 6-year crash warranty period, the replacement discount has been increased to 55% off MSRP. This announcement was historic, as Rudy Project is the only manufacturer in the industry to offer 55% off a crash replacement for up to 6 years after original purchase. Policies like this, in addition to Rudy Project’s 90-day money back guarantee, serve as reminders of what makes the Rudy Project brand stand out in a crowded field, and help secure honors like top helmet count numbers the world over.

To see more news from Rudy Project, and stay up to date on the latest helmets, sunglasses, and gear, check us out at www.e-rudy.com and on social media.

About Rudy Project

Italian Crafted Sunglasses, Helmets, Goggles, + Rx/Prescription Eyewear Since 1985 • 6-Time #1 Most-Worn Aero / TT Helmet at IRONMAN® World Championships • Unbeatable Replacement Lens Guarantee • www.e-rudy.com

Media Contacts:

Simone Cordery-Cotter – simone@gorace.pro 949-272-2476