Aqua Sphere and Michael Phelps, the most decorated swimmer of all-time, have unveiled the first-ever limited edition MP brand USA Competition kit. The USA patriotic-themed edition of the MP line was developed utilizing Aqua Sphere’s proprietary technology, Exo-Core, which serves as the platform to the XPRESSO racing suit (available in men’s and women’s styles), XCEED goggle, and X-O racing cap.
Phelps, and long-time coach Bob Bowman, worked closely with Aqua Sphere engineers to develop the MP brand racing kit that features performance-driven designs and global engineering resources from Italy, France, Germany and the United States.
Phelps, who is utilizing the full, FINA-approved MP competitive line in 2016, competed in the first MP product – the XPRESSO racing suit – last season and produced the three fastest times (100 Fly, 200 Fly, 200 IM) under FINA-approved textile suit guidelines.
“Michael and Bob have been instrumental in providing our team of designers with insight and guidance to develop a performance-driven full racing system for the MP brand,” said Todd Mitchell, Business Line Manager of Aqua Sphere. “We were able to leverage the same dual material technology platform from the XPRESSO suit, Exo-Core, and apply it to the new XCEED goggles and X-O racing cap for the 2016 MP line.”
Phelps is preparing for trials this June in Omaha, with the hope of qualifying for his fifth Olympic Games. He will be competing in a specially designed USA patriotic-themed suit, cap and goggles, which features the traditional red, white and blue colour scheme of the USA.
The 2016 MP line also includes traditional training suits, Focus swim snorkel, Alpha Pro Fins, and the Strength Paddle, all developed to support the coaching and training best practices supported by Phelps and Bowman.
“One of my long-time goals has been to help grow the sport of swimming, and thanks to the support of Aqua Sphere, we have been able to develop a complete racing system that I have been directly involved with from concept to competition,” said Phelps.
“I have a few more goals that I’d like to achieve this summer and the possibility of doing so in the MP brand would be a dream come true for me. While this is my last summer of racing, swimming will always be a part of my life and I look forward to building on the success of the MP brand with Aqua Sphere in the years to come.”
The MP XCEED goggle leverages Aqua Sphere’s patented curved lens providing enhanced clarity and expanded field of vision. Engineered with Exo-Core technology, the goggle combines two materials for maximum performance while offering stability and durability.
The ultra-soft anatomic Softeril gaskets provide ‘a watertight seal with an exceptionally comfortable fit’. The MP X-O swim cap incorporates hydrodynamics into the design to maximize drag reduction, especially along the hairline and back of the head. With integrated, dual-density stretch zones, stabilizing ribs, and internal dimpling, the cap offers a sleek and secure fit.
“The partnership with Aqua Sphere has been a unique opportunity to share our knowledge and insights with their team of designers and engineers to create a great line of products for the MP brand,” said Bowman. “We have incorporated elements into the full racing system to create the most streamlined movement through the water from suit, cap, and goggles that we believe helps support performance.”
Released in 2015, the MP XPRESSO combines Aqua Sphere’s proprietary Exo-Foil and Aqua-Core fabrics to deliver the innovative dual fabric technology, Exo-Core, in a racing suit that ‘not only provides compression, hydrodynamic material and bonded seams, but also offers increased flexibility and range of motion that allows athletes to maintain relaxed muscles before and during competition to maximize peak performance.’
The Exo-Core construction features strategically placed panels designed to reduce energy dissipation through compressive support while allowing for increased circulation throughout the leg and femoral artery. The panels work in conjunction with the XPRESSO’s proprietary fabric to ‘offer athletes an unprecedented range of motion in a competitive racing suit.’
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