endurance Junkie, the Belgian manufacturer of Sportwool endurance apparel, has launched a fundraising campaign to finance the expansion of its product range with new summer and winter cycling gear. The campaign is being run on Indiegogo.com, the online crowdfunding platform.
With a target of €10,000 in funding, the campaign started on 26 April and will close on 26 May 2014 (23:59 PT).
endurance Junkie started in 2010 with ‘a profound passion for Ironman triathlon and the simple idea of developing the best and most comfortable triathlon suit possible.’ By integrating the properties of Merino wool, which is soft next to the skin, breathable and anti-static, the apparel keeps an athlete warm when the climate is cold yet releases body heat and moisture when it’s hot.
endurance Junkie notes that its apparel helps athletes perform at their peak, whether it is in Hawaii or in Norway.
The first core product was the Sportwool Tri Suit. Available in both a men’s and women’s cut, the tri suit combines high performance with distinctive styling and provides moisture-wicking properties, body temperature control and wearer comfort.
endurance Junkie believes that the use of Sportwool is totally unique in a triathlon race suit. The company notes that, ‘according to other manufacturers, a tri suit is supposed to be slick through the water. But what’s the point when 99% of the time, triathletes wear a wetsuit over it for the swim? We rather believe comfort is key when you’re out on the course all day. We believe in maximum performance on the bike and on the run.’
“It all started with one merino and some twentyish Lycra bike jerseys,” said Peter Brees, founder of the brand. “Whether I was going for a run or a bike ride, if that merino jersey was available, it was the jersey of choice. Cool, highly moisture wicking and oh so comfortable to wear.”
For the past four years, the company has been expanding its race apparel offering. It cites Kona age group champions that train and race in endurance Junkie gear, and a growing customer base.
Brees continued, “The feedback we have received from them has been incredible so far and now we are looking for extra support to expand our product range.”
All endurance Junkie backers on the Indiegogo.com campaign will help fund the production of the brand’s summer bike training range as well as the development and production of a full range of winter training gear, such as winter tights, wind gilets and rain jackets.
endurance Junkie Sportwool clothing aims to appeal to a wide range of endurance athletes who participate in triathlon, cycling or (trail)running. With this in mind, the brand is seeking public support to fund the product range expansion. Interested consumers and investors can help the launch of new apparel and will have access to early releases of the products by supporting the Indiegogo campaign.
endurance Junkie is a Belgian private limited company (b.v.b.a.) founded in February 2010. It is the brainchild of the current Managing Director, Peter Brees, a long-time triathlete and multiple Ironman finisher. The company’s aim is to ‘develop, manufacture and sell the best triathlon gear available on the market, focusing on quality, performance and design.’
