Motorcycle protective gear specialist Dainese is getting ready for the winter months. In a departure from their moto-roots, the Italian apparel firm is now the official supplier of safety equipment for the U.S. Ski Team. Dainese also did a separate four-year endorsement deal with the most decorated male athlete in U.S. skiing history Bode Miller.
Rooted in the company’s mantra that “design saves lives,” Dainese branched into the winter sports market back in the early 1990s by developing the first back protector ever used in competitive skiing. Similar in design to its motorcycling counterpart the Action Wave and Manis spine protectors will be used by the U.S. Ski Team, along with Dainese’s line of carbon-infused helmets, shin guards and arm guards.
Another key component of the partnership will be the ongoing development of Dainese’s cutting-edge D-air Ski, an airbag system that deploys during high-speed crashes to protect the body’s core. “Dainese is an innovative global leader whose products play a vital role for our athletes at all levels in their pursuit of excellence in competitive ski racing,” said Patrick Riml, Alpine Director for the USSA. “Partnerships like this are key components of our Best in the World athletic success.”
Dainese also becomes Bode Miller’s sole supplier of ski racing safety and protective gear. “Throughout my entire career, I have chosen to partner with companies that strive to be the very best in the industry,” claims Miller. “Given their attention to detail, high quality products and development of advanced safety systems, Dainese is the best I have found.”
“Dainese’s decision to partner with Bode Miller goes well beyond a mere sponsorship opportunity,” said Giovanni Fogal, Multisport Marketing Manager for Dainese. “We look forward to involving him in the research and development of our entire line of wintersports protective gear as we have found this sort of deeper collaboration results in innovative solutions to share with our consumers.”
