Rudy Project Announces New UK & ROI Distribution
For over 30 years, Rudy Project has been at the forefront of the sports industry, crafting premium helmets and eyewear that have set the standard for performance and innovation. Founded in 1985 in Treviso, Italy, Rudy Project was born out of the belief that “performance starts in your head.” This philosophy led to the revolutionary vision of creating sport-specific sunglasses that seamlessly integrated with helmets—a groundbreaking concept at the time.
Since its inception, Rudy Project has continually pushed the boundaries of design and technology, establishing itself as a global leader in optics and protection. From the early days of pioneering sport-specific sunglasses to the development of cutting-edge helmets, Rudy Project’s commitment to innovation has remained unwavering.
HELMETS AND SUNGLASSES FOR THE OUTDOOR SPORTS
Today, Rudy Project continues to lead the way in the world of professional cycling, serving as a technical partner to Team Bahrain Victorious at the pinnacle of the sport—the World Tour. Their eyewear and helmets are trusted by top athletes like Matej Mahoric and Fred Wright, showcasing the brand's dedication to performance at the highest level.
Beyond cycling, Rudy Project’s expertise extends to a wide range of outdoor pursuits, solidifying its position as a truly multisport brand. In the triathlon world, Rudy Project is the choice of champions such as Jackie Hering and Danielle Lewis, who currently hold the top two positions in the Pro Ironman Women’s rankings. Additionally, the brand's strong commitment to sports like trekking and running has made it a trusted name for athletes seeking the best in protection and performance.
Rudy Project’s dedication to excellence across multiple disciplines is further exemplified by their collaboration with American Magic, a leading team competing for the America’s Cup—the most prestigious trophy in the world of sailing. This partnership highlights Rudy Project's ability to deliver high-performance gear across a diverse range of sports, where precision and protection are paramount.
The innovation doesn’t stop there, Rudy Project are the leaders in performance prescription eyewear for sports and now, with the new Vista collection, extending into prescription lifestyle. Rudy Project now has optical solutions for all people for all sports.
Cristiano Barbazza, CEO of Rudy Project, also shared his thoughts on the partnership: “I am excited to embark in this new partnership with Saddleback. Their extensive experience and strong presence in the UK sports market make them the ideal partner to help us expand our reach and reinforce Rudy Project’s position as a leader in performance eyewear and protection. I take the chance to extend my sincere thanks to Yellow for their long-standing collaboration and dedication over the years. I look forward to a successful new chapter with Saddleback, bringing our innovative products to even more athletes across the UK and Ireland.”
Richard Mardle, Saddleback Brand Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “It’s a huge pleasure to welcome Rudy Project to the Saddleback family. Their performance eyewear and protection have been key innovators over the years, and they complement our strong Italian apparel brands in providing head-to-toe performance wear. Our focus will be on rebuilding the strength of the brand in the UK and Irish markets as Rudy Project embarks on a new path of performance innovation in multisport eyewear and helmets.”
As Rudy Project continues to build upon its heritage and global reputation as a leading optics and protection brand, Saddleback is excited to roll out UK and Irish distribution with a strong focus on brand building across all channels.
Rudy Project products are available from early September through Saddleback for the UK and Ireland. For business information, please contact info@saddleback.co.uk or by telephone on 01454 285285.
