Rudy Project, the iconic Italian brand of sports eyewear and helmets, and the INOV8 France team officially announce a new partnership that will see the Treviso-based company become the official sponsor and supplier of the French trail running team.
This collaboration represents another key step in Rudy Project’s expansion strategy within the trail running world. Following its recent three-year agreement with the UTMB World Series, Rudy Project has become the Official Eyewear Partner of the world’s most prestigious trail running circuit until 2027.
AN ALLIANCE OF EXCELLENCE
INOV8 France – a young but already high-profile team on the French scene – was born from the vision of Emmanuel Fedon, Country Manager of INOV8 France, and embodies the athletic and technical values of the British brand INOV8, known for its natural-fitting, high-tech footwear for trail and outdoor running. Based in England’s Lake District, INOV8 is globally recognised for its innovative solutions in grip, lightweight construction, and performance on technical terrain.
Rudy Project will supply the INOV8 France team with its most advanced high-performance eyewear, including models featuring ImpactX® photochromic lenses – a cutting-edge technology offering optimal protection and automatic adaptation to light changes, crucial features in ultra-trail competitions.
ENTERING THE TRAIL RUNNING SCENE
This partnership is part of a broader strategic plan to strengthen Rudy Project’s position in the trail segment. After forty years of leadership in sports eyewear for cycling and winter sports, the brand now aims to become a key reference for trail runners worldwide.
The collaboration with the UTMB World Series, followed by the agreement with INOV8 France, confirms Rudy Project’s commitment to supporting top-level athletes and competitions, bringing its technological expertise and pioneering spirit to the trail running community.
Building on a successful 2024 season with no less than 54 podium finishes, the INOV8 France team has proven its excellence through top-level performances. Among the most notable results are Yannick Noel’s 10th place at the UTMB® and his victory at the VVX 110 km; Laure Rebuffet’s 3rd place on the 90 km of Mont-Blanc and her win at the Mascareignes; as well as Lucie Bidault’s triumphs at the 6000D and Maxirace 60, confirming the breadth of talent within the team.
The team enters the new season aiming to raise the bar even higher – a goal made even more achievable thanks to the optical excellence provided by Rudy Project.
Massimo Perozzo, Sports Marketing Manager at Rudy Project, states: “The partnership with INOV8 France is a key step in our trail running strategy. Following our agreement with the UTMB World Series, collaborating with such a dynamic and competitive team enables us to test and further develop our technologies directly in the field, alongside international-level athletes. It’s the beginning of an ambitious journey that will see us increasingly at the forefront of this extraordinary sport.”
Emmanuel Fedon, Country Manager and Sports Director of Team INOV8 France, comments: “We are thrilled to welcome Rudy Project as a partner of our team. The quality and innovation of their products, combined with their experience in high-performance sports, are exactly what we seek for our athletes. This collaboration will allow us to face the toughest trail challenges with the best gear possible.”
INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE
INOV8 France athletes will wear the entire Rudy Project trail running range, with a focus on the Turbolence model equipped with ImpactX 2 Laser Purple photochromic lenses. The partnership also includes a joint development programme, enabling athletes to actively contribute – through direct feedback – to the refinement of future collections.
