LAP, a new brand established by former professional cyclists, has launched its inaugural product line, Project 001 – Founders Cut, addressing a critical compromise in the cycling world. This innovative collection integrates advanced D3O impact protection directly into race-ready garments, aiming to deliver both exceptional safety and unhindered performance. The California-based company asserts that its designs overcome the traditional trade-off between speed and protection, offering lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency, and complete freedom of movement. This development marks a significant step forward for cyclists seeking to enhance their safety without sacrificing competitive edge, particularly given the prevalence of injuries in professional cycling events.

Joseph Lupien, founder and CEO of LAP and a former professional racer, highlights that while road cycling has continuously evolved to be faster and more aerodynamic, rider protection, apart from helmets, has seen minimal advancement. This realization, stemming from his own serious collision in 2022 that resulted in multiple fractures and spinal surgery, became the impetus for creating LAP. Lupien's vision was to develop gear that inherently combines safety with high performance, coining the brand's name, LAP, to represent 'Light. Aerodynamic. Protection.'

Project 001 distinguishes itself by not merely adding protective elements to existing apparel but by fundamentally rethinking garment architecture. The design process focused on seamlessly integrating D3O technology, a smart material known for its soft flexibility during normal use and instantaneous hardening upon impact, to absorb and disperse energy effectively. This material is widely recognized and utilized in various protective applications, including motorcycle armor and mountain biking gear, underscoring its proven efficacy in impact absorption.

The integrated D3O protectors in Project 001 meet stringent safety standards, with the back protector adhering to EN 1621-2:2014 Level 1 requirements and the shoulder and hip protectors meeting EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1. A key feature of the full suit, which is available for both men and women, is its modularity. Cyclists can customize their level of protection by easily adding or removing specific pads for the back, shoulders, or hips, allowing for adaptability based on riding style, intensity, or personal preference. This flexibility ensures that the suit remains a high-performance garment even when protection is minimized, emphasizing LAP's commitment to prioritizing performance without unnecessary compromises. The company's approach involved rigorous testing and development by professional and serious amateur cyclists, ensuring the gear feels right and performs optimally at race pace.

The introduction of Project 001 by LAP represents a paradigm shift in cycling apparel, offering a comprehensive solution for riders who demand both peak performance and robust protection. By eliminating the need to choose between these two crucial aspects, LAP provides a sophisticated, integrated, and modular system that allows cyclists to ride with greater confidence and safety, whether in training or competition, without the encumbrance of traditional protective gear.