News

June 18, 2008

Kalas kitted team wins the RAAM - Worlds longest race

The all rookie Utag Yamaha.com team from the UK won 4 person team RAAM on Tuesday evening with a time of 6:02:12 and average speed of 20.62 mph. They finished more than 16 hours behind the winning 8 person team. Their competition Ireland’s Navan Avonmore Team led them until the KS/MO state line after which Utag pulled away finishing 2 hours, 5 minutes ahead of Ireland. A rider on the Utag team on the finishing stage said, “We were going to do the Tour de France, but decided to see America.” Utag is personal information worn in a neck strap to save lives in case of emergency. Another Utag rider said, “Riding 3,000 miles across America was the easy part, the crew had to do all the hard work.” A rider said, “Get rid of the bike” when they were making room on stage for their crew to come up. The used the classic 4 person team strategy of 2 man rotations for 8 hour shifts, but one pair did 5 mile pulls while the other pair did 10. Utag rider Julian Jenkinson has ridden a 100 mile TT in the UK in 3:49. A former pro triathlete, he holds the British Ironman record of 8:15:23, and has done the Hawaii Ironman 4 times finishing as high as 20th place. RAAM Website

June 17, 2008

BIGFOOT AT BRISTOL BIKEFEST

The weather was great and the conditions dry and dusty but our new jerseys kept us cool. We also hit the mark on getting a design that would standout from the other teams - essential with nearly 1000 riders doing the 12 hour event on Saturday!

After lying third for most of the day our Mens Fun team suffered three punctures and a chain snapping which dropped us to 6th place out of 105.

Our Competitive Mixed team just missed out on 3rd place - by less than a minute! And our Fun Mixed team held a steady 6th out of 22 other teams.

See more photos

Link to full report www.bigfootmbc.co.uk

 

June 10, 2008

Team UTag  Yamaha are competing in the Raam

The Southampton based Team UTag Yamaha are competing in the Raam (Race Across America) the world’s longest cycle race just short of 3000 miles a true test for the riders and the kit.

The Race Across America is one of the most respected and longest running annual endurance events holding legendary stature the world over. It is one of the pinnacles of sporting accomplishment, globally seen as the highest rung of the ultra-endurance sports ladder. Since 1982, RAAM has a rich and storied history standing as a monument to human endeavors.

Good luck from Kalas!

RAAM Website

 

The 1000 mile ride for life for leukaemia research

They're cycling 100 miles around the UK. Watch the movie on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EHk23p4ErM

 

Kalas Cup Two Day Promoted by Team Tor 2000

Bright sunshine welcomed cyclists from across the country to Somerset for the Kalas Cup two day stage race and support races promoted by Team Tor 2000. The first of the 3 stages plus the support races were based at Merryfield Airfield, a Second World War base for the RAF bombers.

The action kicked off with a time trial, the one-mile course is fairly flat the head wind on the back straight made it a tough test. It was last years overall winner Pete Kench, ‘Comp 1 Team’ that set the fastest time in th early stages with a 2.10 one second faster than is time last year.  KFS – Special Vehicles James Stewart then set a time of 2.08 that was not going to be challenged and took the first yellow jersey. Stage two was a circuit races based around the perimeter of the airfield this was fast from the gun and with a sprint every other lap for the point’s competition it made the race very competitive and tough with lots of riders going out the back. But it was once again the KFS Team that was dominating the race.

Though there were many attacks throughout the race it was a bunch of thirty plus riders that charged for the finish line. The top two places was a repeat of the prologue time trial with James Stewart out sprinting Peter Kench with George Richardson finishing in third. With a couple of hours before the final stage of the day a couple of support race were promoted. The Trike race, which is a part of the national series, was won by Geoff Booker from Steve Avery who both had travelled form Oxfordshire. For the 3rd and 4th category circuit race it was Taunton’s Simon Cole who continued his recent form is by taking a the win after escaping the main bunch with 3 other riders and in the Women’s race which ran alongside this Greta Junker, also from Taunton finished first. With the youth races having taken place early in the day it was time for the final stage of the day for the Kalas cup a 20 km team time trial. The composite 1 team set the early lead but once again it was the KFS team that stormed over the line completing the course in 26.08 although they dropped two of their riders in the early stages. At the end of the first day even though KFS had taken a clean sweep the time difference between the top 10 was small and so the race was not over. Sunday’s stage was base on road around the Somerton.

As the race rolled out of the ancient capital of Wessex there was comments from the local church that it was making the congregation late as they stopped to watch the spectacle. As the race was de neutralised there was attack by Team Tor 2000’s Steve Noyce but he was soon brought back. There were a few further attacks but nobody was able to get away due to the high speed. It was once again KFS the dominated the intermediate sprints along with Dave Sinclair riding as a guest for Chippenham Wheelers.

On the last lap Mid Devon’s national level rider Jon Tiernan-Locke attacked staying clear and riding to the stage victory and 5 seconds later John Vernes followed leading the main bunch home. Last years winner, Peter Kench crossed the line 33 second after the winner which meant the he lost his second place overall and left KFS taking the top three place overall plus the team, best under 23 and the points jersey. Dave Sinclair took the George Drewell prize for the most aggressive rider and second place in th epoints competition.

The prize presentation took place at the Butter Cross in the centre of Somerton where the winners were presented with the winners jersey’s trophies and prizes generously donated by local companies Hecks Cider, White Lake Cheese, Will Mepham Torq and of course Kalas Sportswear Ltd.

Team Tor 2000 would like to thank all the helpers and officials, sponsors and the general public for the patience which made this event a true memorable occasion for the club and riders.    

Andrew Crocker

 

June 10, 2008

Busy Bees staff get busy to support British Heart Foundation

Employees of a Lichfield based company are doing their bit for charity, they plan to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Eight employees from Busy Bees Childcare Vouchers are riding the London to Brighton Cycle Ride, a staggering 54 miles long, to bring in the cash! The event takes place on Sunday 15th June. It’s currently the largest charity bike ride in the UK and since it began in 1980 it has raised over 40 million pounds for the charity.

This year the bike ride is fully subscribed, with 27,000 riders cycling in the event. Taking part from Busy Bees are Howard Johnson, Michelle Roffey, Ian Stanley, Linda Phillips, Gemma Turner, Dave Watchorn, Parish Pravin, Adam Joyce and Dave Thackray all based at the Trent Park site in Lichfield. Their friends and family will be there to support them, cheering them on and will be on standby with the water to keep them fully hydrated! 

Dave Thackray, National Accounts Director, Busy Bees Childcare Vouchers said; “We always encourage staff to do their bit – even I have been roped into this one! The British Heart Foundation is a fantastic cause.”

 

If you would like to sponsor Busy Bees to raise money for the British Heart Foundation please contact Howard Johnson on 07789 512 651 Or howard.johnson@busybeesvouchers.com.

 

May 16, 2008

George Wainwright first lady in Tour of Ireland

Kalas equipped George Wainwright (Team Tor 2000) finished the gruelling 4 day 800Km Tour of Ireland as the first lady. Months of preparation have paid off for the Team Tor 2000 lady who is only in her second season after taking up the sport two years ago. George “ everything was perfect the bike, the clothing, the training”. Well done from all at Kalas Sportswear Ltd and good luck for your future targets.

See video on Cyclosport.org

 

May 15, 2008

Kalas Cup - Two Day Stage Race Plus Support Events

With prizes, jerseys and cups up for grabs there is still time to enter the Kalas Cup based in Somerset.

This event is open to teams of 3 to 5 riders (E/1/2/3), though individuals are more than welcome to enter and they will be placed with a suitable team.

Saturday's racing is based on the Merryfield Airfield in Ilton near Ilminster starting off with a flat 1km prologue. The day continues with an hour plus a lap circuit race and to close the day's proceedings there is a 20km team time trial. There are also support circuit races for 34, youth, women and trikes.  

Sunday is a 100km road race based on roads around Somerton.  For more information go to www.tor2000.co.uk or phone Andrew/Anna on 01458 272242 or email mail@tor2000.co.uk

Read more at British Cycling Website

 

May 14, 2008

A team of Isle of Wight firefighters cycling 1,400 miles each from St. Thomas’ Square, Newport, Isle of Wight, Great Britain to St. Peter’s Square, Vatican, Italy in September 2008 in aid of the Wessex Cancer Trust for the provision of equipment for St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight for the diagnosis, treatment and care of Isle of Wight cancer and leukemia patients. Kalas are of course among the sponsors.

Read more

 

April 3, 2008

Yet another Race Team chooses Kalas

Team

Danny Axford, Jon Dayus, Jody Crawforth, Andy Profitt, James Dobbin, Darren Barclay, Jon-Kris Mason, Matt Holmes, Alistair Tulett, Simon Wilson, Tim Bayley, David Law and Dave McGaw.

The Arctic-Premier Race Team was presented to a packed house of press, sponsors and friends in north London. Whilst the paparazzi were kept out by hotel security, official photographers jostled for position and optimum exposure levels whilst Mick Clarke of Sport & Publicity presented the riders and their new top-notch team kit from clothing supplier Kalas Sportswear.

 

March 5, 2008

Yet another National Team goes for Kalas!

After a hard competition Kalas once more won over their competitors. This time it was the Qatar National Cycling Team that chose Kalas as their supplier of cyclewear.

High quality in both fabric and design, a full range of garments and reasonable prices was the deciding factors for Qatars’ choice.

 

Million kroner contract!

Swedish Cycling Associations chooses Kalas 

February 17. 2008

From the left: secretary general of SCF Anders Karlsson and sales manager Jonas Gunnarsson from Kalas Sweden.  The new Swedish National Teamwear design. 

A 3 year, million kroner (approx £80,000), deal was signed between the Swedish Cycling Associations (SCF) and Kalas. Swedish National team and elite riders will wear Kalas at international competitions, the European and World championships and the Olympics in Beijing 2008.

Secretary general of SCF Anders Karlsson – “We chose Kalas because we needed a specialist in the production of cycle wear. They also fulfil our requirements for high quality, a wide selection of products for both male and female and of course sensible prices.  For many years they have been a dependable supplier to the Norwegian Cycling Association and elite teams. We have found the perfect partner to work with.”

Sweden Sales manager Jonas Gunnasson - “This is a milestone for us and it strengthens our position and our possibilities to expand in the Swedish market. Now everyone will know the Kalas brand. We benefit from than 20 years of experience in the international field, and there is great interest in our products here in Sweden. I know the National team will be proud to wear the new and modern designed teamwear. We will also introduce the same design on the supporter garments. I am really looking forward to contribute to develop the Swedish cycle sport, and be an active partner for everyone who needs team wear.”

 UK Sales Manager Andrew Crocker – “This is not only fantastic news for Sweden but also for the UK. One of the top Swedish cyclists, Magnus Backstedt (Team Slipstream, winner of the Paris Roubaix and an ex Swedish National Champion), is a UK resident and rides UK races as training in the Swedish National Colours, a rider as popular, approachable and respected as Magnus will give the brand a great image and kudos here in the UK.”

 

December 3. 2007

Improved cut on the NoWind jacket

 

The latest addition in the Kalas collection is a NoWind jacket in Raglan-cut. Their finest feature is that they can also be used as a gillet due to the removable arms. The arm zipper starts at the neck, passes diagonally across the chest, goes under the arm and back up to the neck. This new design offers several advantages. The angled Raglan cut optimises your upper body movement and makes it easier and faster to take the arms on and off. It also offers enhanced and uniformed design possibilities, as the cut is the same as the Raglan cut jersey.  

 

This new jacket has all the high qualities one expects from a Kalas garment. It is designed with a looser fit than our jerseys, and the Roubaix side panels increase flexibility. It comes equipped with a full length zipper with inner storm flap preventing water from seeping in, and a high comfortable Technopilfleece collar. The long back design and generous arm length gives greater protection from the elements.

 

Developed in Italy, the NoWind material offers a variety of functions. Its unique breathing membrane construction secures continuous moisture transport away from your body, hour after hour, ride after ride.

 

The jacket is available in men’s and ladies cut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 17. 2007

Zipper

Better zip!

As of October all NoWind-jackets will be delivered with a new and improved detail on the YKK front zipper: The zipper-handle is slightly larger than before and is now cast in one piece, prolonged with a generous grab-tag. This improvement will make it easier to use the zipper when the rider is hindered by cold fingers or gloves..

 

 

 

 

 

August 24, 2007

Team ChanceBritish Junior National Championships 2000m Pursuit
 
The track squad of Team Chance had proved their capabilities in training and now it was time for their junior members to shine at the national championships of Great Britain. And shine they did !
 

And with a nail biting ride - off for gold & silver between two team members, it was not until the end 500m that Hannah Mayho increased her pace enough to take the gold medal and Great Britain national title with Lucy Martin, after a personal best time, to take the silver medal.

 

August 2, 2007

The UK cycle team - Team Chance - has just accomplished something quite outstanding in cycle racing. They have won not only a Great Britain national title but also silver and bronze in the same category. We believe this is a unique result in cycling and especially a first in the UK and possibly the world. Needless to say Team Chance use Kalas cycle clothing!

April 3, 2007

Team Tor – Thruxton Circuit Race – 1st Aprilextend leadership for best team in South West

Once again Team Tor 2000 were in action at the wind swept Thruxton motor racing circuit near Andover. Although warm the high winds made for a tough race. Top speeds of over 50km/h and in the windy sections barely 15km/h !


Simon Breakwell, sprinting to the line

As the previous weeks race the 3rd category race was filled drama with a series of attacks from the gun. Eventually, when a group succeeded in getting away there were no Team Tor involved. With 3 laps to go Simon Breakwell showed a hard winters work has paid off and put the gas on down and easily powered his way to the lead group dropping all of the main bunch and riders caught in between the main bunch and the break in the process, with Team Tor team-mates Tom Finnimore and Craig Broadway mixing it up in the bunch. Unknown to Simon the lead group had split with three riders off the front. Simon once again showed his turn of speed to win the sprint for 4th place.


The E12 race found the in form Stu Dodd once again in the winning break. The second cat rider showed he is able to mix with the cream of the South. Back in the main bunch South West’s top junior Doug Dewie showed his worth along with Phil Finnemore by defending the escapees. With a 3 laps to go last weeks winner Marcin Bialoblocki, the ex-professional once again showed his class by splitting the break away group up and ride onto victory. Unfortunately by this point Stu’s activeness had paid a toll and just did not have the legs when hammer was put down for the final time, but the Tor rider gritted his teeth and stayed clear of the main field to finish a creditable 8th place.


Tor’s Stu Dodd leads eventual winner Bialoblocki

A few more points to add the tally and cementing the Team Tor 2000 as lead Southwest team in the National rankings.

March 19, 2007

Kalas is proud to supply TatraFitness. 

TatraFitness is an organisation dedicated to active holidays in some of the most beautiful and least well known natural areas of Europe . TatraFitness reflects the way we feel about life and being active. We cater for all levels of people, from families with small children up to the most dedicated racing sportsmen. The Tatra mountains are situated in Poland and Slovakia, anyone who has visited the region knows that it is a stunning area. However, this venture is not just limited to the Tatra Mountains, its about taking you to places that you have not been to. We run, ski, snowboard, mountain bike, road bike and hike. We have fun, drink beer and eat cake........... http://www.tatrafitness.com/

 

February 28, 2007

Wider Elastic on legs of all shorts.

We will start using a wider and better elastic on legs of shorts. This is the same as in our standard collection, a little more expensive, gives more grip, and will wear a lot better.

February 26, 2007

Team Tor 2000 snatch a 1st and 2nd place in the Frome 10 mile 2-up time trial


Team Tor 2000 managed a 1st and 2nd placings in the Frome Trial Trial. The Frome time trial is the opening time trial of the season in the South West and boasted a very competitive field. The course was held on the Frome Road and A361, the course that was undulating and the conditions though mild were windy and not ideal for a fast time. The time trial is held over ten miles and each team has two riders, requiring tight bike handling and great teamwork.

Simon Breakwell and Stu Dodd rode to first place with a time of 21:49. Graeme Lackford and Doub Dewey rode in second place with a time of 23:00. All riders are pictured below:




Pictured left to right : Stu Dodd, Graeme Lackford, Simon Breakwell, Doug Dewey
 

Minus 28 °C -No problem with NoWind!

One nice thing about the Kalas Collection is that they supply cyclewear even for the really cold days. This prolongs the season radically. Norwegians don’t let a little snow and minus 28°C get in the way of a nice ride....  Try our NoWind Jacket!

 

February 10, 2007

Team Tor 2000 with their new kit from Kalas Sportswear Ltd. Congratulations!


 

February 10, 2007

For the past twenty years Kalas has been successfully producing customised team wear for National, Pro teams and Cycling clubs across Europe. Their kit is not only printed on the highest quality fabrics but has undergone severe testing resulting in a product that stylish, comfortable and functional.

Kalas has a truly international feel using the best resources to hand building its reputation as a professional company manufacturing a quality product. The UK office, Kalas Sportswear Ltd., is based near Taunton, Somerset and production is at the Kalas plant in the Czech Republic. This is all over seen by the parent company based in Norway, where all the research and development is focused. Using a team of experienced cyclists and combining the feedback from across Europe and the harsh Nordic climate as a test bed, it has forced an evolution in the creation of functional clothing. The result is a wide range of clothing in various fabrics and cuts to suit different conditions and temperatures with the aim of satisfying the most demanding cyclist.

 

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