Leading Spanish cycling brand Spiuk, is using Advansa’s Biophyl and Thermo°Cool technical yarns in its latest Elite Men 2010 summer collection to keep riders cool while they look after the environment.

The company’s Elite Men cycling jerseys which are made from a circular knitted jersey jacquard fabric incorporating eco friendly Biophyl also use ThermoCool fabric inserts in strategic areas to control body temperature.

Biophyl is an ‘eco-polyester’ material comprising 37% of a component manufactured from corn as a regenerative raw material and aims to combine the advantages of sustainability with the performance of polyester products.

Thermo°Cool is a hybrid fibre mix comprising multi-channel and hollow fibres which gives dual functional features which aims to keep the wearer close to optimum comfort temperature. Fabrics made of Thermo°Cool are used in key areas of Spiuk’s Elite Men jerseys such as on the back and under the armpits.

According to Advansa, Thermo°Cool not only allows moisture to evaporate quickly, reducing the temperature of the clothing to keep the cyclist cool and dry, but when necessary, it also provides a type of thermal buffering function ensuring protection against changing temperatures.

The Biophyl and Thermo°Cool fabrics used in Spiuk’s jerseys are produced by Portuguese knitter A. Sampaio & Filhos Texteis, S.A., an innovative producer of jersey, rib and fleece fabrics.

The company operates a plant of Mayer & Cie., Monarch and Pilotelli circular knitting machines and Stoll flat knitting machines for accessories at its modern 25,000 square metre facility in Santo Tirso, a well known textile manufacturing town near Porto. Sampaio is known for its innovation and develops its own collections twice yearly.

Luciano Colasanto, Advansa’s Market Manager for Biophyl says: “Biophyl fabrics represent more than simply improving the ecological analysis. The outstanding softness of the materials prevents skin rashes, for example, during excessive sporting activity. Biophyl has been awarded the highest Class 1 Eco-Tex Standard 100 certificate which also covers the category for baby clothing, making it particularly suitable for textiles worn directly on skin.

It also has the positive feature of very swift drying. Combined with excellent stretch and reshaping features and the easy-care nature of the fabrics, these characteristics make them ideal for use in sports clothing, especially in the area of cycling.”

Spiuk manufactures bikewear, helmets, glasses and cycling shoes and has become a reference brand in its field since it was established thirteen years ago.