Coldblack and Descente are teaming up to sponsor Australian pro triathlete Paul Ambrose.  Ambrose is a rising star in professional triathlon and will race events globally in Descente apparel with coldblack.

“I am looking forward to racing some of Europe's top athletes, on what I consider one of the most challenging half ironman's in Europe. I would like to tests my strengths on the bike, against the commonly known culture of cyclists "The Germans". They are worldwide recognised as one of the strongest cycling nations on the planet, and I am looking forward to challenging the best on their home turf.”

Coldblack technology, a recent winner of Switzerland’s Design Prize 2009 award, was first introduced to the cycling and triathlon market during Eurobike, where Descente unveiled newpieces from their Spring 2010 coldblack collection. coldblack’s special finishing technology is said to reduce heat build-up and provide reliable protection from UV rays. Included in the collection are the all-black Avanti cycling shorts, bib shorts, and jersey and several pieces from the C6 triathlon collection.

According to Schoeller Technologies, joint owner of coldblack along with Clariant , 2% fluid loss of body weight drops performance capacity by up to 20% and the company says there is no better test subject for the efficacy of coldblack than a world-class professional like Ambrose. “At just 24, the young athlete has shown impressive results against Ironman stalwarts Craig Alexander and Andy Potts. During training and racing, an athlete is directly affected by core and surface temperatures; but unlike training intensity and frequency, an athlete cannot control how heat will affect performance,” says Schoeller Technologies.

“Tests have shown that when perspiration causes a fluid loss as low as just 2% of body weight, performance capacity drops by up to 20%. With coldblack’s twofold protective function, this innovative high-tech textile treatment helps athletes like Ambrose stay cooler under heat by reflecting 80% of heat rays and offering a minimum UPF 30+ protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. What is more, coldblack treatment is bluesign compliant, therefore containing no components or processes hazardous to people or the environment. Finally, the coldblack treatment will not wash out in regular household laundry or in prolonged use,” the company says.