SAS–MACOGEP-ACQUISIO Women’s cycling team gains significant technological edge for 2016 race season
Canadian sports tech innovator 4iiii, bike manufacturer ARGON 18, and SAS data analytics expert partner in support of rising team
Three Canadian innovation companies are stepping up to support Quebec-based women’s pro cycling team SAS-MACOGEP-ACQUISIO propelled by Mazda for the 2016 race season. 4iiii Innovations, ARGON 18, and SAS have joined forces to deliver state-of-the-art equipment in support of the team’s ascension on the North American continental circuit.
4iiii Innovations Inc. (4iiii), a sport monitoring technology world leader based in Cochrane, Alberta, will act as the team’s 2016 “Official Supplier of Power Measurement”. As part of this partnership, 4iiii is offering the team’s eight internationally ranked riders PRECISION power meters. PRECISION is a lightweight, wireless pod designed to measure cyclists’ wattage output as well as other cycling performance metrics. The small, highly accurate sensor is permanently installed on the inside surface of the rider’s left bike crank, adding a mere nine grams of weight to the bike. PRECISION connects to most bike head units (using ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart standard wireless protocols), and enables users to stay current with upgrades via the intuitive 4iiii iOS and Android apps. PRECISION is quickly becoming the power meter of choice for the worlds’ most discerning riders.
PRECISION power meter used by team SAS-MACOGEP-ACQUISIO.
“We’re delighted to be part of this dynamic partnership which brings leading innovations to team SAS-MACOGEP-ACQUISIO and ensures riders have the technological edge to reach their full potential,” said Kip Fyfe, President and CEO of 4iiii. “PRECISION is becoming a product of choice on the circuit because of its compact and lightweight design, as well as elaborate data output,” he added on the heels of a recent sponsorship announcement with the Etixx – Quick-Step men’s pro cycling team made in January.
The team’s new official bike supplier, ARGON 18, will be equipping the team with Gallium-Pro for road races and E-118 Next bikes for time trial events. Those are the same models used by the BORA – ARGON 18 men’s pro team which competes on the Tour de France. The Gallium Pro is a superlight bike; when riding downhill, it’s highly stable and delivers razor-sharp handling. It also features Argon 18’s exclusive 3D System, a structural extension of the headtube, for precise positioning and added stiffness. As for the E-118 Next, its fully integrated front end showcases the ONEness 3.0 concept and reversible carbon handlebar for an optimal aerodynamic rider positioning.
ARGON 18’s Gallium-Pro road bike.
Argon 18’s E-118 Next time trial bike.
“We’re glad to be able to work alongside other great dedicated sports companies such as 4iiii and SAS towards the common goal of delivering the most sophisticated cycling products and technology on the market in support of this rising team.” says Gervais Rioux, president and founder of Montreal-based ARGON 18.
SAS, the leader in analytics, will supply the team with its sports analytics software. The solution will collect extensive data on the athletes such as riders’ performance, physiological and psychological data, all in an effort to optimize the team’s performance. Leveraging the power of this information, SAS will work closely with the team’s coaches, athletes, Inbox (SAS partner) and Actulab (Laval University) to develop predictive models that will empower the athletes to best manage their individual performances. Coaches will also be armed with a visual analytics dashboard, enabling them to explore the data and tease out patterns and connections that will help improve individual athlete performance as well as build predictive models on the entire team’s progression.
“SAS is pleased to support team SAS-MACOGEP-ACQUISIO both financially and analytically,” said Cameron Dow, President SAS Canada. “Empowering the team with information to improve performance using the world’s most sophisticated analytics to extract valuable insights will bring the athletes that much closer to realizing their Olympic dreams.”
Founded in 2006, this year’s team SAS-MACOGEP-ACQUISIO is turning to technology in an effort to regain Union Cycliste Internationale status by 2017. In 2015, team SAS-MACOGEP-ACQUISIO saw two of its riders claim silver in the team pursuit at the track world championships and gold at the Pan Am Games. Over that same period, the team accumulated more than 11 victories in Canada, as well as several notable results at races in North Carolina and California.
“Our team is making a huge leap this year by leveraging many new technological advances that will benefit all of our athletes and significantly differentiate our team on the circuit,” explains Gérard Penarroya, President of Team SAS-MACOGEP-ACQUISIO. “With 4iiii’s accurate power meter, Argon’s sophisticated bikes and SAS’ highly customized software, we have the tools to put all that data to good use and support our athletes’ talents.”
The team will kick off its season on April 1 in California with the San Dimas Stage Race. Looking ahead, the team hopes to achieve a podium finish at the UCI race in Gatineau, as well as deliver strong performances at events in California, France and Great Britain.
On April 13, 2016, the team will host its second annual official Urban Sugar Shack team launch event at the SCENA space in Montreal’s Old Port. Tickets for the VIP networking, cycling enthusiast and fundraising event are for sale at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/inscription-cabane-a-sucre-urbaine-sas-macogep-acquisio-propulsee-par-mazda-21672001540.
ABOUT TEAM SAS-MACOGEP-ACQUISIO
Under the direction of Gérard Penarroya, Team SAS-MACOGEP-ACQUISIO was set in motion in 2006 with a mission to promote an interest and passion for women’s high-level cycling. The team is committed to offer young and talented Canadian cyclists the opportunity to compete in the Canadian, continental and international elite arena. With less than one year until the 2016 Olympic Games, the team hopes to bring as many of its athletes to the Canadian National Team. For more information, visit: https://smacycling.com.
ABOUT 4iiii INNOVATIONS
4iiii Innovations Inc. is a global, Canada-based leader in providing innovative sports electronics to both OEM and retail markets. 4iiii has a complete family of products that take sports technology to a whole new level. The PRECISION power meter, Viiiiva heart rate monitors as well as the 4iiii app – are all intended to leverage technology for advancing the athletic performances of enthusiasts through to professional athletes.. For more information: 4iiii.com.
ABOUT ARGON 18
Established in Montreal, Canada since 1989, Argon 18 has built itself a strong reputation in the cycling world. Guided by former Olympian and 3-time Canadian Champion Gervais Rioux, one of the most successful North-American racers of his generation, the manufacturing of all Argon 18 bikes is the result of a brilliant expertise. The sophisticated and inventive design of Argon 18 bikes is based on handling, aerodynamics, and human performance at its core. All Argon 18 bikes integrate cutting-edge technologies, and are designed and developed in Canada. Argon 18 bikes are now available around the world in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit: www.argon18bike.com
ABOUT SAS
SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative analytics, business intelligence and data management software and services, SAS helps customers at more than 80,000 sites make better decisions faster. Since 1976, SAS has been giving customers around the world THE POWER TO KNOW®. For more information, visit: www.sas.com
Contact:
Marie-Hélène Thibeault
4iiii Innovations Inc.
E: info@4iiii.com
