Wattie, Wahoo, Yuri & Ian - Everything You Need To Know
A 10-year-old triathlon brand that has built a huge following in triathlon on powerful design paired with high-quality American-made cycling and triathlon apparel is making a big splash this week, announcing its arrival onto the gravel scene.
The initial announcement Tuesday of Wattie Ink.’s Gravel Collective Project (GCP) represents Wattie Ink’s foray into a grassroots club, a national squad that includes well known groadie Yuri Hauswald and brings in a list of partners including Argon 18, ENVE, Wahoo Fitness, IRC Tire, Rudy Project and others.
GCP: Gravel Collective Project
There will also be a pro-level team, and even larger, Wednesday sees the announcement by Wahoo Fitness of a new player to the game: former ProTour veteran Ian Boswell, who joins Wahoo’s Frontier’s program. Another member of that team will be another gravel rookie: Hawaii Ironman podium finisher (and Wattie Ink. co-owner Heather Jackson). Both riders aim to kick off their programs this spring at the Belgian Waffle Ride, and both will be outfitted in Wattie Ink apparel.
The reason for the tri company’s segue into gravel? It’s a space that has seen lots of divergence from multisport, with triathletes seeking a diversion that represents much of what triathlon was in the 1980s: a wild challenge that can be performed at an athlete’s own pace; the challenge is with the course, not necessarily the race at the front. And like Ironman triathlon, competitors get to line up alongside top pros and compete on the same course.
Ian Boswell hits the dirt
“The GCP follows in the model of the Wattie Ink. Elite Team and Hit Squad, including amateur and elite athletes in one amazing family,” says Hauswald. “Wattie Ink. has always endeavored to create family first and let the results come when they come. The Gravel Collective Project will be no different. It will be a squad of curious athletes who want to try something new and gravel veterans looking for a community to call home.”
Wattie Ink.’s current range includes pieces like the Hana Collection (the current favorite of Hauswald) as well as a cargo bib, seasonal hits including the GOAT thermal jacket, a thermal beanie and thermal shoe covers. As for dedicated gravel attire, the GCP team kit, and pro gravel kit and in-line attire will be revealed in late Februrary. And as with anything Wattie Ink., the pieces will not only be top-performing pieces on the trails, it’ll be something that bucks the trend of what’s currently out on course.
Yuri Hauswald, always stoked to roll out
Those interested in checking out the offerings can find them at wattieink.com, and info on the Gravel Collective Project can be found at bit.ly/WattieInkGravelCollectiveProject