« I started cycling when I was 4. By 20, I was a professional cyclist.»

Anthony Roux

Bormes-les-Mimosas, September 9, 2024

The 2018 French cycling champion has seen his fair share of cycling shorts.

From his early days in Lorraine to his professional years with the Groupama-FDJ team, and through the national youth programs and world championships, this French rider has worn countless cycling outfits over thousands of kilometres. And with that wealth of experience, he's shared with us his best advice for creating our own at Velor Cycling.

A day with a committed and demanding athlete

During a short ride around the fort of Brégançon, near Bormes-les-Mimosas, I had the chance to study Anthony’s posture and gear. Recently turned professional triathlete, he now divides his training time between running, swimming, and of course, cycling.

His garage on the Côte d'Azur houses two bikes: a classic road bike for training and a time-trial bike for competitions. From the very first pedal strokes, I noticed Anthony’s natural fluidity on the bike. It’s as if he never truly exerts himself. And I was able to keep up without much difficulty, thanks to his steady pace, with no sudden bursts.

Effortless serenity

The mistral wind was blowing, but we barely deviated. Absorbed by both his wheel and his words, I felt like I wasn’t making any effort at all. It wasn’t the rider’s muscle performance that caught my attention, but rather the calm with which he rode, free of any constraints that day.

I had prepared all summer to be up to the challenge, ready to prove myself. I had to show what I was capable of, me, Julien, 34 years old, and with 12 ascents of Mont Ventoux under my belt. Anthony, the wise cyclist, had chosen the perfect setting to demonstrate how posture and the joy of riding contribute to training and improving results. Thirty-two kilometres among vineyards and estates flew by without me even noticing.

It was also a perfect opportunity to discuss a topic close to his heart: environmental protection.

Anthony Roux’s environmental commitment

Beyond the outfit he was wearing — cycling shorts, jersey, and socks, all from up to 100% recycled by Velor — Anthony confided in me about a frustration that quickly turned into a personal commitment.

You, as cyclists and runners, haven’t you ever felt annoyed when seeing trash littering the sides of roads or forest trails? These bits of waste that could so easily be thrown in a bin, or even better, recycled… Anthony shared his first reactions with me: "Damn, this is disgusting!" or "Why can't they just throw it in the trash?!"

Insults don’t solve the problem, they only release a bit of frustration. Then one day, Anthony took an initiative we should all consider: picking up the trash. And throwing it away. He gave this action a name: #MONPARCOURSPROPRE.

Velor Cycling and Anthony Roux: a shared commitment

Pour l’accompagner dans cette démarche et renforcer la dimension circulaire de son aura, Velor Cycling équipe Anthony Roux (voir les photos.)

Fasciné par la qualité des cuissards de la marque éco-responsable, le cycliste acceptes de répondre à une question sur ces derniers :

What do you like most about Velor shorts?

It was the brand’s eco-friendly commitment that first convinced Anthony to wear them for his training sessions. But, as he explained, spending several hours a week on the saddle leaves little room for compromise.

“There are two standout features in the Velor shorts. First, the width and density of the chamois pad that protects the rider’s perineum. Well-shaped and properly positioned, ‘neither too far forward nor too far back,’ the brand proves that you can make circular, recycled textiles without sacrificing material quality or the athlete’s comfort."

Anthony also highlighted another crucial aspect: the elastic band of the shorts.

“We wanted to create a high-quality elastic band that ensures a perfect fit on the thighs while maintaining comfort and maximum circularity. The secret to Velor’s gear, even down to the elastic bands, lies in the use of a unique material that can be recycled at the end of its life,” explains Mickael Jardin, co-founder of Velor.

About Velor  

Velor was founded with a vision to revolutionise cycling apparel. The brand is committed to sustainability, innovation, and its community. Velor's mission is to create timeless, comfortable, and circular cycling wear. Today, Velor proudly leads the way in sustainable practices within the cycling industry, offering products that not only enhance the cycling experience but also contribute to a healthier planet.

But Velor is more than just a cycling apparel brand. It brings together a community of daily cyclists, adventurers, and weekend warriors, all united by their passion for cycling and the environment. Velor's products are built to last, carefully crafted to inspire a love for cycling and the planet.  

For more information, visit Velor's website: www.velor-cycling.com