Rudy Project, the Italian innovator in performance gear, is making waves in the world of speed skating. The brand recently announced an exciting partnership with the national speed skating teams of Canada, South Korea, and Italy, spotlighting their cutting-edge "Wing" time trial helmet—specifically the Wing Ice variant—alongside the Nytron Pro Ice and their renowned eyewear. This collaboration is set to redefine performance on the ice, blending aerodynamics, safety, and style in a way only Rudy Project can. If you’re searching for the latest in speed skating tech or wondering what gear the pros trust, this is your must-read update.
A Game-Changer on Ice: The Wing Ice Helmet
The Rudy Project "Wing" helmet, originally a titan in cycling time trials, has been adapted for the ice with the Wing Ice model. Known for its revolutionary aerodynamic design, the Wing series has long been a favorite among cyclists—like the Bahrain Victorious team at the Giro d’Italia—but its pivot to speed skating is turning heads. The Wing Ice boasts a sleek, wind-slicing profile that minimizes drag, a critical factor when milliseconds decide medals. Paired with its lightweight construction and advanced ventilation (think central vents that keep the head cool without sacrificing speed), it’s no surprise national teams are strapping it on.
Rudy Project’s Instagram post from their Italian headquarters sums it up: “Ready to push the limits of speed? We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the Speed Skating Canada, South Korea, and Italy teams. With the support of our innovative Nytron Pro Ice and The Wing Ice—along with Rudy Project eyewear—we’re bringing performance and style to the ice.” The hashtag #PerformanceStartsInYourHead says it all—this gear is about mental and physical edge.
Why National Teams Are Choosing Rudy Project
Speed skating powerhouses like Canada, South Korea, and Italy don’t partner with just anyone. Canada’s team, with its legacy of Olympic dominance, South Korea’s tech-savvy skaters (hello, PyeongChang 2018!), and Italy’s flair for precision have all tapped Rudy Project for a reason. The Wing Ice’s aerodynamic pedigree—developed with wind tunnel testing and Swiss Side collaboration—translates perfectly to the ice, where body position and airflow are everything. Add the Nytron Pro Ice, another lightweight marvel designed for safety and speed, and you’ve got a lineup that’s as functional as it is fierce.
Then there’s the eyewear. Rudy Project’s goggles and sunglasses are legends in their own right, offering crystal-clear vision and UV protection—vital for outdoor rinks or glaring indoor lights. For skaters hurtling at 50+ km/h, every detail counts, and this gear delivers.
From Cycling to Skating: The Wing’s Evolution
The Wing’s journey started in cycling, with models like the Wing57 and Wingdream (launched in 2024 at the Giro) earning praise for saving watts and seconds. Reviews from Cycling Weekly and Bikerumor rave about its “superior aerodynamic penetration” and adaptability to multiple riding positions—qualities that clearly caught the eye of speed skating coaches. The Wing Ice takes this DNA and tweaks it for the ice, with a focus on stability and comfort during high-speed leans and turns. It’s not just a helmet; it’s a statement that Rudy Project can dominate any arena where speed rules.
