Discover Polartec® AirCore™ — the revolutionary fabric that’s lightweight, breathable, PFAS-free, and made from recycled materials, designed to keep you dry from the inside out.Watch interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-EFOAr534V4As the industry’s first advanced air-permeable laminate, AirCore™ combines stretch, windproofing, and water repellency with nanofiber technology that actively vents sweat without sacrificing protection from the elements.In this episode, Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President at Milliken & Company and Business Manager at Polartec, joins Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager, to share how this breakthrough came to life, and why it could redefine winter cycling gear for years to come.Together, they unpack the science, the challenges, and why Castelli’s new winter collection — launching September 9, 2025 — marks a turning point in performance cycling apparel. From lab testing to real-world rides, discover why AirCore™ is set to become the new benchmark in cycling performance.– LINKS –Castelliwww.castelli-cycling.com/polartec-aircorehttps://www.castelli-cycling.com/II/en/custom/full Polartec®:www.polartec.com/fabrics/weather-protection/aircore– GUESTS –Ramesh Keshhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshkeshSteve Smith⁠www.instagram.com/smittystuff/⁠CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:56 Quick-Fire Round07:16 Why New Fabric Was Needed13:26 Engineering Breathability19:41 Inside the AirCore™ Fabric25:20 How Movement Activates Performance28:03 Removing PFAS chemicals, 30:33 Real-World Performance33:26 Breathability & Numbers37:50 Waterproofness & Water Column Explained40:04 Soudal Quick-Step41:27 Product Collection45:52 Sustainability & The Future49:03 AirCore Setting a New Standard52:11 Looking Ahead52:54 Sum up AirCore53:36 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related