Olympic champion Pierre Vaultier has completed a technical snowboarding challenge on a partially frozen lake in the French Alps, wearing Prada Linea Rossa performance wear. The two-time gold medalist navigated a custom-built course at Serre-Chevalier, riding on a 50-centimeter-wide track above the ice.
The project extends the ongoing partnership between Prada Linea Rossa and Red Bull, which focuses on supporting athletes through specialized sporting initiatives. Vaultier's performance tested the limits of snowboard control and precision in an unusual environment.
For the challenge, Prada developed technical garments using their proprietary Extreme-Tex fabric in two weights. The clothing features heat-sealed seams instead of traditional stitching, while a graphene membrane provides antibacterial and antistatic properties alongside temperature regulation. The design aims to balance freedom of movement with protection in extreme conditions.
Vaultier, who won Olympic gold medals in snowboard cross at Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018, is known for his technical expertise in high-speed snowboarding. The lake challenge required him to maintain perfect balance while maneuvering on the narrow course, combining his competitive experience with a new form of precision riding.
The location choice of Serre-Chevalier adds historical context to the project - the resort has been central to French skiing since the 1940s and hosted multiple international competitions. The frozen lake setting created specific technical challenges, requiring careful course construction and timing to ensure safe conditions.
This collaboration continues both brands' focus on combining athletic performance with technical innovation in sportswear. The project documentation will be featured across both companies' media channels.
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Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.