Tyler Butterfield announced that he is entering a two-year partnership with Panache Cyclewear. Butterfield will be signed on with Panache as a sponsored athlete and design consultant.
Butterfield plans to focus on long-course Triathlon for the 2013 season, and kicked off with Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
As a design consultant, Butterfield will take an active part in product development and design in Panache Cyclewear’s triathlon line. The cycling apparel company is based in Butterfield’s U.S. home base of Boulder, Colo. Being in the same city as Panache Cyclewear, allows Butterfield to collaborate day-to-day on high-end designs for the premium cycling brand.
“I couldn’t be more excited about being on board with Panache,” said Butterfield. “The products are amazing. The brand was created by a former pro cyclist, and you can really tell by the fit and quality. I’ve gotten to know the crew there since living in Boulder, and they’re a great group of guys that I’m really looking forward to working with.” In addition to outfitting Butterfield, Panache will supply identical kits to Team Tokio, the Bermuda age-group triathlon team that shares Butterfield’s title sponsor, Tokio Millennium Re Ltd.
Panache Cyclewear, a premium cycling apparel brand, was founded in 2008 by Don Powell, a former Euro-professional cyclist. Distilling his experience from the time in the pro peloton and design sense from working at a prestigious outdoor company on the apparel side, Powell devoted himself to created a line of clothing that honored the cycling tradition but with an eye towards technological improvements. The cycling line continues to expand with retail cycling kits, custom team clothing and off-the-bike apparel.
“We are excited to partner with Butterfield for several reasons, said Panache Founder and CEO Don Powell. “He’s a great guy. He has style. He’s fast and has been successful at the highest level, including the Olympic Games. He’s very passionate and detail oriented when it comes to his equipment and clothing. A perfect fit, really. Our shared goal with Tyler is to redefine and create some cool, fast tri kits that look great and win races.”
Butterfield will proudly wear Panache for the 2013 and 2014 triathlon seasons at each race and cycling training rides. Butterfield will began his 2013 triathlon season at Abu Dhabi International Triathlon with a third place finish. Following the Abu Dhabi race, he’ll compete at the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship in Melbourne on March 24th with hopes of qualifying for October’s Ironman World Championship in Kona.
