The initiative of Rudy Project, producer of Technically Cool Eyewear, in creating a link between Cross-country Skiing and Bicycle Racing at the start of the recent Deutschland Tour in Dresden (Germany) was an extraordinary success. Jan Ullrich, winner of the Tour de France in 1997 and Olympic champion wanted to make a present to Evi Sachenbacher, World Champion and Olympic champion of cross-country skiing, of a special ultralight racing road bike. In turn, Sachenbacher gave Jan a pair of brand new skis and wished him a wonderful Tour de France. All this was filmed by the main German TV stations and took place before an audience of thousands of cheering fans.

On this occasion Rudy Project made another surprise announcement. For 2003 and 2004 Jan Ullrich`s new Bianchi Team will use Rudy Project helmets! "We are very happy to be able to consolidate the collaboration we have had with Jan Ullrich since as long ago as 1996, supplying him the helmet in addition to the glasses. We have always believed in the great potential of this champion who is still able to attract the complete affection of the German people" - declared Rainer Künneth – President of Rudy Project Germany – and we are sure that Jan Ullrich will succeed in demonstrating all his potential as a great champion in the Tour.” The contract linking Erik Zabel to Rudy Project was also extended to the end of his career. “I have won 5 green jerseys at the Tour de France and 4 Milan-Sanremo races with Rudy Project and I am sure we will both achieved new successes “ - declared Erik at the time of signing the contract - “today I won the first stage of the Deutschland Tour in front of my German fans and I am particularly happy to be able to continue to collaborate with Rudy for the development of new glasses in the future”.

At the Deutschland Tour, the most important German UCI road stage race, Rudy Project had a new Mobile Show-Room. This vehicle will serve to promote Rudy Project products every day in the main cities of Germany. It is very important to be in touch with sports champions all over the world every day, and for the eyewear manufacturer of Treviso (Italy), its synergism with the athletes has always been a strong point. This initiative will also serve in the future to develop new technical solutions and new ideas to improve the comfort and technical performance of Rudy Project sports eyewear.