A Sheffield expert in Sports Vision was invited to meet the Movistar team ahead of the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.
Alex Gage, an independent optometrist with practices in Woodseats and Crosspool, was invited to meet the riders and learn about new research about the impact of perfect vision on performance.
Alex said: “As the Tour de France leaves Sheffield after a stunning weekend of cycling in Yorkshire, a study by the respected Sports Vision Institute in the UK (Loughborough) highlights the importance of perfect vision and high-performance eye protection for professional racing cyclists.”
The study was undertaken Nick Dash, Director of the Sports Vision Institute in Loughborough (UK) in cooperation with athletes from the Movistar team. Mr Dash examined the importance of vision in bike racing as well as the associated challenges for sports eyewear and concluded: “The research shows that the adidas eyewear evil eye halfrim pro improves all-round vision by 16 percent in comparison with competing models, resulting in a 66 percent reduction in riders’ head movements. Cyclists therefore save energy and encounter less fatigue, with the added benefit of a more secure position on the bike to improve stability.”
Alex continued: “The Movistar Team coaching staff believe that ensuring highest visual performance is a key element to ensuring success and has been part of their preparation for the 101st edition of the Tour de France
“As well as physical and mental strength, to secure victory in the Tour, having the right equipment is an essential requirement. The Movistar Team riders will be wearing the evil eye halfrim pro from Adidas throughout the Tour.”
Alex is one of only a handful of Optometrists who holds a Diploma in Sports Vision and offers sports vision screening at the Crosspool practice. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Alex Gage at 857 Chesterfield Road, Woodseats on 0114 274 8582 or at 48 Sandygate Road Crosspool on 0114 266 7066.