PEARL iZUMi Partners with Body Positivity Advocate Marley Blonsky
November 9, 2021
LOUISVILLE, Colo. (Nov 9, 2021) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – PEARL iZUMi, the worldwide leader in cycling apparel and footwear, is pleased to announce its official partnership with athlete Marley Blonsky. Blonsky, who is on a mission to build and support inclusive bicycle communities, will play an active role in the brand’s voice and at events, welcoming in her community and fostering the brand’s representation of larger bodies in cycling. Additionally, she will consult with PEARL iZUMi on everything from product design to marketing language and company culture to help the brand be more welcoming to all.
Blonsky is a self-described “fat adventure cyclist” and bike advocate who believes that all bodies belong on a bicycle, regardless of age, gender, size, race, or ability. Over the past six years she has led over 100 community bike rides and has been the keynote speaker and panelist at multiple conferences, including the League of American Bicyclists and the Washington Bike Summit. Blonsky founded the All Bodies on Bikes Community, which boasts over 10,000 members, and was featured in the acclaimed film, All Bodies on Bikes.
“I’ve struggled for nearly a decade to find clothing that fits my body, but PEARL iZUMi has always offered good plus-sized options,” said Blonsky. “I think this partnership is the beginning of an exciting shift within the broader cycling and outdoor industry. I’m grateful to PEARL iZUMi for believing in my mission and helping to get more butts on bikes.”
“Marley joined our ambassador Crew at the end of 2020 and has been a fantastic representative for our brand,“ said PEARL iZUMi brand director Andrew Hammond. “We love her positive energy and encouraging nature. She is helping more people see themselves as cyclists and we’re very excited to sign a multi-year deal with her. Not only will she wear our gear, but also work with our team to improve our plus-size product offering and consult with our company on inclusivity.”
To learn more about PEARL iZUMi’s efforts in inclusivity, browse its collection of inspirational films here and watch Real Fit for Real People in Real Cycling Apparel, to learn about the brand’s fit development process.
About PEARL iZUMi:
PEARL iZUMi was founded on two things: the love of cycling and, more importantly, love for future generations. The brand originated more than 70 years ago in Japan when the founder created a special jersey out of technical fabric for his son, an aspiring bike racer. Since then, the company has been progressing the design and manufacture of performance apparel and footwear for cyclists of all levels. PEARL iZUMi believes that how we live shapes how future generations ride and is committed to using its business practices, products, and community advocacy to positively impact cycling. PEARL iZUMi’s world headquarters are located in the Colorado Front Range, where it embraces strong influence, both culturally and structurally, from its Japanese heritage.