When Biniam Girmay crossed the finish line to claim his first Tour de France stage victory in 2024, he did more than win a bike race. The Intermarché-Wanty rider became the first Black African to triumph in cycling's greatest event, wearing kit from an unlikely source – a New York-based company that's quietly revolutionizing how cycling clothing is made.
That victory marked just the beginning. Girmay went on to claim two more stages and the prestigious Green Points Jersey, achievements that validated Intermarché-Wanty's partnership with Verge, their apparel supplier making its Tour debut.
But the real story happens away from the spotlight, where riders and designers work together to perfect every detail of their racing kit. "The team didn't just wear our clothing – they helped us make it better," explains Charlie Issendorf, Verge's VP of Sales & Marketing. That collaboration has led to several new products, originally developed for the professional team but now available to all cyclists.
For Intermarché-Wanty, a team that has grown from amateur Belgian roots to WorldTour success, finding the right technical partner matters. Team owner Jean-François Bourlart puts it simply: "Verge listened to our riders and created new products based on their needs. That's the kind of partner we need."
As both organizations commit to continuing their partnership through 2025, they're building on more than just racing success. They're proving that when riders and manufacturers work closely together, everyone wins – from Tour de France champions to everyday cyclists.
