PRODUCT & MARKETING
+++ Amazfit, part of the Dutch health technology company Zepp Health, is launching the Cheetah 2 Pro, a lightweight, titanium-built performance smartwatch designed to support marathon training through integrated coaching, advanced performance metrics and long battery life
+++ Seattle-based wilderness gear brand Astral has named former professional skier Angel Collinson as its newest “Archetype,” bringing her experience in outdoor sports, sailing and nature-based retreats into the brand’s product development and storytelling
+++ Salomon is partnering with marketing agency Playground on Gravelanza, a new gravel running event that will make its debut in the Meudon forest, around 15km from Paris, on June 13-14, 2026
+++ Pearl Izumi has launched PI Pro/Black, a new ultra-lightweight, athlete-developed cycling apparel system engineered for race-day performance, featuring advanced materials, aerodynamic design and up to 30% weight reduction compared to its existing Pro line
+++ POC has introduced the Amidal, a new road and gravel cycling helmet combining aerodynamic design, advanced ventilation, Mips Air Node protection and an integrated rear light option developed with Knog to enhance rider safety and performance
+++ Kiprun has signed elite ultra-trail runner and engineer Mathieu Blanchard to its international team in a three-year partnership aimed at strengthening performance credibility and integrating top-level racing insights into product development for a broader global running community
+++ Kizik has launched the Freedom Run, its first performance running shoe, integrating its patented hands-free step-in technology with running-specific features such as a responsive midsole, secure fit system and performance-oriented outsole +++
CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
+++ Artist Moby announced that he will donate 100% of his Coachella performance profits to animal rights organizations, continuing his broader commitment to activism alongside his ongoing global tour and new album release +++
RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
+++ Decathlon has opened a dedicated “full running” concept store in Annecy, France, combining multi-brand product offerings with services and community engagement as part of its strategy to expand experiential retail in a key performance category +++
OBIT
+++ Snowboarding pioneer Paul Alden, who played a key behind-the-scenes role in establishing the sport’s competitive structure and gaining access to ski resorts and the Olympics, has died at the age of 89 +++
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