Max interior liner, plus channels in which to
integrate your hydration system (and even a
communications system) makes for optimal
rider comfort. Oh, and they’ve even given the
humble strap a thought or two, at 26mm wide
(an inch in old money) it’s that little bit wider
than most, for more comfort.
Crash test dummy
So, that’s the tech. What about the wearing?
As an enduro and rally rider I have to say
Milestone is not my bag and with the prospect
of Ryan Villopoto and Broc Tickle for (fast)
company it was no place for an old tree-dodger
to plod about. Fortunately Alpinestars listened
to my pleas and instead I enjoyed a brilliant
four-hour trail ride in the Mojave high desert
(like 4000ft high) near Lake Arrowhead, San
Bernadino. My guide was Ricardo Barbosa,
boss of 3 Brothers Racing (USA’s top distributor
of KTMs) and this is kind of his backyard, a
place he’s come to for decades. And given the
quality of trails, I’d love it as my backyard too.
And boy was it hot up there, about 100ºF
(38ºC), and with the altitude and possibly a
little jet lag, it was a little uncomfortable for a
Five minutes with
Gabriele Mazzarolo
Owner and President of Alpinestars
Q
A
At last Alpinestars have a motorcycle
helmet. A significant moment in time?
It’s a new start, but one we started many
years ago. As a company we have started
many new projects over the years, with
motocross boots in 1965, jumping into auto
racing in 2002, and other categories now, but
each with dedicated product development
centres. So with five years in development I’m
used to seeing and being a part of this product
for a long time, so it feels like a normal
product for us to have.
Q
A
Was the helmet part of a desire to go
head-to-toe in motocross apparel?
No, we only make products where we
feel we can bring advancement to that
category, and on that basis the helmet was a
natural development for us. And that product
is only ready after putting together a team and
all the assets we needed to bring to the user
26 KIWI RIDER
a product that we feel is an advancement, not
just another product.
Q
A
So you’d say you’re not led by the need to
create specific product lines?
That’s right, at Alpinestars we always want
to make something that really works.
Our designs come out of true performance,
working with racers. For instance in the
development of our motocross clothing we’ve
been experimenting with more stretchable
materials for a long time, but we had to get to
a point where the performance would satisfy
riders like Jeffrey Herlings.
Q
The new textiles you’re using there are a
significant breakthrough from the usual
nylon pants for instance. This has come from
your cycling involvement?
A
Our experience in other sports (such
as cycling) has helped, but product
development is really a dedicated process.