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A famous cross-country skier and cyclist, he started from the sea to reach the highest peaks: we present our athlete Nico Valsesia, whose “hobby” consists of breaking records. From 0 to Monte Bianco, From 0 to Aconcagua, From 0 to Kilimangiaro, From 0 to Elbrus, From 0 to Monte Rosa. It almost seems like he enjoys it, our testimonial Nico Valsesia , starting from the bottom and then reaching the top of the world. After all, it must be intoxicating, and perhaps even a little alienating, starting from sea level and then finding yourself, in the space of the same day or so, above three, four, even six thousand meters in the case of the majestic Aconcagua, in the Andes mountain range. A renowned cross-country skier and cyclist, Nico Valsesia - with whom NRC is developing new, top-quality glasses , designed specifically for winter sports - can boast a truly remarkable list of achievements: he has a series of ultra-trail records under his belt, such as the ascent of Ojos del Salado in Chile, the highest volcano in the world, and a second and third place in the prestigious RAAM - Race Across America , one of the longest ultra-cycling races in the world. But it is with the From 0 to project that Nico has ignited the imagination of sports enthusiasts. It all started when in 2013 he set his mind to breaking the record for positive altitude difference in ultratrail + bicycle . Inspired by the feats of Marino Giacometti, he set off by bike from the Ligurian Sea and ran to the top of Mont Blanc in 16 and 35 minutes , improving the previous record by two hours. And from there he has never stopped , grinding out kilometers to reach "monsters" like Elbrus and Aconcagua in the shortest possible time. We talked about it with him in an exclusive interview . Nico Valsesia (photo: Vito Delaurentis) How do you prepare (and how far in advance) for your biggest challenges? I train constantly, but two or three months before the most challenging challenges I start a specific training, for example spending more time in the mountains if I have to climb a peak, or working on running. Are you trying to familiarize yourself with the route first? If it's a climb abroad, I try to go there about twenty days before, so I can go up and down every day, get used to the route and, if it's a very high peak, also to the altitude, because above 5000 it's a whole other world. Or, for example, if I have to face several days in a row on the bike, as it was for the Atlas in Morocco, I do three days of cycling from Piedmont to Barcelona, ​​or I go down to Sicily almost non-stop, mostly to get used to what I'm about to do. How do you structure your maintenance training throughout the year? I ride my bike every day, because it has less of a physical impact, while I train in running two or three times a week. Always uphill, because I don't like flats. Usually in the morning I wake up and do a bit of gym at home, then I get on my bike, at least for two or three hours. If I can, even five, but it depends on the time available, since I have a shop and three children! In winter on Sundays, or even during the week, getting up very early, I dedicate myself to ski mountaineering, because it is an excellent workout. Nico's Favorites I really like the X1 from the EARTH line, because they are very light and I can use them for a long time, even at night. This is important, because I can't carry a lot of different sunglasses when I go up. What drives you to take on such challenges? I love it, it makes me feel good. Not so much on the day of the challenge, in fact that's the part I like the least, because I have to prove something to someone. That's not what interests me, also because I would do it even if no one followed me. The part I love is the preparation. How important is equipment in these endeavors? It matters because compared to twenty years ago things have changed and a boot weighs one kilo instead of three: it is something that can make a difference, especially in terms of safety, because in the mountains the longer it takes you to complete a route, the more the risks increase. It also applies to bikes: weight and smoothness count a lot. But it also applies to more specific equipment, such as glasses: glasses with the wrong lenses in the mountains can cause you big inconveniences. In certain situations you need adequate sun protection, otherwise you ruin your eyesight, and if you don't have side shields your eyes will freeze. Sunglasses are essential. It is not for nothing that mountaineers pay attention to three things: gloves, boots and glasses. Nico Valsesia (photo: Vito Delaurentis) The most difficult or scary moment of your sports career? Probably RAAM, where I really reached my physical and mental limits. Sleeping nine or ten hours in nine days is a special experience. What are the achievements you are most proud of? The first From 0 to, because I lowered the record by a lot. Aconcagua, because I love South America and I had the opportunity to spend a month in the Andes mountains. But also Monte Rosa, because I was playing at home and there were people cheering. And then the first place at Italy Divide. Well, all of them! Your next venture? From 0 to Everest. I should have already gone, but with Covid obviously everything stopped. Let's see what the situation will be like in spring... Nico's Favorites I also love the X2.OLIMPO with the black and gold frame. The guys at NRC made me a version with the 4000 lens and they are fantastic.

Stuck at home because of the bad weather, when all you want to do is jump on your bike and go out? Don't worry: yours is a passion that can be satisfied even from the comfort of your living room couch. Of course, if you have our list of the best cycling documentaries available for free on Youtube and Vimeo at your fingertips. We tried to create a diverse list, including both shorts and features, and showcasing every aspect of cycling. We included both road cycling and mountain biking . We paid homage to legends of the sport and followed brave young athletes in their quest for glory and excitement. And we also chose to reveal the work of the ingenious men who keep an entire nation cycling, despite all the difficulties involved. Here is our personal list of the most interesting free documentaries about cycling: we hope you will share our enthusiasm for these incredible films. Enjoy ! The best cycling documentaries… free to watch! A Sunday in Hell (1976) This is a classic, and the perfect way to start this list of the best cycling documentaries available for free on YouTube and Vimeo: you will see legends of the sport like Eddy Merckx, Freddy Maertens and Francesco Moser as they give it their all in the hope of winning the famous Paris-Roubaix of 1976. Mud, dust, killer roads: here is the true essence of professional cycling, in an era when athletes were also a bit of a warrior. The Road from Karakol (2013) Professional climber Kyle Dempster , who sadly died a few years ago while attempting to climb Ogre 2 in Pakistan with his friend Scott Adamson , takes his bike and sets off on a journey through Kyrgyzstan, equipped with just a few maps and his video camera, in the hopes of climbing some of the country’s most beautiful mountains. The result is an incredible adventure that reveals the unexpected paths you can take when you get on your bike and go without asking too many questions. HavanaBikes (2015) Cycling is not just about professional racing: this passion also has to do with how you face the daily challenges to keep pedaling. Cuba has a strong bike culture. But over there, cyclists have to deal with a “little” problem: the chronic lack of new spare parts . And when your bike breaks, you have no choice but to rely on one of the many mechanics/heroes who recover the spare parts where they can and solve the problem with their skill and also a pinch of creativity. Passion - A Freeride Mountain Bike Documentary (2018) Mountain biking is more than just a “simple” sport: it’s a true passion. A passion that Peter Jamison decided to document, following the lives of some freeriders . Remarkable photography, some breathtaking sequences and a unique look at this particular world make Passion one of the best cycling documentaries available for free on Vimeo and Youtube. Ice & Palms (2018) Now, this is a bit of a “crossover,” because there’s a lot of skiing in this documentary. German skiers Jochen Mesle and Max Kroneck embark on a ski expedition, cycling through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France to test themselves on some of Europe’s most beautiful mountains. Their journey ends by the sea in the enchanting city of Nice. The Frozen Road (2018) This remarkable film directed by Ben Page documents his solo journey through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago on a bicycle. It began as a romantic quest for perfect solitude , but the harsh truth turned out to be quite different: this hostile environment offered Ben wonder, but also a lot of frustration and even moments of terror. Geraint Thomas - The Road Will Decide (2019) British cyclist Geraint Thomas , winner of the 2018 Tour de France, defending his title the following year, in one of the most memorable races of the decade. You probably already know how it went, but it's definitely worth a look behind the scenes at the Tour and into the life of a great athlete. X3.GHISALLO by NRC Do you share our passion for cycling? Then you might be interested in our sports sunglasses designed specifically for and tested by professional cyclists, with hyper-light frames and scratch-resistant, oleophobic, water-repellent and impact-resistant lenses of the highest quality. Discover the NRC X-SERIES line!

Sustainable Sunglasses, Because We Love the EARTH Reducing plastic production is a difficult task. A task that will require years of enormous effort, given that this material has entered our lives in such a pervasive way. Yet, it is vitally important to find alternatives to mitigate the polluting effects of plastic, which are leaving lasting traces in the environment, affecting life on the planet for centuries to come. As mentioned, it is a difficult task, yes. But that is why we wanted to contribute to the cause: because we at NRC care about our planet and, above all, we love challenges, just as we love to exceed expectations . For this reason, a few years ago, we began experimenting within our Italian laboratories, to find a solution or technology that could help us reduce the impact of our production on the environment . A frame made of plant material Our answer was a truly unique lens made of UVM, a plant-based material that is not only sustainable, but also highly performing, making the glasses soft, light and comfortable , as well as resistant . This color-free frame has a pleasant milky white color that is slightly transparent, revealing the underlying structure of the glasses. High-end nylon lenses To achieve exceptional optical performance , we have combined this unique frame with the revolutionary superNYLENS nylon lenses from ZEISS , the only manufacturer on the market that guarantees the same optical standards for sports lenses as for ophthalmic lenses. The Forest Green color of these scratch-resistant, oleophobic, water-repellent and impact-resistant lenses naturally attenuates blue while increasing contrast and brightness in the lower part, thus ensuring maximum visual safety in all conditions . The result of this exceptional combination is our EARTH line , which includes the first high-end cycling glasses made with a frame made of plant-based material . Why Made in Italy? We chose not only to design, but also to produce our EARTH sports sunglasses entirely here in Italy , because we wanted to have full control over every little detail. Keeping production in Italy was the only possible solution to guarantee the highest production standards for our glasses. We are proud of our choice, even if this means losing an economic advantage over our competitors, who frequently outsource their production and rely on cheaper solutions, sacrificing product quality. EARTH Summer Edition All the glasses in the EARTH line are also available in the brand new Summer Edition , in a version with darker lenses , designed to protect your eyes even on the sunniest days. Think Green, buy our EARTH glasses online! EARTH sunglasses with plastic-free frame

The physical effort of a spiritual experience According to many religions and cultures, body and soul are intimately connected . For this reason we should not be surprised when someone claims to conceive physical effort as a spiritual experience . And that's also why, if you authentically love cycling, it shouldn't surprise you to discover that your bicycle can be the ultimate tool for finding your inner self . Feel your feet on the pedals. Feel the wind on your face. Tackle a steep climb. Enjoy the physical effort. Challenge your limits. Even feel the pain at the end of an epic journey on your bike . This is all part of the material, yet decidedly spiritual experience of exceeding expectations as you pedal your bike . Riding a bike on your own can be a truly mystical experience. Photo/Rider: Davide Costanza Getting lost in the moment The only way to find yourself, it is said, is to lose yourself in the moment . The moment when you are nothing more than muscles and reflexes. The moment when you are one with your bike and slowly merge with everything around you. Have you ever savored that moment? Your body is streaking like a ray of light across the landscape, while your thoughts slow to mere sensations . Transcending through physical effort. Achieving enlightenment through challenge . Yet, even though you're no longer fully there, you're still in full control of your movements , because riding a bike has become as spontaneous as breathing. Again, this shouldn’t surprise you: According to Zen teachings , it’s possible to achieve full spontaneity through continuous practice . Transforming an artificial movement into a completely natural process. It's like cha no yu , the Japanese tea ceremony : the officiants practice so much to learn an exact sequence of movements, that at a certain point they internalize this sequence to the point where it becomes completely spontaneous. Losing yourself in the moment, becoming one with your bike: it's all part of the cycling experience. Photo/Rider: Nico Valsesia Tools for Lighting It may sound strange to say that material tools can contribute to this spiritual experience . But the truth is that if you really want to lose yourself, you don't have to worry about yourself all the time. This means that nothing should distract you from riding your bike : adjusting your sunglasses frames, stopping because your vision isn't great... These are all inconveniences that risk hindering your inner journey. This is why you need the right tools to keep pedaling , just as the chadōgu, the set of cha do yu tools, is essential to a successful tea ceremony. That's why you need a pair of top-quality sunglasses that look like they're part of your body . Our sunglasses, your faithful travel companions A super lightweight frame. High-quality lenses that are both water-repellent, oil-repellent and impact-resistant. Just like our top-of-the-line X SERIES cycling glasses . Our X SERIES sports glasses are developed within the NRC laboratories, tested by professional cyclists, entirely made in Italy and equipped with ZEISS mirrored lenses . From ZEISS nylon NYLENS lenses to our patented asymmetric lenses, created to offer uniform protection on both sides of the field of vision, each of these technologies is designed to give you the most natural sports experience possible . Your journey begins here : visit our online shop for inspiration and a faithful companion that will always be by your side!

For us, exceeding expectations means first and foremost always doing our best to provide our customers with exceptional products . But exceeding expectations also means being able to work with the brands and teams we admire most . For this reason we immediately chose ZEISS to equip our sunglasses with the best lenses available on the market. And for this reason we are extremely proud to announce our new collaboration with Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team ! For us it is a very welcome return to the tracks , since it is where the NRC adventure began, many years ago now. Turkish driver Toprak Razgatlıoğlu wearing NRC safety glasses The coronavirus pandemic has made the use of protective glasses mandatory in the pit boxes during SuperBike competitions. And why settle for any pair of glasses, when you can have top-of-the-range protective glasses, scratch-resistant, impact-resistant and 100% designed and made in Italy ? That's right: until the end of the 2020 SuperBike season, we will be supplying Pata Yamaha with our X3 glasses with clear Zeiss lenses , thus ensuring exceptional optical performance for the team in the pit box. Additionally, we will be providing Pata Yamaha riders with our X1 and X2 cycling glasses with ZEISS lenses, to use during their cycling training . But our contribution will not be limited to work: pilots also need fun ! Two members of the Pata Yamaha team wearing NRC protective goggles That's why we'll be supplying the entire Pata Yamaha team with our Lifestyle eyewear , so they can relax in style between training sessions and races. Jerez de la Frontera kicked off our collaboration and we are delighted with the result. This is what we call exceeding expectations!

Prescription Sports Glasses: Keep Everything Under Control When you train , whatever sport you practice, you should always have everything under control . For this reason, if you have a vision defect, even a slight one, you need quality prescription sports glasses . Cycling, like many other sports, requires making difficult decisions in a very short amount of time , sometimes just an instant. A difficult overtaking move. A dangerous hairpin bend. These are situations where you can’t just stop (and probably don’t want to) just because you can’t see well enough. Using contact lenses together with sunglasses does not guarantee the same result: prescription sunglasses are the best solution for practicing sports in complete safety and freedom. Below you will find some tips on how to choose the right model. But before we go any further, let's start with the basics . How prescription sunglasses work Sports sunglasses with prescription lenses are glasses in which the lenses perform two distinct functions : Replacing your “regular” glasses Protect yourself from sunlight In prescription cycling glasses, the lens is designed to correct your vision defect and, at the same time, protect your eyes from the sun while you are cycling. The most common solution is to replace the “standard” lenses with prescription lenses, although this is not always possible, especially with cycling glasses, due to their particular curvature. For this reason, you should choose a model specifically designed for prescription lenses . But, as we will see later, there are other solutions. Our RX1 Fire prescription cycling glasses How to choose the right prescription sports glasses There are three main features you should consider when choosing your prescription sports sunglasses: Quality Lenses , of course, are of paramount importance. They should not only compensate for your vision defect, but should also adequately shield you from sunlight, without compromising your field of vision. Since our motto is “ exceeding expectations”, for our top-of-the-range NRC glasses we have chosen ZEISS , the only brand that produces sunglass lenses certified to the same standards used for ophthalmic lenses. Comfort The lenses aren’t the only thing you should worry about in your prescription cycling glasses: the frame is just as important and should be designed to keep you comfortable while you’re cycling or playing any other sport. If you’re constantly having to readjust your glasses because they’re uncomfortable, your workout could turn into a nightmare. Performance Details matter : that's why, along with quality and comfort, your prescription sports glasses should also guarantee you the best possible performance in all environmental and climatic conditions. An example? We designed our X5 prescription cycling glasses with side vents to increase ventilation and prevent the lenses from fogging up. Our prescription sports glasses We work tirelessly to bring you the best prescription cycling glasses , designed specifically for athletes who refuse to sacrifice design and functionality. Our RX1 , equipped with high-end ZEISS lenses, are designed, developed and created to offer you extraordinary optical performance and an optimal fit . This model combines the sporty design of NRC glasses with a curved front section that guarantees the highest performance with every type of prescription lens (even for very high prescriptions). Cycling glasses with internal clip We mentioned different solutions earlier. If you don't want to give up the typical wraparound design of NRC glasses, instead of choosing a pair of sunglasses designed specifically for prescription lenses, you can opt for a curved model and attach internal prescription lenses to a special clip . Our X3 line includes a series of top-quality models, equipped with a special clip that allows you to transform your wraparound sunglasses into real prescription glasses for cyclists and athletes. The internal support protects your prescription lenses , while our ZEISS lenses will guarantee you a perfect balance between sportiness and visual performance. Sports glasses with optical support for prescription lenses And it doesn't end there. Finally, thanks to its special structure and optimal curvature, the optical support of our X5 sunglasses allows you to easily replace the lenses , without sacrificing the sporty design and typical NRC curvature. Prescription glasses for sports: the right choice for you As you can see, whatever prescription sports eyewear option you prefer, we have studied all the best solutions to allow you to perform at your best in any context. Choose the glasses that's right for you: visit our online shop !

There was a time when cycling glasses were… well, just cycling glasses. Their sole purpose was to provide adequate performance, and riding was the only opportunity to show them off. Because that was their goal: to be functional on a bicycle. This was before the latest generation models hit the market, combining cutting-edge technology with high-end design. Models like our P-RIDE HOCO , designed to stand out without interfering in any way with optical quality and clarity of the field of view. P-RIDE HOCO Our P-RIDE HOCO multisport glasses manage to combine functionality and style: COMFORT AND PROTECTION - The lenses - ultra-light, scratch-resistant, water-repellent, oil-repellent and impact-resistant - ensure a perfect fit and total protection of the visual field. DESIGN - Thanks to four distinct color baths, the P-RIDE HOCO lenses combine a matte and a glossy mirror to create designs that reflect the light, creating chiaroscuro effects that do not go unnoticed. The result is what we call the WOW Effect. WOW Effect How was such a change possible? As mentioned earlier, part of this is due to the increasingly eye-catching designs of new sunglasses. Where once your old cycling glasses inevitably looked clunky when you dismounted your bike, now your new glasses no longer look out of place with the rest of your outfit. Secondly, people have “got their courage” and are no longer afraid to try bold combinations of sports accessories with casual or even trendy clothes. Shirt and cycling glasses? It’s no longer a “no across the board”. Finally, attracting the attention of others is becoming more difficult every day and cycling glasses, with their futuristic look, are the perfect tool to achieve what we call the WOW Effect: getting noticed at first glance, standing out from the rest, being unique… all without giving up high-quality performance. So hop on your bike and, whether you're about to embark on a grueling training session or heading to a high-end party, wear your favorite P-RIDE HOCO model with pride.