For many years, our apparel partner F2P has been producing the clothing for our professional team, our development riders and our mountain bike teams. So we took the opportunity to visit their factory in Bangkok. And we were surprised almost immediately.
Damien Doesn't Fit the Stereotype
The owner of F2P is Damien, originally from Bordeaux, France. He loves life, cycling and people. To be honest, he embodies what many people imagine when they think of French savoir-vivre far more than the image of a factory owner spending his days thinking only about numbers, margins and profits.
When he is not in the factory, he is usually on his bike. Much of his riding takes place on the Sky Lane, a 23-kilometre cycling track around Bangkok Airport that was commissioned by the King of Thailand and is used by thousands of cyclists every day.
For many years, it was common practice in Thailand to work six days a week. When Damien suggested giving his employees Saturdays off, many initially believed he was trying to save money on wages. The idea that someone would voluntarily reduce working hours because they genuinely cared about their employees' well-being seemed difficult to believe.
Only over time did they realise he truly meant it. Especially after seeing how personally he supported refugee families from Myanmar, helping them find work and build a life in Thailand. Something else impressed us as well: Damien did not just know the names of his employees. He could tell us the family story of almost every single person working there.
Right in the Middle of It All
One thing stood out immediately: Damien does not sit in a large office. His desk is located right in the middle of the factory, surrounded by the people who work there. And that perfectly reflected the atmosphere we experienced during our visit.
The seamstresses explained their work to us. We were able to touch the different fabrics, learn about the garment cuts and visit the warehouse. From the graphic design team to the production floor, we met people who were visibly proud of what they were doing.
Nothing Felt Anonymous
What stayed with us most was a simple group photo at the end of the visit. Perhaps because it captured something that cannot be staged: people who genuinely enjoy working together.
The Truth About Cycling Apparel
Of course, we also wanted to understand how our clothing is made. For years, we have worked closely with F2P to develop the cuts and select the materials for our professional team. This collaboration even led to the creation of our own Gabba, a high-performance rain jersey, specifically designed around the needs of our riders.
Another insight was equally interesting. Even a manufacturer based in Thailand sources many of its premium raw materials from Europe. Chamois pads, technical fabrics and other key components often come from Italy, especially in the high-end segment.
That reality puts some marketing claims into perspective. When brands talk about setting completely new standards, many of them are often working with the same fabrics and the same suppliers. The real difference comes from experience, craftsmanship, fit and the people who ultimately turn those materials into a finished product.
Shifting Perspectives
F2P has been producing the clothing for our professional team for many years. When Kristiāns Belohvoščiks became Latvian National Time Trial Champion and a new skinsuit had to be produced at short notice, F2P delivered. When we have new ideas, they help develop them. When something can be improved, we discuss it together.
Our visit to Bangkok was therefore much more than a meeting with a supplier. Just like our travels to races in Benin, Eritrea or Turkey, it helped broaden our perspective. It reminded us of something we experience again and again:
You should always form your own opinion.
Because reality is often far more interesting than the clichés.
