Salomon, the modern mountain sports lifestyle brand, is joined by Aitor Viribay, renowned physiologist and researcher in sports science. He will take the position of Global Sports Performance Director, in charge of developing the new Athlete Performance Program to support Salomon trail running athletes.
Salomon Global Chief Brand Officer, Scott Mellin said: “We intend to reinvent the sport of trail running from its current state to a future state where athlete performance in the biggest races is highly science-based, engineered and predictable. This revolution is aligned with our focus on product innovation, like the S/Lab Ultra Glide, to ensure we have the best talent in the best product at every race we enter.”
Viribay has an extensive experience in the field of human and sports science. He has worked as Head of Human Science for the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team for 3 years, where his athletes stood on the podiums of Grand Tours and won Olympic Gold medals. He has also worked as researcher in exercise metabolism, nutrition and physiology, consultant for elite and professional athletes and scientific advisor for companies.
Aitor Viribay said: “Growing up in the Basque Country, cycling and hiking in the mountains have always been the foundation in my life. After developing myself in professional cycling, I am proud and humbled to join the Salomon brand and to be associated with what it represents – pure innovation. As an advanced research scientist in human performance, it´s an honour to join one of the most innovative companies in sport to further develop its world class athlete program. The team is already filled with amazing talent, with legends and course records holders, as well as new promising talents, which makes me feel privileged to join a team that can mark a new era in mountain sports!”
In his new role of Global Sports Performance Director, Viribay will oversee the development of the Athlete Performance Program, which aims to support Salomon running athletes in every aspect of their training to help them perform at the highest level. This structure includes medical personnel, custom gear, specific training to match their objectives, and an enhanced focus on health and data. Viribay is working with a full team of sports specialists, including physiologists, a doctor, chefs, performance coordinator, nutritionist and a strength and conditioning coach.
“One thing I love about ultra running is all the puzzle pieces involved,” added Courtney Dauwalter, ultra-running legend and Salomon athlete. “I am super excited to have Aitor join the Salomon team to help us play with the puzzle pieces of performance, health, and training with a little more background knowledge and expertise. It will be great to get personalized programs and feedback to our entire team that meets us each where we are as individuals. He and I have already started working on some aspects of my personalized program together, and I am looking forward to continuing this work together!”
