Libor Podmol freestyle motorcyclist. A man well known for his stunts, as well as many injuries, it may be asked if motorcycle safety is his priority. So what led him to PSí HUBÍK, the manufacturer where safety is the number one concern? In the article below you can find the thoughts of Libor Podmol, the Dakar rider and Libor Hubík, the motorcycle clothing designer.
PSí: Libor, what brought you to the Czech motowear manufacturer PSí HUBÍK?
Libor Podmol: It was during my preparations of the 2023 Dakar. I was putting together the bike, design and had to consider what I would ride in. I looked around the world to see who uses what, what looks and fits the best, talking to other riders I know ... when the PSI webpages jumped out at me. I saw that they had made clothing for previous Dakar competitors, and I thought Libor you are crazy looking all over the planet when maybe the best quality is right under your nose, here, in the Czech Republic. I looked through contacts for an email and wrote to see if they could make a jacket according to my own requirements. Within moments I got a reply from Mrs Hubik, and the whole things started.
"I am a nationalist and always prefer to use Czech products, I believe in the golden Czech hands" proudly states Libor Podmol.
Libor Podmol and Libor Hubík in front of the PSí HUBÍK production plant.
PSí: How did the collaboration proceed?
Libor Podmol: During a phone call, where we all got along, I shared my ideas for jacket and trousers, you proposed some options, and we agreed on a personal meeting. At this time we took measurements, planned out the pockets, selected materials and it was off!
Consultation of requirements, and production options at the manufacturing plant in Hulin.
PSí: What were your requirements and why?
Libor Podmol: I had already taken in part one Dakar, I knew what the factory riders wore and I basically wanted the same thing. The rally is an endurance race where comfort is very important. The set needs pockets, many pockets, because I carry a lot of things with me such as drinks, food, bars, maps, earplugs, telephone, tape, vitamins, money, documents …… it is not like freestyle motocross where I can ride in jeans and a t-shirt.
I also emphasised lightness and airiness. Rallying is also about getting tired as little as possible, riding in the conditions, with the high heart rates. Heavy jackets are a burden in this type of sport.
Graphic design of Libor Podmol’s Dakar set
PSí: Did the PSí clothing meet your expectations?
Libor Podmol: Absolutely. I think, we have put together the best rally/enduro jacket on the market. Not only in the Czech Republic, but very possibly the world.
Hand over of the set at PSí – Tlumačov
PSí: We know that you did not finish the 2023 Dakar due to a fall and subsequent injury.
Can you describe, what happened:
Libor Podmol: on the 2nd race day, and first part of the 300km special stage, I hit a pothole on a relatively easy Saudi dirt road and at 97 km/h flew over the handlebars, from basically out of nowhere …
According to the data from the airbag I experienced something like 26G and lay there for 4 minutes … To this day I don’t understand how it could have happened. All I do know is that I had such a beautiful dream that I didn’t want to wake up. I was somewhere on a tropical island, it was hot and I was walking on a beach …. I suddenly heard voices and when I opened my eyes I saw a couple of guys wearing helmets ……..
At that moment, it dawned on me I was at the Dakar and must have messed up. They lifted my bike and sat me on it, but as soon as I started, I felt a sharp pain in my back and kind of knew it was stupid. Even so, I reached the finish of the special stage, which was about 20 km and then another 200 km crossing to the bivouac, in total pain and straight to X-ray. There they confirmed a fracture of the 6th and 7th thoracic rotation and that was the end of it for me..
Well, it was a shock to me, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be able to wrap it all up after the first stage, but you know: "If you want to give God a laugh, plan something..."
PSí: We can take a look at the clothes, after the fall, through the eyes of Libor Hubík, the designer of Dakar set:
Libor Hubík: For me the clothing provided exactly the levels of protection I would expect. It was a relatively “soft” fall, and the garments show only small amounts of marking. The airbag vest worked as it should, and this certainly reduced the extent of any injuries received.
PSí: Let’s go back to the beginning of the production of Libor Podmol’s rally kit. Why is it different to all the other rally riders who have previously ridden in PSí ?
Libor Hubík: Yes, it is a breakthrough, in our opinion here at PSí, regards this type of clothing. Previously we would use tougher, highly abrasion resistant, materials for the rally clothing but they were heavier and less breathable. Libor had requirements for a lightweight material, from his freestyle world. The fact is that thanks to the introduction of the mandatory use of rider protection, in the form of an airbag system, changing the material to a lighter one was acceptable. As such, together with Libor Podmol, PSí have developed a completely new rally kit.
PSí: What materials were use in the set?
Libor Hubík: It is a combination of 8 different fabrics with 80 % polyester a 20 % polyamide. Stretch fabrics are used allowing the garment to not be too loose yet able to accommodate the inflation of the airbag under the jacket. At the same time, however, tougher materials are used in those areas first exposed to contact, in the event of a fall.
PSí: How was the cut different?
Libor Hubík: It was developed in collaboration with Libor Podmol in such a way that it allowed maximum movement, was light, not too loose and allowed the airbag to function properly.
PSí: Can you mention some details?
Libor Hubík: … mainly pockets as desired, then stretch parts and, of course, preparation for the airbag system developed for off-road riding..
PSí: Does the factory plan to include rally sets in the PSí collection?
Libor Hubík: Yes. We agreed with Libor Podmol for his cooperation in the testing and development of upcoming models.
Did you know?
Textile production is primarily produced in ready to wear sizes. Most people usually choose a size with some margin, to accommodate their needs. Some wear only functional underwear below the garments where others may use a couple of shirts and an airbag. We always recommend getting a size close to the body for maximum protection. That said we recognise that garments that are too tight could be uncomfortable when travelling long distances. Consult our production stores for consultation on the best size for you or made-to-measure items.