PHOENIX, Dec. 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Mondo, a global leader in the sports flooring market, at the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association convention introduced the next generation in tracks: Mondotrack FTX. The official track for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Mondotrack FTX leverages cutting-edge technology and advanced biomechanical research to provide the ultimate in performance, speed and safety.
The new system builds upon the success of Mondo's Super X track, which has been the world's top track for more than 30 years. FTX's design provides maximum energy return, optimal traction and a greater contact area than other tracks.
"Extensive research enabled us to take the world-renowned performance of Super X to the next level," said Federico Stroppiana, president of Mondo North and South America. "More than 220 world records and countless national bests have been set on Mondo Super X tracks. We're confident the new Mondotrack FTX will help athletes take their performance to the next level as well."
Close observation of the biomechanics of the foot enabled Mondo to develop a track that provides optimal leg support and foot movement assistance, which makes the surface more reactive and reduces the time it takes for the foot to roll from the fifth metatarsus (outside) to the first metatarsus (inside). This helps athletes achieve faster times than when they run on other surfaces.
Modifications Mondo made to the track's backing further enhances FTX's performance. Mondo stretched the backing's hexagonal honeycomb shape which makes the track more elastic and responsive, improving athletes' performance and comfort. The elongated honeycomb is structurally strong and provides improved lateral support, and therefore, better control during the rolling movement of the foot.
Mondotrack FTX also features a new irregular tessellation surface design. This provides a greater area of contact between shoe and surface than other tracks, improving athletes' grip and performance. In addition, the surface pattern's irregular size and shape provides efficient water flow during poor weather conditions. Highly efficient water drainage channels help eliminate water pools when it rains, ensuring optimal traction in all weather conditions for maximum athletic performance and safety.
Sun Angel Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe will be the first U.S. installation of the Mondotrack FTX.
About Mondo
Mondo is the global leader in the sports flooring market, manufacturing floor surfaces for virtually every sport. The official supplier of the athletic track and basketball and handball courts of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Mondo also is the official supplier or official sponsor of more than 100 sports federations and associations, including FIBA, IAAF, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, NIRSA, U.S. Track Coaches Association and YMCA.
The company also supplies a wide variety of commercial flooring and is the world's largest producer of sports and toy balls with an average daily production of 450,000 units. In addition, it manufactures large luxury yachts under its Mondomarine division.
Mondo invests heavily in research and development to ensure its products meet the highest quality standards in the industry, deliver optimal athletic performance, are durable, require minimal maintenance and are environmentally safe.
A family-owned business since its founding in 1948, Mondo's global headquarters are in Italy. The company has manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia and sells its products in more than 134 countries. More information about Mondo is available at www.mondousa.com.
The Mondo logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3747
Mondo is a registered trademark of Mondo.