NIKE ACG STAGES MAN VS MACHINE STUNT AT MONTANA ICE RACE

## STUNT DECODED: HUMAN SPIRIT MEETS HORSEPOWER Nike ACG's Instagram post captures a defining moment in outdoor performance culture. The "MAN VS MACHINE" spectacle at Big Sky Montana's FAT Ice Race featured ACG Racing Department athlete Liam Meirow racing modified Ultrafly shoes against a Porsche. In the end, the machine had the pace, but Liam had the edge. The stunt taps into ACG's long-standing philosophy: technology may help us explore further, but the human spirit still drives adventure. The shoe itself was a one-off modification created specifically for the event. Based on the ACG Ultrafly platform, the prototype featured aggressive metal spikes embedded in the outsole, designed to bite into ice and provide traction on slippery surfaces. This technical innovation showcases ACG's commitment to extreme condition testing. ## RACING DEPARTMENT ROSTER: 22 ATHLETES ACROSS 8 COUNTRIES Liam Meirow represents one of 22 elite athletes spanning eight countries and five U.S. states on the All Conditions Racing Department roster. Outside of professional running, Meirow describes himself as a creator, designer and connector of people, based in Portland. The elite trail runners who comprise the All Conditions Racing Department roster are co-creating the future of trail performance: testing prototypes, providing feedback and breaking things — all in service of Nike ACG's charge to build better, stronger, faster and wilder gear for the outdoor athlete. This takes form in innovation that starts on the mountain, flows through the Nike Sport Research Lab, and lands back in the dirt. ## BRAND TRAJECTORY: FROM CACTUS PLANT TO BEIJING BASE CAMP The Nike ACG x Cactus Plant Flea Market SS26 capsule releases in Spring 2026 via Nike and Cactus Plant Flea Market, following a drop last week, the CPFM x Nike ACG collection will be released via Nike SNKRS on March 3, 2026. Building on recent momentum — sparked by CPFM sharing photos of Travis Scott on Instagram modeling the unreleased garments in front of the iconic Milan Duomo during a recent trip. ACG is opening its first dedicated, standalone store this month in Beijing's Taikoo Li Sanlitun shopping center. More than a retail destination, the ACG Base Camp is a physical manifesto of ACG's spirit, reimagining gear for a new generation and returning to the brand's roots of exploration. Nike ACG has launched its Team USA collection for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a performance-driven lineup designed to support elite athletes on the global stage. Drawing aesthetic inspiration from the rugged landscapes of Colorado Springs – specifically the Manitou Incline and the Garden of the Gods. ## COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE: ACG VS PATAGONIA AND ARC'TERYX Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear) merges sportswear energy with outdoor functionality. Known for bold colour palettes and innovative fabrics, it's perfect for those who want performance gear that also feels fashion-led. Expect: Streetwear-inspired outerwear with technical features. Arc'teryx still leads the charge in technical mountain apparel. Patagonia is a well-loved outdoor brand with a rich history in mountain exploration. Few brands balance technical ability and environmental ethics like Patagonia. Its alpine and climbing collections rival Arc'teryx for quality, while its sustainability leadership sets the industry standard. From recycled insulation to its famous repair programme, Patagonia proves that performance and responsibility can go hand in hand. The top 10 brands like Arc'teryx—Taian BOWINS Garment Co., Ltd., Patagonia, The North Face, Salomon, Houdini, Snow Peak, Mammut, Norrona, Mountain Hardwear, and Black Diamond—lead the $20.7 billion outdoor apparel market with 95% weather protection, 25% enhanced durability, and 15% emissions reductions. ## CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: REDEFINING OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE "This is a defining moment in ACG's history — a recommitment to all conditions and an invitation to athletes: unplug, get outside and explore," says Scott LeClair, VP/GM, ACG. "ACG has the foundation to shape the future of outdoor performance while pushing into spaces that feel fresh and unexpected". While the spiked Ultrafly used in the race isn't a commercial product, at least for now, the stunt highlights how Nike continues to use ACG as a platform for experimentation and storytelling, often blending outdoor performance with unexpected cultural spaces. From alpine installations to ice-race stunts, the brand's outdoor arm seems increasingly comfortable pushing beyond traditional trail running launches. The MAN VS MACHINE post represents more than marketing theater. It signals Nike's commitment to positioning ACG as the intersection of technical innovation and cultural relevance, challenging both Patagonia's sustainability narrative and Arc'teryx's premium positioning through spectacle and community building.