New Look For GB Cyclists
British Cycling and KALAS Sportswear have revealed a new-look racing kit for the Great Britain cycling team, designed with input from the champion riders themselves.
It comes ahead of next week’s UCI Road World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria, when Vuelta a España winner Simon Yates will be among the top riders carrying GB hopes.
Czech custom cycle wear brand KALAS developed the kit following months of collaboration with GB riders from all cycling disciplines.
The resulting white jersey draws inspiration from the pared-down kit of 1959, with the reintroduction of a minimalist red ‘GBR’ lettermark logo, in a custom typeface based on Akrobat, and accompanying bold stripe.
KALAS designers also worked with coaches and riders to integrate key performance-oriented features.
Stephen Park, Great Britain Cycling Team performance director, explained: “High performance clothing is crucial to delivering results in today’s world of competitive cycling, so having a clothing supplier with such in-depth knowledge and a high level of service is invaluable to the Great Britain Cycling Team.
“The riders are at the heart of everything we do, so it was important for us that they played a key role in designing a kit that was bespoke to the squad, that looks good and that they were proud to wear without compromising on performance or quality.
“I look forward to seeing the collection on its first outing at the UCI Road World Championships in Innsbruck in the coming days.”
Dani Rowe, winner of the bronze medal at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, who is set to race in the elite women’s road race at the Road World Championships on September 29, added
“Having us all involved in the design process was a great idea. Our ideas were listened to and I’m really pleased with the outcome – it’s a modern twist on a classic design and will keep us visible in the peloton when we race. I’m looking forward to putting our new kit through its paces in Austria.”
KALAS Sportswear CEO Josef Filip said: “We’ve been developing premium cycling kit for 27 years, and this project is one of our favourites to date. By working closely with British Cycling and the Great Britain Cycling Team on this new collection, I’m confident that we’ve produced a fresh spin on an iconic look that will be loved by fans and the team alike. Being able to wear a kit designed by cycling greats during the rides and races gives it a real edge.”
The kit’s first outing on home soil will come at the TISSOT UCI Track Cycling World Cup at London’s Lee Valley VeloPark Velodrome in December. Olympic and Paralympic champions Katie Archibald, Laura Kenny, Jody Cundy and Dame Sarah Storey will be among those taking part.
In other cycling news this week, Phynova Six Day London has announced the first wave of riders for its October event at Lee Valley VeloPark, which include more than 13 Olympians from 12 countries, with a total of 100 UCI World Track Cycling medals between them.
