Saturday 24 January 2015 16:06, UK
We take a closer look at the Pro Team range from Rapha which Team Sky’s riders are competing in this year.
Team Sky are in Australia for their first race of the season, looking to protect the recently crowned Australian time-trial champion, Richie Porte, as he tackles the general classification.
This might be the first race of the year but it’s not the team’s first week at work. To get to this point, the riders and staff have gone through months of training and preparation. Throughout the build-up to the season, Team Sky have been sporting their new Rapha kit – race day clothing constructed from advanced technical fabrics.
You can get your hands on it too. Head here to view the Rapha Team Sky range.
The Team Sky Pro Jersey is the workhorse of Team Sky’s kit, chosen by the riders for its versatility and consistently excellent performance. The jersey is constructed from a high-wicking, technical fabric with coldblack® – a dye that absorbs less of the sun’s heat – and has a high Sun Protection Factor rating. For 2015 the jersey has been updated with tonal stripes on the back panel and a contrast collar tipping.
The jersey’s fit is based on the position of a racing cyclist, with a low-reaching back panel and sleeves that don’t pull at the arms when reaching for the drops. Mesh side panels aid breathability, and the seams are bonded for comfort and durability. The rear pockets are angled to make it easier to reach their contents mid-ride, and a high quality VISLON® zip allows for one-handed use.
Coldblack® fabrics are 9C cooler than non-treated black fabrics, and measure just as cool as light-coloured fabrics.
The Team Sky version of Rapha’s Pro Team Bib Shorts are based around the same top-of-the range, award-winning Cytech pad created exclusively for Rapha. The shorts are made from a high-performance Lycra fabric that is also exclusive to Rapha. Designed to be tight, supportive, durable and lightweight, the fabric provides extremely high levels of absorbency and is highly breathable. It also has a permanent microbial treatment to prevent the build-up of bacteria which can cause irritation. The fabric is also very fast-drying and has great four-way stretch. The shorts have a fit created for a road racer’s body shape, feature Team Sky logos, and are finished with soft, comfortable gripper.
Designed for elite-level and professional racing, the Team Sky version of Rapha’s Pro Team Socks combine the highest levels of breathability and durability. The heel and toe use a yarn developed for robustness, with the rest of the footbed constructed from an ultra-wicking fibre which is both lightweight and soft. Updates for 2015 include the use of Meryl Skinlife® yarn to provide permanent anti-bacterial treatment as well as a snugger fit around the arch for greater support, a detail requested by the riders of Team Sky. The cuff is made from a hardwearing performance nylon to keep the top of the socks looking fresh. The black and white colourways feature a Sky blue cuff stripe. All colours feature team logos.
