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Home » Top Stories » Road » Tour de France

Cervélo makes kit change

Published: Jun. 30, 2009
The new Cervélo may be a little cooler on the hot roads of France.
The new Cervélo may be a little cooler on the hot roads of France.
Photo: Cervélo

The Cervélo TestTeam has received UCI permission to reverse the colors on its nearly all-black kit in time to use a largely white version at this year’s Tour de France.

The team has proposed changing its colors so that the black and white portions of the jersey are reversed.

"We made the design change because racing during the hot summer temperatures that are normal in Europe is hard on the riders," said Thomas Campana, Managing Director, Cervélo TestTeam, "and the lighter color will provide some relief from the heat. All modifications to team kit design must be approved by the UCI and we appreciate their prompt attention in this matter."

The change is proposed for the upcoming Tour de France as well as the Giro d'Italia Femminile, the women's verison of the Giro.

"Racing in hot weather is physically demanding, that's a given, and despite the fact that Castelli makes some of the lightest and coolest fabrics in existence, wearing a lighter colour will make a big difference, both psychologically and physically, to a rider's well being," explained Steve Smith, Castelli Products. "UCI agreed that the rider's health is paramount, and so we instituted the change."

The color is not the only change for the jersey.

"In addition to the new color, the team is also debuting an updated Aero Race Jersey pattern that features new construction and fabrics around the arm and shoulder making it even more aerodynamic,” said Smith. “With over three years of development and wind tunnel testing, this jersey saves 10 watts compared to standard race jerseys."