As I’m sure you already know, dear reader, now is the season.
No, not that season – not for another week or so. what i said is new jersey seasonit’s that time of year when all professional teams publish their updated posts ahead of next year’s games.
I’m sure you’ll see these photos. Gone are the days of riders posing as if for a corporate headshot – arms crossed, body angled, eyes focused on the camera. Now, teams are getting more and more creative. Let me tell you my favorite so far.
First there are Liddell Trek. In a nod to their supermarket sponsors, they released their kit last week with a picture of sprinter Clara Copponi pouting in the fruit and veg aisle, a yellow bag draped over her shoulders Shopping bag.
FDJ-Suez This next one stands out to me. I’ve always loved their red, white and blue attire – they earned a uniform ranking from our magazine last year – and this time around, the team has taken that vibe to the next level.
In a press release, France shared a photo of Évita Muzic wearing the new jersey, which she paired with blue jeans and a white off-the-shoulder jacket. class.
Bora-Hansgrohe kept things more traditional, at least their riders wore bib shorts too. The team’s promotional photos have a dramatic feel to them, with the four drivers striking various emotional poses Primoz Rolicset to a dark red background. It’s the kind of imagery you’d expect to see on The X-Factor, which profiles a boy band formed after auditions and now thriving in live shows.
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Finally, the last kit release I would like to bring to your attention is that of the Emirates team in the United Arab Emirates. We’ll ignore the dizzying blur effects added to photos and focus on one key thing: Tadej Pogačar Wearing white suspenders.
Last week, I questioned the world champion’s musical taste in Spotify Wrapped, but now it seems the two of us have found common ground. I always say that if/when I become the best cyclist in the world I will wear white bib shorts too. I pray I don’t end up with a sewn diaper like poor Tadej.
Elsewhere on social media this week, Mathieu van der Poel drained a three-pointer, Thomas De Gent feared a tumble indoors and we got a look at the Tour Down Under’s new mascot.
1. Using new underwear stitching, guaranteed to save you 10 watts at 45 km/h
🌈 What’s happening in 2024 is incredible. Not content with the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, @TamauPogi is sporting a rainbow jersey for the first time. In 2025, Tadej will hit the road wearing a new white hybrid bodysuit handcrafted in the PISSEI custom lab. #WeAreUAE 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/jfLRlMTwyaDecember 12, 2024
2. Who needs white bib shorts when you can wear blue jeans?
Change the norms, break the norms. #Gobik #TomorrowIsDecidedToday pic.twitter.com/BT2UnWatmSDecember 12, 2024
3. The one who just came out of the judges’ house is Bora-Hansgrohe!
4. If you have Anna in your name, you too may be destined to become a world champion in individual pursuits
5. Mathieu van der Poel is looking into new sports after hearing Tadej Pogačar plans to compete in the Tour of Flanders next year
6. You never lose it, Thomas
I’m doing roller training indoors. I watched a POV video from inside Liberty Racing. I was focused on the screen. They collapsed in front of me. I brake. Conditioned reflexes still exist.December 12, 2024
7. You said you gave birth? Well, that wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t on Strava
8. Please give me a cappuccino and a glass of Thibau Nys to take away
9. Track cycling can be a real circus sometimes
10. Remind everyone to replace the handlebar tape regularly
11. Finally, I’ll bring you the dance moves of Oppy, the intimidating kangaroo, to take you into the weekend
