Rapha have unveiled the kit to be worn by Sir Bradley Wiggins’ newly-formed UCI Continental-registered team.
Wiggins will ride his final race for Team Sky at Paris-Roubaix on April 12 and will then move to Team Wiggins, setup to support the four-time Olympic champion’s preparations for the Rio 2016 Games.
The launch of the Team Wiggins kit marks the start of a three-year venture with Rapha which will expand into a wider range of clothing, similar to the London-based brand’s partnership with Wiggins’ current employers at Team Sky.
Nine British riders have signed for Team Wiggins, while the kit will be available to fans in advance of Wiggins’ hour record attempt, scheduled to take place in London in June.
Rapha say the kit draws on cycling’s rich heritage and takes inspiration from British cycling legends like Tom Simpson and Robert Millar, and other British cultural icons including Bobby Moore and The Who, while also incorporating the mod roundel which Wiggins has adopted on much of his kit in recent years.
Wiggins, who will also advise Rapha’s designers on a new range of clothing, said: “I’ve got to know the Rapha team well over the last few years at Team Sky; they’re serious about design and they love cycling almost as much as I do.
“I want a range of kit that looks great but is also functionally practical for today’s cyclist in all their different shapes and sizes, and I know Simon and the team at Rapha will do the business.”
Rapha chief executive Simon Mottram added: “Sir Bradley Wiggins is one of the very few cyclists who transcend the sport.
“He combines world-leading performances on the road and track with a love of the culture and history of cycling and the charisma to inspire cyclists, fans and the general public.
“It’s flattering and extremely exciting to be working with him.”
More details on the partnership will be released soon.
Website: Rapha