Garmin have unveiled their new kit ahead of the Tour de France after Sharp signed on as team co-sponsor.

The kit, manufactured by Castelli, features a red panel with the Sharp logo across the chest and back, as well as on the right arm. Blue is now the dominant colour on the jersey, with the white stomach area of the previous design dropped, while the team’s trademark argyle is more subtle than previous incarnations. The kit will be available from Castelli dealers from the end of July.

Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda, as the team is now known, will start the race on Saturday with Giro d’Italia champion Ryder Hesjedal as team leader, with Briton David Millar and Irishman Dan Martin also named in the nine-man squad.

Castelli brand manager Steve Smith, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sharp to the team’s family. Team Garmin-Barracuda-Sharp is the most tech-savvy team in the peloton and the addition of this new sponsor, prominently displayed on the new kit, is special for all of us involved.

“Additionally, this team is rider-centric, and Castelli has done its part once again to make sure the riders have the most comfortable and technically-advanced clothing for all racing and training, and especially for the Tour de France.

“In addition to the new colors, the riders will be wearing the updated light weight hot weather shorts and jerseys that the Giro d’Italia crew tested and improved. We’re counting on similar success with the clothing in the heat of France in July.”