Rapha have unveiled the 2015 spring/summer Pro Team range, including a collection of clothing in a ‘Data Print’ design which represents a marked stylistic departure for the London-based brand.
Rapha have long been associated with subtle, understated styling, but the chevron ‘Data Print’ pattern comes in a striking black/white or white/black constrast colourway. It’s used on on the Pro Team jersey, Pro Team base layer, Pro Team lightweight cap, Pro Team socks and Pro Team arm screens, as well as a number of accessories, and is based on a Team Sky rider’s data from the 2013 Tour de France.
“A unique collaboration that creates art from the science of modern road racing, London-based design studio Accept & Proceed used the ride data from an individual racer’s entire Grand Tour to make a very special graphic,” say Rapha.
“Charting the rider’s performance levels for each stage, the resulting print is made up of precisely scaled chevrons mapping the rider’s distance, elevation gain and Training Score Stress (TSS) levels.”
The Grand Tour in question is the 2013 Tour de France and while Rapha have not confirmed the individual rider whose data is represented, we understand it is Peter Kennaugh, the face of the 2015 Pro Team range and a rider who played a pivotal role supporting team-mate and eventual champion Chris Froome at the race.
The Pro Team jersey (£120), worn by Kennaugh above, is the highlight of the range and is available in either a black/white or white/black ‘Data Print’ design, alongside green and coral options.
It’s described as “a lightweight, high-performance race jersey cut for an aggressive position on the bike” and is made from a high-wicking fabric with Coldblack, which is said to absorb less heat. Fabrics treated with Coldblack are claimed to be nine degrees ‘cooler’ than non-treated black fabrics.
Otherwise, the jerseys has mesh panels, collar and cuff ends in a bid to improve breathability, and three rear pockets, alongside a zipped valuables pocket.
You can see more of the ‘Data Print’ jersey in the gallery below, or click the next arrow to see what else caught our eye from the 2015 spring/summer Pro Team range.
