Key Takeaways
- Rapha, a British brand, has unveiled a new kit for U.S. riders that features a bold and bright design, replacing the traditional vertical red, white, and blue stripes.
- The new kit is part of a multi-year partnership between Rapha and USA Cycling, which will run through the 2028 L.A. Olympics.
- The design draws inspiration from 1984, a watershed moment for American cycling, and features a "Lightspeed" pattern that symbolizes movement and speed.
- The new kit is designed to provide athletes with a performance benefit, with a lighter-colored palette suited to hot conditions.
- Rapha’s collaboration with USA Cycling marks a pivotal moment for the brand as it looks to turn the page on years of financial losses and reputational downturn.
Introduction to the New Kit
The British brand Rapha has made a bold statement with its debut design for the U.S. national kit, which features a radical departure from the traditional vertical red, white, and blue stripes. The new kit, which was launched on Friday, is part of a multi-year partnership between Rapha and USA Cycling, and will be worn by road, track, MTB, and BMX athletes as they build towards the 2028 L.A. Olympics. According to Rapha, the new design is both symbolic and functional, drawing inspiration from 1984, a watershed moment for American cycling.
Design Inspiration and Features
The new kit features a "Lightspeed" pattern that is central to the design, blending instantly recognizable elements from the Stars and Stripes with a sense of movement. The pattern is designed to express motion and speed in sportswear, and is a nod to Rapha’s design heritage and the history of cycling apparel. The kit also features a collegiate-style typeface, characteristic of American sports, accented with a stripe. The "USA Lightspeed" type appears on the front and back of the jerseys, providing an immediate and easily recognizable way to identify the rider.
Performance Benefits and Cultural Significance
Rapha has given USAC a new palette and a new set of stripes, which are designed to provide athletes with a performance benefit. The lighter-colored kit is suited to hot conditions, and is a response to a specific request from USA Cycling athletes. While the iconic vertical red, white, and blue stripes are gone, Rapha says its new design is steeped in U.S. culture. The kit is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a bold and bright design that is sure to spark debate.
Rapha’s Partnership with USA Cycling
The collaboration between Rapha and USA Cycling marks a pivotal moment for the brand, which has faced financial losses and reputational downturn in recent years. Rapha has already shuttered a number of its flagship "Clubhouses" and partnered with gravel king Cam Jones as part of a full business refresh. The brand’s collaboration with USA Cycling should help it maintain a stake in the North American scene, and CEO Fran Millar has reinforced Rapha’s commitment to cycling in the USA. The partnership will run through the Olympic cycle and into 2029, and Rapha will support American cycling as it builds towards the 2028 L.A. Olympics.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The new kit is a bold statement from Rapha, and is sure to be a talking point in the cycling community. While opinions may be divided, the kit is a testament to Rapha’s commitment to innovation and design. As the brand looks to turn the page on its financial losses and reputational downturn, its partnership with USA Cycling is a significant step in the right direction. With the 2028 L.A. Olympics on the horizon, Rapha is poised to make a big impact on the cycling scene, and its new kit is just the beginning.
