Spectrum: Rapha and EF Education First Pro Pycling lift the curtain just in time for the 2019 Tour Down Under. So secret was the new outfit for 2019 that the team's riders competed in mysterious black at the Australian and New Zealand championships. And the team uniform was eagerly awaited, not least because it is the British clothing manufacturer Rapha, who is equipping a top team again after a two-year absence.
The squad around the 2017 Tour runner-up, Rigoberto Urán, offers numerous US American and Australian riders, as well as well-known greats such as Matti Breschel, Sebastian Langeveld and Sep Vanmarcke. Things are also getting exciting because EF plans to break new ground with some riders in addition to the classic WorldTour calendar. It's called the "alternative calendar" and means that the pros will be at the starting line at renowned popular sports and long-distance events. The hardcore mountain bike race Leadville 100, the gravel event Dirty Kanza and an extreme cross race called Three Peaks in Great Britain are currently planned. Of course, this is part of a larger marketing and media plan - few teams are likely to receive as much attention in the coming season as Education First.
Fittingly, to kick off the season in Australia, Rapha is launching a full collection that includes racewear, fanwear and all the accessories the Brits are known for. With lots of pink, of course - the color that unites the education company Education First and the clothing manufacturer. Our personal highlight is the reversible sun hat: blue with decorative seams on one side and wildly tie-dyed on the other. Whoever is standing at the edge of the track should be just as noticeable to the EF professionals as vice versa - and creating a closer connection between fans and drivers is one of the goals of the cooperation.
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