Both Omega Pharma-Lotto and Cervélo TestTeam have unveiled their new team kits for next season. While the Belgian Pro-Tour squad has opted for a predominantly white jersey highlighted by hints of red and blue, Cervelo has turned to the other end of spectrum, returning to a similar black kit that they used to kick off the 2009 season.
OmegaPharma-Lotto released an image of team captain Philippe Gilbert today on their website clad in the team’s bright new uniform. After several years as Davitamon (2005 & 2006), Predictor (2007), Silence (2008 & 2009) they felt a new kit and design was necessary. The past two years as Silence-Lotto the team’s Vermarc-made jerseys were filled primarily with red, grey and purple.
Cervelo TestTeam has chosen to reintroduce a revamped version of their old black uniform – shown off on their website by two of their star riders from the men’s and women’s team, Norwegian sprinter Thor Hushovd and Germany’s Claudia Häusler. A leader in technology, innovation and possibly fashion, Castelli returns to provide Cervélo with the competitive and aesthetic advantage they desire.
"We're really happy with the new design of the kit," said Gerard Vroomen, co-founder of Cervélo and Dutch engineer of the year. "The Cervélo TestTeam riders are back in black, making it easy to pick them out of the bunch. While Castelli has gone more futuristic in its fabrics, the look is updated with the classic bar across the chest, harking back to the bike industry teams of yesteryear. Finally, the signature 'é' logo on the back really stands out."
Castelli returned to the drawing boards for 2010, researching aerodynamics and enhanced body-temperature management in all weather conditions to maximize rider comfort and efficiency. “We’ve gone a lot further this season than simply making cosmetic changes,” emphasized Steve Smith, Brand Manager, Castelli. “After one year and almost one million kilometers of testing with Cervélo TestTeam riders under all conditions—from the wind tunnel to racing in every kind of weather—the Castelli Tech Labs have made over 60 refinements to the team’s clothing for the 2010 season.”
Only 2010 will tell whether Omega-Pharma Lotto’s white or Cervélo TestTeam’s black prevails.