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Wout Poels wins Team Sky’s first Monument wearing Rapha’s Pro Team Shadow Range

  • Ron 

Wout Poels won Team Sky’s first monument at Liége-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday, 24thApril, wearing pioneering Pro Team Shadow kit by Rapha. Anticipating the sprint finish, the Dutch climber cast his gloves to the roadside before punching out of a group of four to cross the line first, fist raised.

In a race marked by weather that ranged from heavy snow to spring sunshine, riders were seen repeatedly taking soggy jackets on and off, uncomfortable in the range of conditions and temperature. Team Sky, however, were outfitted in the all-weather, all-effort

Pro Team Shadow, developed alongside the team and race-ridden since last year’s Classics. With a unique single-layer woven fabric, the garment keeps out rain and wind but lets body heat escape, creating a perfect jersey for racing in changeable weather. Team Sky were wearing the Short Sleeve Shadow Jersey, Shadow Bib Shorts, Shadow Arm Warmers, and Shadow Knee Warmers (all currently available in Rapha’s main range, with warmers coming in AW16). Other items included a Short Sleeve Merino Base Layer, Pro Team Rain Overshoes, Pro Team Winter Hat, Lightweight Snood and Pro Team Softshell Gloves.

“When the weather is so extreme and changing from wind and rain to snow, you have to have good kit – it would be impossible without it. I travelled back home after La Flèche Wallonne especially to have my Shadow kit for Liège-Bastogne-Liège and it allowed me to perform at my best, even in that tough weather.”

– Wout Poels

“The clothing we had from Rapha… was crucial.”

– Team Sky directeur sportif Kurt Asle Arvesen.

“We put a lot into the planning and choice of clothing today – the lads felt as a team they were better protected than any other. Rapha have come a long way with the clothing and played a big part in the performance.”

– Dave Brailsford to Rapha CEO Simon Mottram

“Wout’s kit on Sunday exemplifies why we developed Shadow; to offer world-leading racewear that is fast, comfortable, versatile and protective in the worst weather. The jersey works like a close-fitting jacket and the bib shorts are unlike anything else around – they keep you warm and dry. Both the bib shorts and jersey offer supreme versatility and comfort range for changeable weather, which we also saw during the race, and the snood and neoprene toe covers are further little touches that make the difference in keeping the body’s temperature well-regulated. I’m proud to see Team Sky win a Monument wearing Rapha Shadow.”
– Simon Huntsman, Rapha’s Head of Research & development

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