From ducks to dragons: EF Education First and Rapha partner up to create another Palace Skateboards kit

From ducks to dragons: EF Education First and Rapha partner up to create another Palace Skateboards kit

The most disruptive partnership in the WorldTour is set to turns heads one more time

Photos: EF Education First; Rapha Words: Nick Busca

In 2020, it was the ducks used for the team's Giro d'Italia kit that divided opinion. Now, it's the little yellow dragons chosen for the women's and men's Tour de France teams.

If you wonder why the dragons, you're not alone, and a Rapha's spokesperson explained they choose dragons as they are "a symbol of supernatural power, wisdom, strength and hidden knowledge. It's not gender specific, but we felt it was a great way of encapsulating the spirit of the women who ride for EF Education-TIBCO-SVB."

At the same time, the switch-out kit for EF Education-TIBCO-CVB (women's) and EF Education-EasyPost (men's) wants to celebrate the return of the Tour de France Femmes, which starts from Paris the day the men's race ends there. And it's doing so by blending references to the Tour's history with disruptive ways to look at the sport – a Palace trademark."The changeout is our way of celebrating women in sport and the Tour de France Femmes," said Jonathan Vaughters, the CEO of the EF Education-EasyPost team.

"It's wild, it's bold, and it's an exciting time for the cycling world and long overdue. It's an honour for our team to race in this kit in advance of the women's Tour de France. Both races will be incredible, and we'll fight to keep this kit and its celebratory message at the front of the race this July."

Related: First look at Rapha Pro Team gravel jersey

Both teams will wear the same design: a pink jersey and black bib shorts (classic EF Education First colours) featuring a large female symbol (
) supported by two yellow dragons in the front. "It's a true honour to have the EF Education-EasyPost men's team racing their Tour de France in a jersey that celebrates women's cycling," said Linda Jackson, the founder and owner of the EF Education-TIBCO-SVB team. "It's been a very long road to get to this point, and all of us, the riders, staff and management, realise the significance of this jersey and will be proud to wear it."

The pieces of the kit that received the Rapha + Palace switch-out include the women's and men's Team Aero Jersey, Pro Team bib shorts and Pro Team training jerseys (plus socks and caps, of course).

Related: Discover Rapha Pro Team crit jersey

The change will not only affect the kit. All the Cannondale team frames (including SystemSix, SuperSix EVO and SuperSlice) will be customised with the same design, as will their POC helmets and Crocs shoes.

Both teams will wear a customised off-the-bike special edition of their casual wear. The collections will be available to the public through the Rapha and Palace stores online plus in selected Rapha Clubhouses and Palace stores. In addition, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO frameset will be available through rapha.cc, palaceskateboards.com and cannondale.com.

All items will be sold in limited numbers, and there will be three drops at localised times in the UK, EU, Canada and the USA and the Asia-Pacific region.

A further selection of Rapha + Palace on-bike items will be made available to Rapha Cycling Club members active on or before June 28 or who had renewed a lapsed membership by the day before the commercial launch (details to be confirmed soon).


Photos: EF Education First; Rapha Words: Nick Busca


READ MORE

Clever tactics, brave riding and a dose of good fortune: How Ben O'Connor plans to continue his success in 2025 with Jayco Alula

Clever tactics, brave riding and a dose of good fortune: How Ben O'Connor plans to continue his success in 2025 with Jayco Alula

After a season which saw him fourth in the Giro, second in the Vuelta and second in the world championships, the Australian rider speaks about...

Leggi di più
Giro or Vuelta decision on ice, but Tadej Pogačar certain 'I can improve some more'

Giro or Vuelta decision on ice, but Tadej Pogačar certain 'I can improve some more'

The UAE Team Emirates rider revealed his plans for next season and says things can still get better - the question is: how?

Leggi di più
‘I champion everybody to follow their dreams’ - Shanaze Reade on building a better future for the next generation

‘I champion everybody to follow their dreams’ - Shanaze Reade on building a better future for the next generation

The former multiple BMX and track world champion is focusing on how she can help create opportunities for those less privileged

Leggi di più
Ben Healy’s weakness is his strength: ‘It never makes me indecisive’

Ben Healy’s weakness is his strength: ‘It never makes me indecisive’

The EF Education-EasyPost rider knows where his strength lies, and he is focussing on this in the pursuit of success

Leggi di più
The peloton

Do bigger budgets and salaries in the WorldTour really make cycling better?

With limited income streams and job security for just a select few, how sustainable is the growth of the sport?

Leggi di più
Pidcock's next page: What does his future look like with Q36.5?

Pidcock's next page: What does his future look like with Q36.5?

The British rider officially terminated his contract with Ineos Grenadiers earlier this week, but what next for him at the lower division Q36.5?

Leggi di più

MEMBERSHIP

JOIN ROULEUR TODAY

Independent journalism, award winning content, exclusive perks.

Banner Image