Specialized Unveils French-Inspired Kit for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe at Tour de France

Specialized has launched a new limited edition Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe kit, taking inspiration from France and its national football team, just in time for this year’s Tour de France. The kit, characterized by its lighter and brighter design, features a white base with fading red and blue stripes, while the shorts boast a vibrant blue color.

The company describes the new kit as “a tribute to the country, the fans, and the legendary roads that make the Tour de France the ultimate race in cycling.” The design reflects the French flag with its blue, white, and red stripes, symbolizing the race’s speed and spirit. The gradient design is inspired by France’s diverse landscapes, from the cobbled streets of the north to the Alps and the vibrant finish in Paris.

Design Inspiration: A Nod to French Football

In a unique twist, Specialized has drawn inspiration from the world of football, specifically the iconic French World Cup jerseys. The tricolor-style jersey is reminiscent of France’s kit during the 2006 World Cup, a tournament where France reached the final but was defeated on penalties after a notorious incident involving Zinedine Zidane.

Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe’s new look aims for a happier ending this summer, unlike the French team’s fate in 2006. The team, led by Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič, will compete fiercely, hoping to improve on Roglič’s previous performances at the Tour de France.

Team Strategy and Expectations

Roglič, who finished second in the 2020 Tour, will face stiff competition from Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel. Supporting Roglič is a strong team, including Criterium du Dauphine podium finisher Florian Lipowitz, alongside Aleksandr Vlasov, Laurence Pithie, Jordi Meeus, Mick van Dijk, Danny van Poppel, and Gianni Moscon.

Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe chief of sports Rolf Aldag emphasized the team’s preparation, stating, “We’re heading into this Tour extremely well prepared. Every stage has been reconned, analyzed, and simulated.” He highlighted the importance of team strength in the race’s early stages, with five riders dedicated to guiding the climbers safely toward the Pyrenees.

“Our team strength will be especially critical in the first half of the race – five riders are dedicated to guiding our three climbers safely toward the Pyrenees. In the high mountains, individual class will make the difference. That’s our race plan – and our guiding principle for the next three weeks.” – Rolf Aldag

Kit Design and Sponsorship

While the bright blue shorts may divide opinion, the new jersey is seen as an upgrade from the team’s previous darker design. Despite the fresh look, all sponsors remain prominently displayed. Title sponsors Red Bull, Bora, and Hansgrohe occupy prime positions on the jersey and shorts, alongside other major sponsors such as Hugo Boss, Mewa, Grenke, and the tourism board of Ötztal in Austria.

The Tour de France remains the pinnacle of cycling races, and this new kit adds a layer of visual excitement to the competition. As the team races toward Paris on July 27, their bold new look will undoubtedly capture attention, regardless of the final outcome.

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