Rapha has designed the racing and training apparel for Team AMANI this season, inspired by the team’s connection to the wildlife of East Africa and Nairobi’s Matatu culture.
Each handmade pattern in the new apparel collection is based on distinctive species of Kenya including the leopard, giraffe and wild dog.
Worn by the team at The Traka and Unbound, the Team AMANI collection includes: Men’s & Women’s Pro Team Aero Jersey, Men’s & Women’s Pro Team Training Jersey, Men’s & Women’s Pro Team Long Sleeve Lightweight Jersey, Men’s & Women’s Pro Team Training Cargo Bib Shorts, Socks and Technical Sun Hat.
Santi Roig Dinarès, Rapha Designer, said “AMANI team managers Hanifa and Mikel said: we want animal prints. Normally animals use their skin to camouflage themselves. But we made sure these prints are seen out in the wild and are as visible as possible.
“We were also inspired by the Matatus of Nairobi – the taxi vans. The drivers customise them with bright colours. So we did the same, using stencils and spray paint.”
In addition to kit sponsorship, Rapha will play a role in supporting the next phase of Team AMANI’s development programme – with ‘AMANI House’, a centre of excellence located in Iten, Kenya, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of cycling talent in East Africa. Rapha will also sponsor The Migration Gravel Race and the LOOP Safari Race Series, AMANI’s elite-level events in Kenya.
