Rapha has revealed its first designs for the USA Cycling team, marking the beginning of a partnership that will see the British brand outfit American athletes through to the end of the 2029 season.
The partnership aims to take the US-based cycling federation into a new era, with Rapha also providing kit for disciplines such as Track, BMX Racing, and BMX Freestyle. According to Rapha, the collaboration aims to build a transformative era for the sport, focusing on medal success and increasing participation in the US and internationally.
The debut USA Cycling Collection arrives at a time of significant interest in the sport, with data from PeopleForBikes indicating that 112 million people in the US rode bikes in 2024.
Fran Millar, CEO at Rapha, said “This kit represents over a decade of world-class competition and innovation.
“We’ve left no stone unturned so that when USA Cycling athletes show up for their country, they can stand on the start line with total confidence. The starting pistol for LA has been fired and there is nothing more powerful for a sport than a home Games.”
The new Rapha design draws inspiration from the 1984 Los Angeles Games, where the home nation secured nine medals. Central to the aesthetic is the ‘Lightspeed’ pattern, which incorporates stars and stripes to express motion. The pattern also responds to athlete requests for a lighter–coloured kit suited to racing in hot conditions.
The jerseys feature a collegiate-style typeface, accented with a stripe, for immediate rider identification. The sleeves include star and stripe detailing, while the left arm displays the navy Rapha armband. The navy bib shorts are designed with white striped stars and USA graphics.
Kate Courtney, Mountain Bike World Champion, said “Pulling on this jersey represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. It is an honour to race for your country… But it also comes with a responsibility to do that honour justice not just in what you achieve but the way you compete and represent striving at the highest level.”
In keeping with Rapha tradition, the garments include ‘story labels’ on the inside, with five unique designs celebrating different USA Cycling disciplines.
Jim Miller, Chief of Sports Performance at USA Cycling, said “Working with Rapha goes far beyond aesthetics. Their technical expertise, attention to detail, and hands-on collaboration with our athletes and coaches will give our riders real confidence in what they wear and how it performs.”
Replica kit and a range of merchandise will be made available this month for fans.
www.rapha.cc
www.usacycling.org
