Cycling brand Rapha is redesigning Richard Carapaz's Olympic champion kit for the 2023 season, Cycling Weekly understands.
As a result, the Ecuadorian is expected to wear a different, although similar, EF Education-EasyPost jersey to the one previously produced for him and released last week.
The UCI document outlines that this gold piping “must seamlessly go around the sleeves and collar” of the jersey. In both instances, the height of the piping may differ, with the sleeves set at a height of 5cm and the collar allowed to a maximum of 5cm.
Carapaz’s jersey, which appeared non-compliant with these rules, displayed subtle gold accents, including gold text on the shorts, rather than white, and a gold Rapha logo on the armband.
(Image credit: Chris Milliman)
It is uncertain what the Olympic champion's new kit will look like, although it is expected to be similar to the current design but with the addition of the necessary gold piping.
According to the UCI’s jersey regulations, all proportions and dimensions set out by the governing body must be respected. Likewise, teams must seek approval from the UCI before production.
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Teams who do not follow the jersey specifications and approval process may be subject to fines.
Since Carapaz's kit was never worn in competition, it is highly unlikely that his team will be penalised.
“Oh UCI Cycling… you guys are always looking out for the best interest of the sport, aren’t ya?” Team manager Jonathan Vaughters tweeted at the time. “Thanks for the $4000 of fines for wearing our crazy ducks. Hope David Lappartient [UCI President] enjoys his dinner - on us! Salud!”
The squad's 2021 jerseys kept all the blueprint sketch marks as part of their design, in part, as a nod to the infringement.
Rapha declined to comment on Carapaz's jersey redesign. Cycling Weekly approached both EF and the UCI for comment earlier this week but has yet to hear back.
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Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is fluent in French and Spanish, and holds a master's degree in International Journalism. Since 2020, he has been the host of The TT Podcast, offering race analysis and rider interviews.
An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill, and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides. His best result is 28th in a hill-climb competition, albeit out of 40 entrants.
