What's the deal with Team England's ribbed skinsuits at the Commonwealth Games?

The English track riders are not the only ones using funky aerodynamics in the velodrome

Team England at the Commonwealth Games
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Eagle-eyed viewers watching track cycling at the Commonwealth Games this weekend might spot that Team England's skinsuits are not completely smooth, but instead contain ridges beneath the top layer.

The ribbed base layers worn by members of the Team Pursuit squad, for example, on Friday are part of the "next evolution in how aero clothing works", according to Sam Calder, the managing director of Rule 28 Clothing. They are one of a few companies at the forefront of skinsuit technology in the UK. Rule 28 are not directly supplying the English riders at the Games.

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