Updated January 16, 2026 08:10AM
Rapha made bold blue and luminous red so last year as part of its radical reinvention of USA Cycling‘s racing apparel.
On Friday, the British brand launched a new kit for U.S. riders that rips up the styling script after years of primary verticals.
Baby-blue, white, and orange (or is it red?) dominate a wild new wardrobe that’s sure to spark debate.
According to rapha, this debut design of its multi-year partnership with USAC shifts the federation’s identity in a way that’s both symbolic and functional.
road, track, MTB, and BMX athletes will all shoulder the new look through the build toward the 2028 L.A. olympics, the first U.S. summer Games since Atlanta 1996.
Los Angeles will become only the third city to host three Olympic Games when it welcomes athletes in 2028.
“The collection draws inspiration from 1984, a watershed moment for American cycling as the home nation took nine medals in Los Angeles,” reads the rapha kit reveal.
“Blending instantly recognisable elements from the Stars and Stripes with a sense of movement, the ‘Lightspeed’ pattern is central to the designs. Lightspeed adds to a long tradition of using patterns to express motion and speed in sportswear,” reads the note.
“Stripes are also an integral part of both Rapha’s design heritage and the history of cycling apparel.”
Rapha and Cuore: Sponsorship Agreement Details
rapha has entered into a sponsorship agreement to replace Swiss brand Cuore, with the deal extending through 2029.
This agreement signifies a shift in sponsorship within the professional cycling world. While specific financial details of the agreement haven’t been publicly disclosed, the long-term nature of the deal (through 2029) suggests a substantial investment by Rapha.
As of January 17, 2026, there have been no further announcements regarding the specifics of the sponsorship, such as which teams or athletes Rapha will be supporting. The initial announcement,as reported by Outside Online, details the replacement of Cuore but dose not provide further details.
Cuore’s Previous Sponsorships
Cuore, prior to being replaced by Rapha, was a prominent sponsor in the cycling community.
Cuore focused on supporting various cycling teams and athletes, particularly in the professional road and track cycling disciplines. Thier sponsorship was noted for its focus on Swiss cycling talent.Details of Cuore’s previous sponsorships can be found on their archived website Cuore (Archived). (accessed January 17, 2026)
Such as, Cuore was a sponsor of the Swiss national track cycling team, providing apparel and financial support. This support helped athletes like Elouan Gardon, a track para-cyclist, compete at the highest level.
Rapha’s Cycling Sponsorship History
Rapha has a long history of involvement in cycling, extending beyond apparel manufacturing to include team sponsorships and event institution.
Rapha has previously sponsored professional cycling teams, including Team Sky (now Ineos Grenadiers) and EF Pro Cycling. They are also known for their support of amateur cycling events and communities through the Rapha Cycling Club. Rapha’s official website details their history and involvement in the sport.(Accessed January 17, 2026)
In 2023, Rapha acquired Pearl Izumi from nike,further solidifying its position in the cycling apparel market. This acquisition demonstrates Rapha’s commitment to expanding its reach within the cycling industry.
