Poll: Best Team Kit of the 2011 Tour de France

[mr. tibbs]

Alright CNers, here's the thread we've all been waiting for. Which team had the best kit at this year's Tour. There were some stand outs, I think. In no particular order, here are my arbitrarily decided top ten. Sorry, there isn't an "Other" option. I just couldn't cut any one of these ten. If you wanted to vote for Garmin or Cofidis, just choose a second (or third) favorite.

**Note that you can vote multiple times!**

Leopard-Trek's kit is amazing: the very essence of simplicity and elegance in modern design. Kind of ironic that The Brothers Schleck adopted those straight, austere lines only after leaving the Great Dane's team. It may be my favorite. The contrast between the black and the white may be indicative of the performance and expectations of its captains throughout the various races that the team has targeted. The jersey may have been stronger had it employed a less traditional approach, but it also may have been far far worse.

BMC is, to my eye, exceptionally boring. Red & black. They did spice the mix up a bit with some digital camouflage-type static, but those little details were out-shined by the ride of the team captain. I find it lackluster for its adherence to the recent trend of red vs. black. Happily, “lackluster” is no longer a term that can be applied to the captain's style. Evans carried this team through the Tour, and his performance is the only reason the jersey is included here.

If the discussions in the new team kits thread is any indication, Movistar is probably the forum favorite. Again, simple and elegant, but with some more organic lines thrown into the mix, injecting some Spanish passion into the Spartan style of Leopard-Trek. Does it lose points for apparently showing a film strip on a jersey whose sponsor is actually a telecom provider? Probably not. Amazing looking bikes, too.

 

[mr. tibbs]

AG2R La Mondiale have been panned by most of the forum, but I think their use of brown and light blue is unique, eye catching, and very well done. I especially like the sharp contrast of the jerseys and shorts as a nod to the retro-style while still maintaining some contemporary flair due to the color scheme.

Lampre-ISD is another favorite of mine. It's possibly the most distinctive kit in the race this year, and it was always easy to spot Cunego in the heli shots during the mountain stages. The color scheme could have been a disaster, but the designers pulled it off with style. Though it can't out-class the Lampre kits of previous years, it's still a top contender in this field.

Omega Pharma-Lotto are another strong addition. The unique color schemes throughout the years have been enjoyable, but this new one, with the theme of duality, was especially strong. It's also very fitting, as the team began the Tour with two very distinct (and very different threats): Gilbert for the punchy finishes and Van Den Broeck for the GC. The red and blue hemispheres on the jersey's front represent this visually, and I like it.

 

[mr. tibbs]

Continuing the retro look (of which I am an admitted fan), HTC-Highroad went with asymmetrical simplicity upstairs and solid black with a contemporary accent stripe downstairs. Gone are the unfortunate exoskeleton abs and brightly colored balloon clown lettering of jerseys of the past. This mature entry speaks for the coming of age of the team, and—perhaps—of its star sprinter.

Despite the recent troubles of Murdoch, Sky has been set apart with the handsome substitution of green for blue in their black hole absorb-all-of-the-light kits. Again, simplicity is the key, and the addition of Adidas' signature triple stripe adds a classy touch of flare. The shorts are a bit long, but the stripes leading into the Sky logo make it okay.

Katusha wear probably my favorite kit in the peloton this year. The Russians have thrown convention to the wind, updating the subtle texture of Caisse d'Epargne's winning kits with their national colors and a notably Russian skyline. Their unfortunate year has only gotten worse in July, with Kolobnev's fall from grace and the inability of their captain (former bearer of the dually offensive mustache/mullet combination) to produce a ride of note. But the jersey has done very well.

 

[mr. tibbs]

Saxo Bank Sungard have perhaps the bravest kits in this line up. Despite the obvious setbacks that it would entail, the designers chose to forgo the pattern favored by the other favorites of relying on either white or black to ensure that their build up to top form isn't hindered by any poor color choices. But Saxo Bank chose a peculiar shade of very light blue as the field, developing the jersey from there with an eagle applied at the bottom left of the jersey's front, apparently rising from out of the shorts, and a counterweight of wing tip on the right breast. The willingness of the eagle to target different areas of the jersey, rather than consolidating itself in one part, is mimicked by the team captain's willingness to spread his efforts across the greater part of the season rather than just one event. Despite this alternative approach to form, these kits have proven that they can never be discounted: They may not be the best in the race, but they certainly put in a good showing.

Honorable mention: Vacansoleil, Garmin-Cervelo, and FDJ.

 

[El Pistolero]

I don't like BMC jersey, why does Phil need to go there next year

(If you still need a post, I'll delete mine )

 

[mr. tibbs]

I don't like BMC jersey, why does Phil need to go there next year

(If you still need a post, I'll delete mine )

I agree about BMC. But I think ACF deserves to have it up there.

I only needed the four posts, thanks! Now to add a poll...

 

[El Pistolero]

As for best one, I gotta say HTC. Clean looking and simple.

Ps: FDJ has a pretty cool jersey as well. Better than the nightmare that is BMC or Katusha.

 

[The Hitch]

Be honest, did that Katusha photo come from the Tour

Also, what do the Saur Saujan kits look like? Anyone have an idea?

I dont usually care much for how the kits look, but when i push myself to think about it, AGR and Saxo.

 

[El Pistolero]

Be honest, did that Katusha photo come from the Tour

Also, what do the Saur Saujan kits look like? Anyone have an idea?

I dont usually care much for how the kits look, but when i push myself to think about it, AGR and Saxo.

I think it's mostly white with some green in it on the sides, but I wouldn't bet money on it.

 

[King Of The Wolds]

I've always loved the AG2R kit. It's still the most stylish.

 

[mr. tibbs]

Be honest, did that Katusha photo come from the Tour

Also, what do the Saur Saujan kits look like? Anyone have an idea?

I dont usually care much for how the kits look, but when i push myself to think about it, AGR and Saxo.

They're pretty nondescript. All kind of one temperature, color-wise. Like a bad version of AG2R's old blue and yellow kit.

And yes, that Katusha pic is from the Tour. It's Mikhail Ignatiev being awarded the red number after stage 16. It was VERY hard to find a Katusha pic from the Tour--I had to go their website! XD

 

[SarahDane]

Saxobank Sungard.

 

[SarahDane]

Ag2r are very impressive though.

 

[Thomsena]

Sky. Without a doubt.

 

[Ragerod]

HTC for me, I like the retro look. I can't stand Ag2r or Leopard. They're hideous in my eyes.

 

[Izzy eviel]

I voted Lampre but would've voted for Garmin if they'd been present.

Not only were they the only team to have a special jersey, but Argyle always rocks.

(note- Changing a blue stripe to a green stripe doesn't count in my opinion)

 

[Richeypen]

love the new sky kit

 

[Jeanne]

Ag2r?! nah, don't like that brown at all. make the brown parts black, or green, then it would be much nicer. but that's just personal taste. I like the Movistar kit.

 

[taiwan]

You must like Europcar's kit and bikes.

 

[jobiwan]

I didn't realize we could vote for more than one, silly me!

HTC still is my favorite, but I liked the Leopard kit, especially in the chosen picture!

The Lampre kit is also great, and the Garmin kit was one of my favs!

 

[Cobblestones]

I kind of miss the Footon Servetto kit.























Nah, just kidding.

 

[HL2037]

I liked Europcar's kit a lot. Easy to reckognise in the peloton, nice solid colour with not too much going on. And not least: black shorts.

 

[Captain_Obvious]

I liked Leopard-Trek in the beginning but grew bored pretty soon. BMC is pretty commerical and well thought out, but the red hurt my eyes. Saxo was subtle and just fine. But overal, I have to go with Europcar...

Katusha was the worse.

oh and I still miss the Celeste.

 

[luckyboy]

Out of the kits in the poll, AG2R then Lotto.

Cofidis have the nicest kit though, and their Look 695's are really great.

Movistar's Catlike Whispers are the nicest helmets.

 

[Anonymous]

Well I would have voted Liquigas, but they arent an option, and neither are Garmin or Europcar so Sky it is.

How did three of the best kits fail to make the poll..

And also, the kit that was rated the best in Cycling news's wonderful kit review isnt there either. No Radioshack.