Rapha has unveiled a stunning first kit design for USA Cycling, marking the start of a four-year technical partnership that will run through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The deal, first announced on 20 October, replaces previous supplier Cuore and covers all USA Cycling disciplines, including road, mountain bike, BMX and track. It represents Rapha's first major sponsorship since ending its seven-year partnership with EF Pro Cycling at the close of the 2025 season.
"The starting pistol for LA has been fired and there is nothing more powerful for a sport than a home Games," Fran Millar, Rapha's chief executive, said on the unveiling of the kit. "Rapha will support American cycling to seize the opportunity with both hands."
The British brand has posted eight consecutive years of net losses, including £15.6m in its most recent financial year. The United States accounts for more than 20% of Rapha's global revenue, according to the company.
Millar previously acknowledged that the EF relationship had "gotten tired" in a briefing to the media where Velora's Peter Stuart was in attendance. She stressed that Rapha needed to focus on "pinnacle" events with broader reach across multiple disciplines. Under the national federation deal tied to a home Olympics, Rapha's kit will appear across USA Cycling programmes in multiple disciplines through to 2028.
USA Cycling has set a target of 10 medals at LA 2028, which would surpass the nine won at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. The federation has described the partnership as part of building "the most transformative era yet" for American cycling.
Design and technical rationale
The inaugural kit features a pastel palette of orange, powder blue and cream, a departure from the traditional navy and scarlet of Team USA. The design draws inspiration from the 1984 Olympics.
"The pattern responds to a specific request from USA Cycling athletes for a lighter-coloured kit suited to hot conditions," Rapha's statement said, adding that, according to the company, the palette reduces heat absorption during competition.
"Working with Rapha goes far beyond aesthetics," Jim Miller, USA Cycling's chief of sports performance, said. "The smallest details matter."
The collection includes discipline-specific adaptations, from aerodynamic track skinsuits to high-impact BMX kits. Hidden "story labels" inside garments feature details about each discipline.
A replica range and broader USA Cycling merchandise will be available from February 2026.
