At the Tour de France 2011 the Schleck brothers, Andy and Frank, stood on the podium in second and third positions after an exciting three weeks of daily races. The brothers, and the entire team of Leopard Trek, wore kits from Craft Performance Apparel. Each rider wore an Elite Attack Jersey and Elite Body Control Bib Short. Both pieces have some interesting technology that keeps riders cool and comfortable.
The Elite Attack Jersey is made from a lightweight mesh fabric with hexachannel fibers for moisture transportation and cooling effects. The jersey has a wing panel construction that enhances freedom of movement. The same wing panel construction provides an ergonomically shaped fit for the perfect riding position.
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he Elite Body Control Bib Short, which will be available in the spring of next year, has a dimpled fabric on the leg bottom for increased aerodynamics. Craft used Coldblack fabric (which KineticShift recently covered) that reduces the absorption of heat and UV protection to keep riders cool. The Elite Body Control Bib Short also uses the Craft elite pad with carbon fibers, which provides support and thermal regulation.
While some of the mountain stages and descents were chilly, the breathable fabric and structure of the outfits provided optimal performance on those hot days riding alongside fields of sunflowers.