Craft replaces Santini as supplier for Australian men’s and women’s teams
Orica-GreenEdge and Orica-AIS have presented their new jerseys for 2014, ahead of the Australian national championships and the Santos Tour Down Under. With Swedish manufacturer replacing Italian Santini, who has supplied the team since its inception in 2012, the Australian WorldTour and UCI Women’s teams have taken on a new, almost retro look.
“We’re really pleased with the new kit and look forward to putting it into action at the Nationals this week and when we kick start our third season in the WorldTour at the Santos Tour Down Under,” said Orica-GreenEdge general manager Shayne Bannan. “We’re excited to start a new season with a brand new look.
“It’s been a great collaboration with Craft to date,” Bannan added. “We’ve already been able to benefit from their experience in developing state of the art technical clothing. This type of partnership is crucial for a team at this level. We’re also pleased to have Craft as a casual clothing partner. This is great for both the riders and staff who work and ride in all sorts of weather conditions during the season.”
With name sponsor Orica remaining, alongside the team’s holding company GreenEdge, the teams’ dark blue, green and white colourway remains, the large blocks of colour carry the kind of almost retro styling seen on previous Craft kits in the WorldTour like RadioShack-Leopard.
“We’re really happy to be the clothing partner for the Orica-GreenEdge family,” said Högling. “It’s a partnership that focuses our ambition to develop a great looking and exceptionally fast cycling kit. We want the team to have the access to the best clothing on the market, and we want them to win races wearing our kit.
“Small advantages can make a big difference, and we will constantly pursue those advantages as we work closely with the team,” Högling continued. “It’s also important to us that the riders and staff look great and feel good – on and off the bike. With the new kit, I think we’re off to a solid start.”