A BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY.

LIMITED WORLDS. BELGIUM. 2/5 — NETHERLANDS. 3/5

By Black Sheep Cycling

September 16^th, 2019

THE RED DEVILS, THE FLYING DUTCH & The Cannibals.

Belgium is a dominant force in the Road Race World Championships, with 26 rainbow jerseys in the men’s event (seven ahead of their closest rivals Italy) and six gold medals in the women’s race. Perhaps more significant, however, is the fact both Rik Van Steenbergen and the great Eddy Merckx are among only five riders to claim the coveted rainbow bands a record three times.

Meanwhile.

The Netherlands has seen much of it World Champ success in women’s Road Race, particularly in last 10 or so years. Marianne Vos, the most dominant female cyclist in history, has won the rainbow bands three times to add to her seven World Cyclocross titles and 2012 Olympic Road Race Gold medal.

HEERLEN. 1967

The day after signing a 400,000 Franc, 10-year contract, Merckx won the 1967 UCI World Championship Road Race in front of a Dutch crowd who probably had other ideas. Particularly because The Cannibal out sprinted home favourite Jan Janssen. A hard-to-swallow victory for these arch rivals.

'Winning was something Merckx would become accustomed to. His rainbow jersey victory in Heerlen made him only the third rider to win the world road race amateur and professional titles.'

A mark of success.

The three-starred crest on our Belgium kit is a tribute to Red Devil heroes Rik Van Steenbergen and the legendary Eddy Merckx who are among only five riders to claim the coveted rainbow bands a record three times. Like in World football, each star is symbolic of a great victory. A badge of honour. A tribute to Belgium's favourite sons.

ValkenbUrg. 2012

Marianne Vos has won the rainbow bands three times to add to her seven World Cyclocross title. It was right here, on the Cauberg, that Vos clinched the 2012 World Championships.

A short but brutal climb out of the town of Valkenburg, Vos distanced her rivals and went on for one of her most famous victories.

'Vos's victory here in Netherlands, her home country, cemented her place as the most dominant female cyclist in history.'

A BORN LEADER.

The Lion of Flanders is synonymous with cycling in the low countries. But this crest is a lioness. Created to represent cycling's fiercest female competitor. A leader who demonstrates bravery, strength and gracefulness in victory. And in defeat. That lioness is Marianne Vos – the heroine of Holland and the most decorated female cyclist of all time. Watch her roar!

OUR PINNACLE RANGES. FOR THE PINNACLE RACE.

To celebrate the pinnacle race of the year, we are releasing a very special edition of own pinnacle collection – RACING and WMN. Garments built on the foundations of performance, utilising technology and fabrics that are world class. September is when the best come out to play. So we are bringing out our best.

racing collection.

To date, only used in our Global Racing Club range, our Racing Collection is the most advanced men's garment in our repertoire. A pro fit. A slim silhouette. Lightweight and breathable. Just bloody lovely.

SweatMesh.

An open-cell knit structure provides almost unrestricted evaporative cooling. This is a fabric specifically designed for regions where sweat is highest. Added Sun Protect treatment.

BUTTERFLY STRAPPING SYSTEM.

It’s not all about aerodynamics. Comfort, for hours, is vital. The Butterfly Strapping System transfers the support through the torso and upper back, taking pressure off the shoulders.

WMN COLLECTION.

Our industry-altering WMN Collection is female-first design, backed by the rigorous research and refinement . We deserve only the very best. Made for Us. Made for Women.

LUXLITE.

LuxLite provides incredible anti sweat performance, with the ultimate female specific fit through body contouring. UPF 40+ sun protection.

FULL BODY SUPPORT.

Ultra-lightweight 105 gsm with a silky texture. Milled in Switzerland, LuxForm is designed to contour perfectly to the body. Horizontal channels provide a full-body support structure.