With the Grand Départ in Barcelona as the inspiration, this year’s theme is The Architect, inspired by the works and sketches of Antoni Gaudí. Last month, fans were able to choose between two options: a dark and a lighter version. Voting was widespread, and in the end the darker design came out on top. But what’s the reality? Doesn’t a black jersey absorb more heat than a lighter color? Mathieu Heijboer answers that question.

"It’s not at all strange that people think a dark jersey absorbs more heat than a light one, as studies in the past have indeed shown that darker clothing can be warmer than lighter colors. However, the textile industry in elite sport has developed to such an extent that it has been discovered that much bigger differences can be achieved with specific fabrics. The choice of fabric has a far greater impact on heat retention than the color", Heijboer explains.

The Dutchman does emphasize the importance of using the most advanced materials available. "Ultimately, you want to make sure the body doesn’t heat up too quickly in the sun. It’s also about how quickly moisture is dissipated. Does the moisture stay in the jersey, or does it evaporate quickly enough? The fibers used in these jerseys are treated to be UV-resistant. That UV protection is an important factor, as it ensures that some of the light is reflected rather than absorbed."

According to Heijboer, internal research has shown that the color of a jersey hardly leads to significant differences. "We conducted multiple tests in climate chambers, where solar radiation is simulated. In these tests, we examined how quickly the temperature rises underneath a jersey. We also carried out tests using mannequins that can sweat. All results show that the choice of fabric plays a much greater role than the color."

Nimbl
When producing jerseys and other on-bike apparel, Team Visma | Lease a Bike can rely on Nimbl. The Italian company places strong emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation, and conducts its own research to deliver the highest possible quality. Heijboer is pleased with Nimbl as a partner. "Nimbl has grown alongside us and understands exactly how we approach things. They work from the principle of making us faster. That doesn’t just mean improving aerodynamics, but also developing clothing that allows heat to dissipate effectively."

As Head of Performance, Heijboer is involved in the jersey’s design from an early stage, focusing primarily on performance. "We could create something very eye-catching, but the starting point is that we want to keep riding as fast as possible. This year, we carried out additional tests with colors and fabrics, because naturally we don’t want to create any disadvantage. Those tests confirmed what we already knew: fabric makes a much bigger difference than color."