Cycling fans, are you ready to feast your eyes on the future of team jerseys? It's that magical time of year when pro cycling teams unveil their fresh looks for the upcoming 2026 season. Forget about race pressures for a moment – let's bask in the pure aesthetic joy of imagining these kits gracing the open road. But here's where it gets controversial... do these designs truly capture the spirit of the sport, or are they just another marketing ploy?
Instead of dissecting each team's reveal piece by piece, we've compiled a comprehensive overview. Think of it as your one-stop shop for all things kit-related! And don't worry, once all the designs are out in the wild, we'll be back with our notoriously subjective rankings (you can revisit last year’s awards here: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/which-pro-team-has-the-jersey-cycling-weeklys-pro-kit-awards-2025). In this guide, we're focusing on WorldTour teams and other noteworthy squads. We had to draw the line somewhere, otherwise, your screen might explode from jersey overload! We'll make specific exceptions where necessary, of course.
Let's dive in!
SD Worx-Protime: A "New Dawn" in Primary Colors
(Image credit: Specialized/Etienne Schoeman)
Say goodbye to the purples and pinks of yesteryear! SD Worx-Protime (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/tag/sd-worx) is ushering in a bold new era with a primary color-dominated jersey dubbed "New Dawn." Designed by Specialized, this vibrant kit is paired with classic black shorts. And this is the part most people miss... it signifies a fresh start for their star rider, Lotte Kopecky (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/tag/lotte-kopecky), who, for the first time in a while, won't be sporting a World, European, or Belgian champion's jersey.
According to the official press release, "The new jersey reflects the team’s and sponsors’ ongoing drive for innovation. Standing still is not an option – continuously reinventing ourselves in every aspect is a core value at SD Worx-Protime. The new design symbolises our rich history through the spark, now multiplied and displayed in various shades. This emphasizes the team’s slogan: we spark success." In essence, they're saying they're all about constant evolution and building upon their legacy. But does the jersey truly convey that message? What do you think?
NSN Cycling: A Mediterranean Masterpiece?
(Image credit: Chris Auld/NSN Cycling)
Formerly known as Israel-Premier Tech, NSN Cycling is making a splash with a visually busy kit featuring a sky blue and orange base. The big question: will this design help them stand out in the peloton, or will they get lost in the shuffle? They've also switched to Scott bikes (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/an-exciting-step-forward-scott-returns-to-the-worldtour-with-nsn-cycling-as-factor-leaves-former-israel-premier-tech), marking a significant change for the team.
If you're wondering about the inspiration behind this eye-catching design, the press release explains: "It's designed by Stijn Dossche of stycle.design, is inspired by the Mediterranean city from which the team’s new identity has been forged. Its design blends geometry, colour blocks, and patterns reminiscent of contemporary Barcelona - a city that never stands still, where tradition meets modernity, where Mediterranean light becomes art, and movement becomes identity."
The timing couldn't be better, as the Tour de France (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/tour-de-france) Grand Départ (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/tour-de-france-2026-to-start-with-barcelona-team-time-trial) will be held in Barcelona in July! So, the kit is a bold statement of intent.
Groupama-FDJ United: Sticking to Tradition
(Image credit: Groupama-FDJ/Nicolas Götz)
While the name has changed slightly, Groupama-FDJ United, the French cycling institution, is known for its consistent kit designs. And this year is no exception. They’re sticking with the fetching jersey they sported during this year's Tour (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/the-teams-in-special-jerseys-for-the-tour-de-france). The key difference? It's now made by Bioracer instead of Alé. Essentially, it's a royal blue base with a striking red accent sleeve. It's a classic look, but is it time for a refresh?
Cofidis: Subtle Tweaks, Same Core Identity
Cofidis, another prominent French team, is also maintaining a largely unchanged look for 2026. Both the men's and women's teams (now both ProTeams) will sport the same red and yellow jersey as this season. While the shades might be slightly different, and sponsor logos have shifted positions, the overall design remains consistent. This raises the question: is consistency a virtue, or does it signal a lack of ambition?
So, there you have it – a glimpse into the future of pro cycling kits for 2026. Which team's jersey do you think will be the most iconic? Which design is a complete miss? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We're eager to hear your opinions and spark a debate about the good, the bad, and the downright outrageous in the world of cycling fashion.
