In what may be one of Palace’s most colourful (and unexpected) project to date, the UK-based skate company merged full force with Rapha, the cult-loved cycling company on a capsule range for Winter 2020 that’s giving us a trippy – and very envious – vibe. The pieces, made in extremely limited quantities (hello eBay!) will be worn by the WorldTour team EF Pro Cycling at this year’s Giro d’Italia. “We are stoked to be working with Rapha and so proud to have designed this kit. The Giro d’Italia is one of the greatest races on earth and we are honoured and a bit awestruck to be a part of its rich history” the guys behind Palace have stated.
In 2019, Rapha returned to the men’s WorldTour as a partner to the EF Pro Cycling team with a plan to disrupt the status quo. In a sport renowned for its lengthy rule book and chaotic calendar, they’ve shone a light on new faces, and unorthodox races. But for a truly fresh perspective on the sport, Rapha teamed up with a company that is alien to cycling’s aesthetic, oblivious to its origins, and untrained in its traditions. And, we LOVE it.
Instead of mirroring the pink of the race’s maglia rosa, the switch out kit features a fearless design that might not be steeped in cycling history but will now form a part of it. Rapha and its designs regularly celebrate the sport and cycling history whilst Palace is disruptive, witty and always surprising; authentically straddling the worlds of high fashion, streetwear and core skate. The result of the collaboration is a team kit quite unlike any other seen in the peloton so far. Embracing the breakaway attitude, Swedish protection pioneers POC will enhance the switch- out look with bespoke helmets and eyewear, including a unique edition of the groundbreaking Tempor helmet. Get ‘em while they’re hot.
Available in extremely limited quantities, every piece in the Rapha + Palace clothing and accessories collection will be released on the 9th October, with priority access for members of the Rapha Cycling Club who joined on or before Sunday, 4th October.
To learn more about the Rapha and Palace collaboration visit rapha.cc. For further information on Cannondale’s Giro d’Italia line-up visit cannondale.com.
