Over the coming days, riders from EF Pro Cycling and CANYON//SRAM will pin on numbers for the first time this year. So ahead of their respective race debuts in Italy and Spain, we caught up with members of each team for their view from the road – how they’re feeling, what they’re thinking, and what they’re looking out for.
Ready to Race
As global uncertainty continues, pro cyclists and fans around the world have reason to rejoice this week with the long-awaited return of road racing. And even though it might feel a little different to seasons gone by, the pre-race excitement is just as palpable.
24 July 2020
CANYON//SRAM
Strade Bianche, 1st August
“I’ve really missed racing with the team, and to return to one of my favourite races after the break couldn’t be more perfect. It’s hard to predict the form of other riders but I’m determined to fight for a podium finish. The race is usually in March, so the uneven gravel sectors will feel completely different to last year. Despite this, my mind and body feel refreshed and recharged – it’s easier to go harder, to feel the pain in your legs.”
– Kasia Niewiadoma
EF Pro Cycling
Strade Bianche, 1st August
“It will be the first time for me at Strade Bianche, so I’m not just excited to be back racing, I’m also excited to attack the infamous white roads. All the training and hardships of the last few months will be put to the test in what I think will be one of the most beautiful ways to kick things off again. We are finally getting underway!”
– Mitch Docker
CANYON//SRAM
Strade Bianche, 1st August
“The most challenging part is the longest gravel sector; every year the biggest selection is made there and on the top usually there are strong crosswinds. You need very good form and legs to survive it. Then, the real race starts.” "The best chance is for us to have one rider that goes solo. I think it is the best way to enjoy the super hard and steep finish! We will have a strong team and will embrace every chance throughout the race."
– Elena Cecchini
EF Pro Cycling
Strade Bianche, 1st August
“Nothing about this year is normal, so it’s all about adapting to the current situation. While that’s been tough at times, this sport has always forced us to prepare for anything at any given moment. Personally, I’m very excited to race Strade this year and hope that the heat plays to my advantage. After training in Texas during the summer and being in Spain I feel about as prepared as I can be. I’m definitely excited to get the season restarted and really hoping that we can go forward as planned.”
– Lawson Craddock
What The Pros Are Wearing
We work with the world’s best riders to make the world’s best kit. For over a decade we have sponsored teams at all levels across different disciplines, and incorporated feedback from riders at the top of the sport.
Read on for more on the most-used, top-performing pieces of kit we are supplying this year to the riders of EF Pro Cycling and Canyon//SRAM to give them a race winning advantage.
EF Pro Cycling Pro Team Aero Jersey
Made for race days when the slightest aerodynamic advantage can underpin a race-winning move. No ordinary replica, this 2020 team edition is identical to those used by EF Pro Cycling riders at the highest level of competition, from infiltrating the breakaway to sprinting for the finishing line. Smooth fabrics on the front and textured at the back minimise drag to ensure effort equates to speed. The sleek material on the back panel has a directional nap – smooth in one direction, rough in the other – to provide an additional aerodynamic advantage. And we’ve got the palmares to prove it – this jersey has seen the top step at one of cycling’s Monuments and Flanders finest classic, De Ronde.
Buy now
Hugh Carthy, EF Pro Cycling
WOMEN'S CANYON//SRAM PRO TEAM AERO JERSEY
Inspired by classic comic book art, this new design is about showing the superhero within.
Wind tunnel testing and cutting-edge materials combine in the design of the Aero Jersey, our fastest racewear ever. Leading edges utilise smooth fabrics and trailing surfaces use rough textures with bonded seams for an aerodynamic advantage, helping you to cut through the air.
Rotem Gafinovitz, CANYON//SRAM
EF Pro Cycling Pro Team Bib Shorts II
The only choice for race day. These bib shorts are tried and tested, from the top step of the cobbled Classics to stage wins at Grand Tours. Raced throughout the season by the riders of EF Education First Pro Cycling, these bibs are the ultimate in comfort and performance. Redesigned and refined endlessly over the years, our latest iteration is finely tuned for a competitive advantage yet highly durable to withstand the chaos of the pro peloton, from Belgian cobbles to alpine summits.
Buy now
WOMEN'S CANYON//SRAM PRO TEAM BIB SHORT
CANYON//SRAM are a team of national and world champions across different disciplines. They stand out in the peloton by their deeds, and their kit too.
Designed for comfort when the race is on, the CANYON//SRAM Women’s Pro Team Bibs use a soft yet slightly compressive fabric that’s comfortable against the skin. Cut for comfort in an on-bike position, the shorts feature our women’s specific chamois pad, used by our pro riders during their toughest training rides and most intense race efforts.
Tiffany Cromwell, CANYON//SRAM
