It's back to the blue for Etixx. After four years, two black kits and two mostly white kits, the Belgian team have reverted to a predominantly blue outfit for the first time since 2012. It showcases their new sponsor, the supermarket Lidl, along with the usual cast of sponsors; Etixx and Quickstep. They are second to show their new livery off to the world, us people who are very knowledgeable about fashion. (Right? Just me? Who am I kidding, not even me.)
From this:
(Etixx-Quickstep)
I think this was one of the better-liked kits of last season - people saw some non-black cycling clothing and took what they could get. It was easy to pick out, to be fair.
To this:
(Etixx-Quickstep)
Pros:
- I doubt we'll have much trouble picking it out during a rainy edition of the Driedaagse de Panne. Unless blue is the new black, it'll stand out nicely.
- Classy. No hugely bright colours, but still identifiable.
Cons:
- Pinstripes!
- The arms let it down a bit, I think.
So what do you think? Our 1-5 scale:
5: Stunning! I'm buying this. Swoon!
4: Solid! I'll buy it on sale. I'll root for them inexplicably.
3: Not bad. I wouldn't reject a gift of this jersey. I won't hold it against them.
2: Ugh. Wouldn't wear this in public. I might root for them out of pity.
1: Why God? WHY?! Don't even show this to me. I will root for them to win their national championships to spare us all the misery of this kit.
My verdict: 3.5. Certainly acceptable.