The Worlds most successful men's and women's Team show off their new toys

Columbia's Team launch has just taken place, showcasing new sponsors and riders. Bob Stapleton has performed a miracle with the team not seen since the man from Galilee was around. The team had been given the last rights on more than one occasion, T-mobile to Columbia has truly been a Damascus road experience. From dopers to do gooders it has been a great journey so far. What is encouraging for the sport, through it's open anti drugs policies, is that it shows that you can perform at the highest level and win CLEAN.

As there seems to be a constant theme amongst many Pro Tour (or should we call them World Series) teams, equipment changes have been rife. I must admit that the Scott bikes fail to raise my pulse and the graphics are decidely average at best. I am sure that they are technically good bikes, just aesthetics are pretty important in my books.

. . . somebody has to mention it

While we are on the subject of aesthetics, what is going on with the team uniform this year. It is such a departure from last year.

Last year we started off with the simple, yet striking High Road kit. I thought this was great, subtle, simple and it was clear who was fronting the money.

Then as Columbia (thank you for showing faith in the sport) came on aboard so did a new colourway, which in a peloton with a lot of blue in it still managed to stand out.

The new jersey has changed colourway again, showing more than a nod to Scotts corporate palate. Frankly I think it is dreadful.

oh bring back the blue uniform

Stapleton, the man with a plan

Stapleton might well just be a genius, as I would expect riders to be highly motivated to win their respective National jerseys to get out of the awful team uniform. So I am laying my stall out now, Mark Cavendish National Champ in June.

see it's started already, riders desperate to get out of the dreadful new uniform

thanks to to Columbia's Team site for the pictures. Hope you have a good season.