announcing the 2009 astana cycling team kit

It’s that time of the year—time to unveil the Astana Cycling Team racing kit for 2009.  While some teams totally revamp their kit year-after-year, Team Astana’s former kit was well-received in the public, especially in Kazakhstan, and we saw no need to make major changes for something already working.  You know the old saying, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”

2009 Team Astana Jersey

The 2009 jersey will continue to carry the dominant color of light blue with accents presented in dark blue and yellow.  The ever-popular “sun and eagle” logo remains the focus on the front of the jersey, with the name “Astana” switching to dark blue from the former white.  The light blue color symbolizes Kazakhstan's broad blue skies for freedom and success. The golden eagle is associated with the Genghis Khan empire who ruled Kazakhstan with a blue banner with an eagle on it and serves to remind the Kazakhstan nation of their proud history. On the back of the jersey you will see a higher concentration of yellow in the top region below the collar, with the name again switching to the dark blue lettering. A major difference comes with the addition of the yellow LIVESTRONG band gracing the left sleeve as the team joins the effort of Lance Armstrong and his foundation to make cancer a global issue.

For the jersey, Bontrager Design Technology included Temptech fabric in the main body.  It is ultra-lightweight and is far superior in moisture management than Michron or other fabrics.  The jersey also has strategically placed ergonomic panels of Contura fabric (compressive) under the arms, and over the shoulders to provide a better fit and facilitate wicking and breathability.

2009 Team Astana Shorts

The shorts also underwent only minor changes with the dominant color remaining the dark blue.  The name on the back sits on a curved band of light blue with the name “Astana” switching to dark blue from white to match the format on the front.  Once again the LIVESTRONG band is proudly displayed on the left lower leg band.

For the chamois, Bontrager Design Technology used InForm Pressure Mapping technology.  This is the same information that was used to influence the Bontrager saddle designs.  The purpose from a pad concept is to build proper thickness, density and shape into specific areas of the pad for maximum comfort and performance.  This is what creates the unique shape of the RXL pad when compared to others in the market.

In addition RXL Machined Monocoque Design with inverted pad technology means no seams, no chaffing, and no discomfort.  Bontrager uses reverse progressive foam densities underneath the top sheet to provide superior suspension in critical areas but without the "ridges" typically present in other thermally molded pads.  This process eliminates glue and other bonding materials that can make pads stiff where layers of foam and top sheet connect.

And finally the RXL fitted bib short combines Contura, Profila and micro-mesh fabrics in ergonomic panels with RXL venting at back and hamstrings to decrease fatigue and support muscles without restriction.  The shorts use the same RXL InForm pad as the individual shorts. The externally stitched RXL silicone gripper increases blood flow and utilizes a pattern that will not pinch the skin.

Team Astana should continue to stand out in their colorful kits as they march toward many victories in the 2009 racing season. Be sure to keep a look-out for opportunities to purchase the 2009 Astana Cycling Team kit soon!