Human Powered Health has unveiled its new changeout kit and bike paint scheme for the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, designed by acclaimed fashion house Maisie Wilen. The collaboration marks the first time a major women’s fashion innovator has brought its designs to the pro peloton, adding an extra layer of excitement to the prestigious race.
Maisie Schloss, Founder and Creative Director of Maisie Wilen, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I immediately jumped at the opportunity to bring our unique aesthetic to one of the biggest women’s sporting events in the world. To have such inspiring, strong women represent Maisie Wilen at the Tour de France is an honour. I am excited to watch them compete while representing our brand.”
The bold and futuristic designs, which will be showcased across seven days and 1,000 kilometres of racing from Rotterdam through France, reflect the fashion label’s distinctive style. The new look features a vibrant mix of white, orange, purple, and navy blue in a pattern resembling fish scales, creating a sleek second skin for the seven women on the roster.
Human Powered Health’s Chief Creative Officer, Sam Wiebe, praised the collaboration: “Maisie is incredible to work with, and we are proud to race with her designs. She brings a unique vision and approach to our kit and bike. I think it’s the first, and hopefully not the last, time that women’s fashion and bike racing merge to create something memorable.”
Audrey Cordon-Ragot highlighted the team’s ethos, stating, “We are about ‘breaking the rules’. This collaboration with Maisie Wilen is a testament to our commitment to celebrate female athletic performance and achievement.”
The kit is complemented by a new colourway for Smith’s Trace, Ignite, and Jetstream models, along with custom art for the team’s Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT and ROAM computers. General manager Ro de Jonckere commented on the decision, saying, “While we see a lot of teams compete in special changeout kits these days, I was especially energised by the decision to collaborate with such a unique figure in the world of women’s fashion. This kit and bike are about being loud and proud and celebrating the strong female athletes in our organisation.”
The centrepiece of this collaboration is the Factor OSTRO VAM bike, which has been redesigned with an eye-catching new paint scheme. This bike, known for its all-around speed and aerodynamic gains, has been optimised for the new UCI tube width regulations, resulting in significant drag reduction and improved ride performance. The updated frame, paired with the Black Inc 48/58 wheelset and Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Sport tyres, promises to deliver top-notch performance for the team.
