Melbourne-based cycling apparel brand Maap has announced a multi-year partnership with Australian WorldTour teams Jayco AlUla and Liv AlUla Jayco, including the women’s Continental team. The collaboration introduces a striking new kit featuring a purple jersey and light grey ‘shadow’ bib shorts, marking the brand’s first step into the WorldTour.
The jersey design reflects themes like the Aurora Australis, AlUla sunsets, and shifting desert sands, while the shadow shorts are a deliberate break from the pro peloton’s traditional navy and black. Maap co-founder Oliver Cousins acknowledged the risk, telling Cyclingnews, “If there are negative responses, at least we’ve stayed true to what we do and we’re really backing it.”
Creative director Misha Glisovic elaborated on the design’s origins. “The jersey was inspired by night desert skies, AlUla sunsets, and the Aurora Australis,” Glisovic said. “The shadow shorts bring a lifestyle fashion influence into the sport, trying to present something different within the peloton.”
A nod to AG2R’s iconic shorts
The shadow shorts evoke comparisons to AG2R La Mondiale’s controversial brown bibs, which divided opinion for years. Cousins praised AG2R’s boldness, saying, “AG2R bibs were iconic, right? It’s a shame they walked away from it. Shadow is not as contentious but offers something fresh.”
For Maap, entering the WorldTour is the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition. Co-founder Jarrad Smith said, “Since founding Maap a decade ago, partnering with GreenEDGE has been a long-held dream. We aim to enable both teams to realise their full potential while inspiring a new generation of riders.”
Maap has a history of standout designs, such as the green and purple jersey for the now-defunct Lifeplus Wahoo team in 2024, which fans appreciated for its visibility during races.
Performance at the forefront
While Maap’s consumer range is well-known, the WorldTour partnership has driven product innovations. Cousins noted that most of the garments were designed specifically for the team, with a focus on lightweight road and time-trial suits. Some items, including a race jersey, will eventually reach the public.
“This is what we’ve always wanted to do,” Cousins said. “If you are committed to the sport and developing performance-oriented kit, you’ve got to play in that space.”
The kit has received UCI approval, despite concerns about the purple clashing with the women’s WorldTour leader’s jersey. Smith expressed hope it will resonate with fans, adding, “It’s another massive goal for us to see people wearing the Jayco kit. We’re so proud of it.”
Maap’s move into the WorldTour brings its distinctive style to cycling’s highest level. The shadow shorts are set to spark discussion, but Jayco AlUla will undoubtedly stand out in 2025.
