Team Sky has unveiled a new kit design for the upcoming Tour de France in support of Sky Ocean Rescue and to raise awareness of the issues with single-use plastics.
The team has also pledged to remove all single-use plastic packaging from its business operations by 2020 and have stated that they want to “inspire people in the cycling community and beyond to make simple, everyday changes to stop our oceans drowning in plastic.”
The new kit design will be worn by Team Sky at the Tour de France (July 7th-29th) and features orcas on the back of the jersey. The riders will also wear a bespoke version jersey, developed from ocean plastic material, at the Team Presentation.
As part of the team’s commitment to eliminate all single-use plastic from its operations, products and supply chain by 2020, they have started work with logistics experts and Sky Ocean Rescue partner, Unipart, to help reduce the use of plastics across the Team and are developing plastic-free packaging solutions to fulfil the team’s logistical requirements
“It’s great that the team are getting behind such an important issue – one that is having a huge impact in the world we live in today,” Chris Froome said of Team Sky’s ‘Race to 2020’ pledge
“The special-edition kit is fantastic and will really help to raise awareness at the Tour de France, but it’s important that the legacy continues after that, as we look to build on the amazing work Sky have done so far with their Sky Ocean Rescue campaign with our own ‘Race to 2020’ commitment.”
Team Principal Dave Brailsford said: “Sky Ocean Rescue has been at the forefront of a global campaign on single-use plastics over the last year – and it is making a real difference. We are proud to join this important fight to change behaviour and help save our oceans.
“Like all parts of society, cycling must do more to reduce its reliance on single-use plastic at every level. The nature of our sport means we have a special responsibility to the environment and at Team Sky we want to take a lead.”
