EF unveil an 'out there' new kit ahead of the Giro d'Italia: 'a signal from beyond'

While most teams spent Monday announcing their squads, EF Education-EasyPost used the occasion to show off their special Giro d'Italia kit. The American team has put out a unique design for the race every year for some time now — and this year's effort, created in partnership with kit supplier Assos, goes all-in on an alien theme.

The reason EF always shows up at the Giro in something different is simple: their regular pink and purple kit is too close in colour to the race leader's maglia rosa, so they switch it out each year. Back in 2020, that tradition produced one of cycling's most memorable jerseys — a duck-covered collaboration with skate brand Palace that went viral and landed the team a fine from the UCI for not submitting the design on time.

In more recent years, EF have kept things relatively understated with black or white kits. This year, they are going in a very different direction.

The team will race in a striking alien-themed design. "This year the switch has been replaced by a signal from beyond, floating between space and time," reads the suitably cryptic statement from Assos. The kit features a large alien motif across the chest and is dominated by vivid shades of green.

EF was actually supposed to start this "otherworldly" Giro with a former winner in Richard Carapaz. The Ecuadorian has not yet recovered well enough from his injury and has shifted his focus toward the Tour de France. His compatriot Jefferson Cepeda is currently on the provisional start list. He may get more space now that his intended leader is not there.

That includes Dutchman Jardi Christiaan van der Lee, who appears to be gearing up for his first Giro d'Italia. The other six aliens within the selection are Samuele Battistella, Sean Quinn, Daren Rafferty, James Shaw and Michael Valgren.

At first glance, there does not seem to be a distinct leader within this selection. Although, with Valgren, they have the necessary experience within the team when it comes to riding places of honor. Moreover, the team has one more place to go.