It’s all about purpose

A deep dive into how a WorldTour team selects its technical partners and why quality, innovation, and synergy put Nimbl at the top.

Published: January 8, 2026

The evolution of cycling apparel, from wool to wind-tunnel-tested fabrics, tells a story of constant innovation. What was once defined by simplicity is now a field driven by research, aerodynamics and advanced materials. Nowadays, every cut, stitch and fibre is designed to minimise drag, enhance comfort and boost performance. In this interview, we explore how technology has reshaped cycling clothing and what this means for the athletes who wear it.

In the high-stakes world of professional cycling, it is often the incremental improvements that determine the outcome of a race — or even a whole season. At the heart of these gains are partnerships with brands that recognise that performance encompasses more than just numbers; it’s about trust, adaptability and a shared vision. We sat down with Mark van Zutphen, a key figure behind Team Visma | Lease a Bike, to discuss the development of the perfect cycling apparel and the reasons behind Nimbl’s status as an essential partner in pushing the limits of performance.

From footwear to a full kit. A story of a technical re-evolution.

What began as a search for the best cycling shoe turned into something much more. “When we started working with Nimbl, they were only the shoe producer,” recalls Mark. “We didn’t have a shoe partner at that moment, so instead of waiting for brands to come to us and offer money, I asked my performance team to rank the best shoes on the market.”

That ranking – based on performance metrics like weight, aerodynamics, comfort, and production sustainability – put Nimbl at the very top. “So I said, ‘OK, we call Nimbl and ask them to partner with us.’ We didn’t wait for the brand with the best money. We wanted the best product.”

Quality as a main feature.

For Mark and his team, the driving factor is clear: uncompromising quality. “So obviously, a team like us, we look at the highest quality possible with all our technical partners,” he says. And it doesn’t stop at quality alone. “We are looking for synergy. The product has to be light, aero, sustainable but also, we’re looking for partners who want to improve with us.”

That mentality is exactly what they’ve found in Nimbl. “We can already feel in all our conversations that they have the same mentality we had with the shoe part. That’s super important.”

What makes a high-performance kit?

From heat to speed to comfort, every piece of clothing needs to serve a purpose. “Obviously, there are many features that clothing has to fulfill. It has to be comfortable. But in the end, cycling is about speed,” explains Mark. “The surface area of a cyclist is huge, so clothing has to be aerodynamic to make sure we go fast, with the least amount of energy.”

However, he emphasizes that comfort is nearly as important as aerodynamics, especially in endurance events. “We are also looking at ways to make clothing more protective. Crashes are part of the sport, and we’re working with Nimbl to find new ideas to reduce the impact of accidents.”

How innovation becomes reality

Before any new kit reaches the peloton, it undergoes rigorous testing. “We have a small group – former cyclists in the team – who test the clothing first,” Mark explains. “At the same time, we bring key items to the wind tunnel for aerodynamic testing. Only when those results are positive do we bring it to the riders.”

Feedback is crucial. “We make sure there’s a form for feedback so small adjustments can be made. Sometimes we even test for heat management. It’s all about making the kit as good as possible.”

The result is a design that is unmistakably Team Visma | Lease a Bike, where form and function merge into a pure visual language.

Training VS racing

Cycling apparel isn’t one-size-fits-all – not even for the same rider. The demands of training and racing are fundamentally different, and so is the clothing. Training gear is designed for durability, comfort, and repeated use, often over long hours in varying weather conditions. It prioritizes resilience over performance, providing riders with a reliable layer that supports consistent effort without compromising comfort.
“Training clothing is sometimes more robust, more comfortable, because speed is less important,” says Mark.

On the other hand, race-day kits are engineered for pure performance. Lighter fabrics, skin-tight fits, and aerodynamic tailoring help riders shave seconds when it matters most. Every gram and every watt counts in competition, and apparel becomes part of the machine-like precision that elite athletes rely on.

“Whereas race clothing is thinner and more aerodynamic. Riders mainly race in one-piece race suits now, which they would never wear in training. It’s all about purpose.”

Beyond product feedback

For Mark, a partnership isn’t just transactional—it’s collaborative and immersive. “We hope the brand gets really involved in our team. When they’re around, they can listen to riders, hear what’s needed, and start becoming creative.”

But what really sets a partnership apart? Proactivity. “What really helps is a proactive attitude. Not waiting until we say something, but also coming up with ideas themselves. And that’s where Nimbl and us—we find ourselves really well.”

The next frontier

Looking ahead, Mark sees safety as the next big shift in cycling apparel. “It’s a bad image for the sport when top riders are lost for weeks due to crashes. Of course, cycling isn’t a safe sport by nature, but we need to reduce the impact.”

And he’s confident in the direction they’re heading. “I don’t think clothing can reduce the crashes itself, but for sure it can help reduce the impact. That’s something we’re working on with Nimbl.”

The true difference in the final miles

“When a rider doesn’t feel their kit—doesn’t feel their shoes, helmet, or jersey—that’s when performance peaks. Every small detail adds up,” Mark explains.

“In the final of a race, when everyone is tired, the rider with the best kit feels just a little less fatigued. And that might be enough to win.”

Whether it’s aerodynamics, heat regulation, or crash protection, Mark and his team are chasing the edge that separates the good from the great. And in Nimbl, they’ve found a partner that’s not just along for the ride but driving innovation forward.