Columbian Bike Team’s Uniforms Stir Controversies In International Cycling Union

By Staff Reporter | Sep 17, 2014 02:53 PM EDT

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The female uniforms of the Columbian Bike Team stirred controversies in the International Cycling Union.

The Columbian women's bike team uniforms first gained notice and media attention when it was worn by the riders at the Tour of Tuscany in Italy over the weekend. The controversial female uniform which has a flesh-colored section between the stomach and thighs was criticized.

The controversial uniforms were mocked and questioned on social media because the designer for the Columbian women's bike team decided to put a flesh color in the most awkward place, which has caused some people to question whether it's sexist. The skin-toned color on the kit was located around the groin area and stomach, which made it look like the outfit was see through.

However, the uniforms were inspired by the 2010 kit of Footon-Servetto-Fuji, which even featured extra padding around the crotch area.

The original image of the kit, which was almost totally flesh colored, was posted on social media site, Twitter. They were ostensibly trying to show there was nothing ominous in the controversial design of the female uniforms.

Meanwhile, as per the International Cycling Union (UCI) President Brian Cookson, the controversial design of the new flesh-colored uniforms that makes a Columbian women's bike team look naked below the waist has been described as unacceptable.

Pictures of the Bogota Humana team were taken at the Tour of Tuscany, displaying six women wearing red and yellow kit with flesh-colored material immediately above and below the waist. It is indistinct if the team plans to wear analogous controversial uniforms next week while representing Columbia at the Ponferrada road world championships in Spain.

The uniforms stirred controversies and went viral on social media. The same reception was also given to the Columbian men's bike team uniforms which were also flesh-colored.

Following the aftermath of the photos that went viral, UCI President Brian Cookson posted on Twitter saying, "To the many who have raised the issue of a certain women's team kit, we are on the case. It is unacceptable by any standards of decency."

UCI, cycling's governing body later confirmed that it was probing the issue. A statement was released saying that the UCI will be sending a letter to the Columbian federation reminding them of their responsibility and in the control of regional and club team kits that compete in international events.

The former Commonwealth, Olympic and world road race champion Nicole Cooke, was among of the leading riders that criticized the Columbian bike team uniforms saying, "This has turned the sport into a joke. Girls stand up for yourselves - say no."

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