It’s one thing to look and feel great in a cycling kit. It’s something else, and even better, when that kit is doing something more than wicking sweat and cutting through the air.
European bike shop The Service Course has partnered with professional cyclists Mike Woods and Esteban Chaves to create a limited-edition run of cycling threads tied to the riders’ greatest philanthropic passions.
The apparel includes bespoke ride-apropos gear and casual clothing. The Service Course designs its products to fit each rider’s passion and style; what’s more, the company puts forward its commitment to causes that reach far beyond the realm of cycling.
Woods Cardio Club
Mike Woods is a Canadian pro known as the “Cardio Cowboy” for his grueling training regimen. Woods hopes that his run of apparel will help (1) fight climate change and (2) get more Canadian kids on bikes.
The collection includes men’s women’s training jerseys, a ’90s-inspired hoodie, and a commensurately ’90s dad cap emblazoned with the logo of Wood’s new unofficial fan club, dubbed the “Woods Cardio Club.”
“The Woods Cardio Club, the main idea behind it is a vehicle to inspire people. What I’m hoping it is, is just a commitment to climate and to cardio. If you’re buying the kit, if you’re buying the sweater, if you’re buying the hat, you’re showing that you love doing aerobic activity, whether it’s running, riding et cetera,” Woods said. “But also, the goal of this kit is a portion of the proceeds will go to offset the carbon footprint and help get kids on bikes in Canada.”
For every purchase from the collection, Woods and The Service Course will make a small contribution to HopOn Canada, a games-based program that teaches children about cycling safety, and Gold Standard, which backs projects that help the world move toward net-zero emissions.
If you want to feel even closer to Woods, you can also train with the new Woods Cardio Club playlist on Spotify, which includes 90s hip hop tracks that will keep your heart pumping.
FUN Chaves Colorful Crocodile
Esteban Chaves, who currently rides for the UCI World Team and Team BikeExchange, has crafted a special-edition jersey through his foundation, Fundación Esteban Chaves, also known as FUN Chaves. FUN Chaves works to help young cyclists reach the top levels of the sport, and provides medical funding for orthopedic operations for children in his home country of Columbia.
His jersey, dubbed “The Colorful Crocodile,” includes bright splashes of artwork created by 10-year-old Samuel and 6-year-old Valentina, both of whom received orthopedic surgeries through the foundation.
Chaves said FUN Chaves is a way for him and his family to give the same opportunity he had as a young rider to others hoping to reach the sport’s top tier. It’s also a way to dramatically improve the lives of others through medical care they otherwise may not have had.
“When people wear this jersey, they can feel that they designed that, they are part of this, and if you’re wearing this, it’s because you are part of something really, really special and really important,” Chaves said.
Both the Woods Cardio Club and The Service Club FUN Chaves jerseys are available starting at $160. Woods’ cap goes for about $40, and the hoodies cost $90. Order men’s and women’s jerseys for both initiatives here.
