Taking the Unbound 200 win on Lachlan Morton, the upcoming Rapha Blaerosuit is a modified version of their World Tour Summer Roadsuit that builds in a 2L hydration reservoir.
Designed for gravel racing, where the rules are (for now, anyway) more slack than road, the suit provides extra hydration so you can skip the time-sucking bottle refills at rest stops. It’s also possibly more aero, with the shape helping streamline airflow over the rider’s back, but the main benefit is time saved at aid stations.
“Project Blaero” started at the request of Keegan Swenson, who wanted something more breathable and lighter weight than a hydration vest or pack, but without giving up fuel storage. The front of the jersey is a lightweight, highly breathable mesh.
In addition to the 2L of fluid and standard three pockets, there are two gel pockets on the back of the sleeves for an extra 200+ calories with zero aero penalty.
They also wanted to eliminate the chafing and bouncing of an external vest. Internal supports keep the hydration reservoir centered and compressed, so it won’t slide around and bounce.
FWIW, Camelbak’s Racebak baselayer offered something similar 12 years ago, but this design allows for quick swaps without having to remove your jersey. Rapha says this one’s easy enough to swap that the rider can do it themselves while wearing the suit.
The hose can be routed to either side, with small loops to keep the bite valve close by and prevent it from dangling about.
The kit was raced at Unbound by Swenson, Morton, and Alexis Skarda, Jordan Schleck, Sarah Strum, and Ellen Campbell. The design allows for full sublimation, so teams can have all their logos visible, too, unlike with a vest or pack.
It’s a prototype for now, but will be available for purchase soon, just like that other one we found.
