When Alejandro Valverde crossed the line first to win the World Championship road race in Innsbruck last weekend, the staff at Endura, which supplies his Movistar team, knew that they had a race of their own to run.
With the Spaniard due to race in Italy in the coming days – Valverde is down to ride the Tre Valli Varesine on Tuesday and il Lombardia next Sunday, and may also race Wednesday’s Milan-Turin – the Livingston-based business had just one week to design and produce his rainbow jersey.
Here Endura recounts the processes that resulted in the kit that the new world champion will debut on Tuesday being designed, signed off and produced.
As soon as Alejandro Valverde crossed the line with arms aloft as the new UCI Road World Champion last Sunday, the cogs of the finely tuned machine that has supplied technical clothing to Movistar Team since 2014 began to turn almost as soon as Bala’s wheels drew to a stop beside the podium.
In a series of Whatsapp messages and emails between team and their expert tailors back in Scotland on Sunday evening, a plan of attack was agreed with #EnduraCustom even as Valverde was celebrating his magnificent victory in the Austrian Tirol. The plan – to produce kit worthy of a World Champion. Of course, Endura are no strangers to manufacturing rainbow jerseys, having recently produced MTB versions for Rachel Atherton and Kade Edwards (Trek Factory Racing DH) and previously for para-cycling World Champion Denise Schindler.
Unlike some pro team’s clothing suppliers, Endura make kit end-to-end in-house by the same production team that produce over 50,000 garments a year for clubs and teams worldwide. This is no development lab, it’s a proper factory, employing around 60 staff, all based in Livingston, near Edinburgh. Movistar Team’s kit designer Stuart Kirk kicked off the production process first thing on Monday by consulting UCI’s fascinating technical documents on kit design, before producing some initial designs for approval by Endura management, then Movistar Team and then the UCI.
Production Shot 3 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
When the design was signed off then the clock started ticking in earnest. Patterns were placed on layers of fabric to be run through Endura’s automated cutting table to create the eleven panels that make up a team issue jersey (and twelve more for the bibshorts). Meanwhile, Stuart Laidlaw’s print shop team were watching the design edging through their large format printer, ready to be passed on to the heat pressing team next door.
Production Shot 5 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
If you’ve not seen dye sublimation printing in action, it can resemble a form of magic as a mix of heat and pressure transfers hi-tech inks from printed sheets straight into the fabric itself. No further treatment is required to make the panels colourfast. Just one further step is necessary for Movistar Team’s kit with parts of the jersey heading a few work stations along to have Endura’s proprietary Surface Silicone Topography technology applied by a small crew of specialist technicians.
Production Shot 7 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
The whirring sewing machines used by expert machinists have been the beating heart of Endura since the company was founded 25 years ago and some of them have been with the Scottish company since the very early days in the small factory that spawned a global brand. Zips are added to jersey panels, pockets are created and Alejandro’s favoured 700-series pad is sewn into the bibshorts before heading down the line for a QC check under the watchful gaze of Operations Director Alison Moodie.
Production Shot 8 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
From start to finish the entire process took less than the 6 hours and 46 minutes that it took Alejandro to win his World Championship, but as modest Scots, the team at Endura wouldn’t like to boast just how quickly they can produce an outfit for a World Champion.
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Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.
15 Comments
15 thoughts on “Endura reveal how they made Alejandro Valverde’s rainbow jersey”
Quite possibly the only
Quite possibly the only positve story associated with Valverde’s WC win.
Would Jim McFarlane of Endura care to comment on Brexit as he said that some Endura production would move to europe if Scotland voted for independence in 2014 ? Now that “we” are leaving the EU will Endura be moving production abroad or not, or was that just a scare story for his employees to make sure they didn’t vote for independence ? Mr McFarlane has been very quiet about Brexit
Would Jim McFarlane of Endura care to comment on Brexit as he said that some Endura production would move to europe if Scotland voted for independence in 2014 ? Now that “we” are leaving the EU will Endura be moving production abroad or not, or was that just a scare story for his employees to make sure they didn’t vote for independence ? Mr McFarlane has been very quiet about Brexit
— dreamlx10
Scotland gaining independance is a massive different kettle of fish compared to the UK leaving a closed shop terrorist sponsoring dictatorship that has a negative effect on trade and finances for the UK. Scotland leaving the union would lead to poverty in Scotland even worse than Holyrood has already imparted on its citizens (whilst blaming everyone except themselves), health levels would continue to drop, services would be utterly fucked, taxes would go up hugely but yeah, have a pop at an independant based on a ludicrous comparison.
Oh what, you think the dwindling oil tax revenue will bail Scotland out, yeah because fields like Clair that are knocking out 60,000 barrels (compared to brent at 200million peak and still despite been closed down in the next decade is still producing 1M BPD) will prop up a government that has proven to be worse than the Tories!
Would Jim McFarlane of Endura care to comment on Brexit as he said that some Endura production would move to europe if Scotland voted for independence in 2014 ? Now that “we” are leaving the EU will Endura be moving production abroad or not, or was that just a scare story for his employees to make sure they didn’t vote for independence ? Mr McFarlane has been very quiet about Brexit
— BehindTheBikesheds
Scotland gaining independance is a massive different kettle of fish compared to the UK leaving a closed shop terrorist sponsoring dictatorship that has a negative effect on trade and finances for the UK. Scotland leaving the union would lead to poverty in Scotland even worse than Holyrood has already imparted on its citizens (whilst blaming everyone except themselves), health levels would continue to drop, services would be utterly fucked, taxes would go up hugely but yeah, have a pop at an independant based on a ludicrous comparison.
Oh what, you think the dwindling oil tax revenue will bail Scotland out, yeah because fields like Clair that are knocking out 60,000 barrels (compared to brent at 200million peak and still despite been closed down in the next decade is still producing 1M BPD) will prop up a government that has proven to be worse than the Tories!
Would Jim McFarlane of Endura care to comment on Brexit as he said that some Endura production would move to europe if Scotland voted for independence in 2014 ? Now that “we” are leaving the EU will Endura be moving production abroad or not, or was that just a scare story for his employees to make sure they didn’t vote for independence ? Mr McFarlane has been very quiet about Brexit
— Duncann
Scotland gaining independance is a massive different kettle of fish compared to the UK leaving a closed shop terrorist sponsoring dictatorship that has a negative effect on trade and finances for the UK. Scotland leaving the union would lead to poverty in Scotland even worse than Holyrood has already imparted on its citizens (whilst blaming everyone except themselves), health levels would continue to drop, services would be utterly fucked, taxes would go up hugely but yeah, have a pop at an independant based on a ludicrous comparison.
Oh what, you think the dwindling oil tax revenue will bail Scotland out, yeah because fields like Clair that are knocking out 60,000 barrels (compared to brent at 200million peak and still despite been closed down in the next decade is still producing 1M BPD) will prop up a government that has proven to be worse than the Tories!
— BehindTheBikesheds
I don’t like the term “gammon” but…
— dreamlx10
If his reply to me isn’t a wind up then I’m happy to use the term “gammon” in relation to the very angry man called Behind The Bin Sheds
Would Jim McFarlane of Endura care to comment on Brexit as he said that some Endura production would move to europe if Scotland voted for independence in 2014 ? Now that “we” are leaving the EU will Endura be moving production abroad or not, or was that just a scare story for his employees to make sure they didn’t vote for independence ? Mr McFarlane has been very quiet about Brexit
— Duncann
Scotland gaining independance is a massive different kettle of fish compared to the UK leaving a closed shop terrorist sponsoring dictatorship that has a negative effect on trade and finances for the UK. Scotland leaving the union would lead to poverty in Scotland even worse than Holyrood has already imparted on its citizens (whilst blaming everyone except themselves), health levels would continue to drop, services would be utterly fucked, taxes would go up hugely but yeah, have a pop at an independant based on a ludicrous comparison.
Oh what, you think the dwindling oil tax revenue will bail Scotland out, yeah because fields like Clair that are knocking out 60,000 barrels (compared to brent at 200million peak and still despite been closed down in the next decade is still producing 1M BPD) will prop up a government that has proven to be worse than the Tories!
— BehindTheBikesheds
I don’t like the term “gammon” but…
— dreamlx10
Hahahaha, whatever dropkick, calling me a gammon shows you up for the fuclwit you are.
Would Jim McFarlane of Endura care to comment on Brexit as he said that some Endura production would move to europe if Scotland voted for independence in 2014 ? Now that “we” are leaving the EU will Endura be moving production abroad or not, or was that just a scare story for his employees to make sure they didn’t vote for independence ? Mr McFarlane has been very quiet about Brexit
— BehindTheBikesheds
Scotland gaining independance is a massive different kettle of fish compared to the UK leaving a closed shop terrorist sponsoring dictatorship that has a negative effect on trade and finances for the UK. Scotland leaving the union would lead to poverty in Scotland even worse than Holyrood has already imparted on its citizens (whilst blaming everyone except themselves), health levels would continue to drop, services would be utterly fucked, taxes would go up hugely but yeah, have a pop at an independant based on a ludicrous comparison.
Oh what, you think the dwindling oil tax revenue will bail Scotland out, yeah because fields like Clair that are knocking out 60,000 barrels (compared to brent at 200million peak and still despite been closed down in the next decade is still producing 1M BPD) will prop up a government that has proven to be worse than the Tories!
While not a enthusiastic supporter of Scottish independence, the idea that I would be independent from BTBS views is very attractive.
We could have a country of nuance and subtlety, where disc brakes could be used for appropriate bike builds and helmet wearing would be a choice.
If the choice is between Crobyn and May (or Boris) to bring prosperity, look after the NHS etc, then maybe it couldn’t be worse (though I have no desire for IndyRef2 at the monent).
While not a enthusiastic supporter of Scottish independence, the idea that I would be independent from BTBS views is very attractive.
We could have a country of nuance and subtlety, where disc brakes could be used for appropriate bike builds and helmet wearing would be a choice.
If the choice is between Crobyn and May (or Boris) to bring prosperity, look after the NHS etc, then maybe it couldn’t be worse (though I have no desire for IndyRef2 at the monent).
— Sniffer
Whah whah whah. You like others don’t like discussion or criticism, criticism that was unfairly aimed at the owners of Endura in the first instance hence my reposte!
While not a enthusiastic supporter of Scottish independence, the idea that I would be independent from BTBS views is very attractive.
We could have a country of nuance and subtlety, where disc brakes could be used for appropriate bike builds and helmet wearing would be a choice.
If the choice is between Crobyn and May (or Boris) to bring prosperity, look after the NHS etc, then maybe it couldn’t be worse (though I have no desire for IndyRef2 at the monent).
— BehindTheBikesheds
Whah whah whah. You like others don’t like discussion or criticism, criticism that was unfairly aimed at the owners of Endura in the first instance hence my reposte!
— Sniffer
In what way was my criticism of Jim McFarlane (not Endura) unfair ?
@DrG82 I think it was well implemented overall, though that is because I agree with the basic point: the speed limit where vehicles interact with pedestrians etc should be 20mph* by default: 30mph can be considered as an exception (e.g a major road with significant mitigating infrastructure, controlled crossings and so on). Some Welsh local authorities have been keener to create exceptions than others for sure.
Here in Bristol, we have had widespread 20mph limits for around 15 years. The only downside I saw is that I got used to driving at 20 and would find myself doing so where the limit was 30 in other locations, to the annoyance of drivers behind (though perhaps the relief of pedestrians in front)
*There was once a substantial UK report that found the default speed limit should be around 10mph to ensure that pedestrians are not killed by drivers. That seems a long way off.
@slc I wouldn't say that the Welsh government got everything right. They applied the speed limit changes uniformly, without considering exceptions, and have since back tracked in many places. This has been a massive waste of money.
Yelled at by a driver just last month, "It's farkin' dark you farkin' twat why are you riding around wiv a black coat on? You're farkin' invisible!" To be fair, I was wearing a black jacket - a Proviz commuter jacket which is covered in their unparalleled reflective details which, as I know because Mrs H wears the same model, can be seen from hundreds of metres away. He also overlooked the fact that I was wearing a fluorescent yellow helmet, fluorescent yellow gloves, had a rear red light on the helmet, two rear red lights (one strobing one solid) and three white lights on the front (one strobing two solid). Apparently all he could see, or supposedly couldn't see, was the black jacket. They used to be an old joke about "invisible" stealth planes being rubbish because the Russians would be saying, "There aren't any planes about but there's a little guy in a sitting position at 50,000 feet..." - must have been confusing for my chap to see all those lights, reflectives and bright gear apparently going down the street of their own volition.
Another reason to avoid Terry's, which is a pretty crappy overpriced place anyway and dreadfully hipster (there's a sign on the wall that says something like "when you eat at Terry's you're not just a customer, you're a member of a very exclusive club" - thanks but I just wanted coffee and beans on toast). I'd advise anyone in that locale to try the splendidly named Giggling Sausage cafe directly opposite, better food and coffee, cheaper, better service and fewer hipsters, you can enjoy watching them queueing like sheep to get into Terry's as you dine.
I wondered if parking in a cycle hire bay was against the law, so I googled it: it isn't unless there are road markings prohibiting parking.
But, this little gem came up 'Obstruction: Even where a specific bay type might lack a dedicated motor-traffic prohibition, parking a vehicle in a way that blocks access to cycle hire docks, footways, or causes an obstruction is an offense.'
Report it to the authorities and demand action. Don't patronise the place, obviously. And leaving rubbish reviews is definitely out.
Absolutely, definitely out. Very absolutely definitely. Out.
".....dark clothing “has been deemed a contributing factor in many fatal or serious injury collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists”
No. The dark clothing is not a contributory factor, the only cause of the deaths and injuries is drivers failing to observe.
The list of police organisations above shows that motornormativity in the police is institutionalised, and just as rife as it is in the rest of society. The question is, how do we get them to change? Make all police ride bikes? Show them films of collisions where perfectly visible cyclists are mown down by drivers who weren't looking? Show them pictures of cyclists literally dressed up like christmas trees by are still hit by dumb drivers?
The clincher might be the picture of the police car, festooned with hi-viz, after it had been hit by a driver.
@mdavidford the standard practise is to ignore the consultation, start a petition, complain that the council doesn't listen to the public, and get your picture in the Bournemouth Echo with a headline 'Drivers fury at new cycle lane', or 'shopkeepers anger at lost parking space'.
"Serious cyclist injuries down 50% and overall road casualties continue to fall..."
This is clearly fake news, invented by the bearded, sandle-wearing, bike-riding hippies who don't even live in Wales.
Everyone who lives there knows that the frustration and cost to drivers of having to drive at the ludicrously slow speed of 20mph is worth so much more than a few dead cyclists.
I live in the Forest of Dean, near Wales, and we've been trying for quite some time to get the national speed limit roads in the statutory forest reduced to 40mph, and 20mph in towns and villages. In fact, I mentioned it in the pub tonight, and the reaction from locals was, to say the least, not enthusiastic. It is a human right to be able to drive as fast as you want, and anyone saying different is an idiot.
With Local Government Reorganisation, I was hoping that the Forest of Dean District would merge with Monmouthshire and then we could adopt the Welsh speed limits, but it ain't gonna happen, so sadly, we have to remain in England.
@andystow That's pretty much how new roads are justified. If ten million motorists save ten seconds a day over the next twenty years, and motorists time is worth a lot, then you can justify spending £372m on the new roundabout in Gloucestershire. You know, the place where the locals think that a cycle lane will destroy their life.
15 thoughts on “Endura reveal how they made Alejandro Valverde’s rainbow jersey”
Quite possibly the only
Quite possibly the only positve story associated with Valverde’s WC win.
Would Jim McFarlane of Endura
Would Jim McFarlane of Endura care to comment on Brexit as he said that some Endura production would move to europe if Scotland voted for independence in 2014 ? Now that “we” are leaving the EU will Endura be moving production abroad or not, or was that just a scare story for his employees to make sure they didn’t vote for independence ? Mr McFarlane has been very quiet about Brexit
dreamlx10 wrote:
Scotland gaining independance is a massive different kettle of fish compared to the UK leaving a closed shop terrorist sponsoring dictatorship that has a negative effect on trade and finances for the UK. Scotland leaving the union would lead to poverty in Scotland even worse than Holyrood has already imparted on its citizens (whilst blaming everyone except themselves), health levels would continue to drop, services would be utterly fucked, taxes would go up hugely but yeah, have a pop at an independant based on a ludicrous comparison.
Oh what, you think the dwindling oil tax revenue will bail Scotland out, yeah because fields like Clair that are knocking out 60,000 barrels (compared to brent at 200million peak and still despite been closed down in the next decade is still producing 1M BPD) will prop up a government that has proven to be worse than the Tories!
BehindTheBikesheds wrote:
I don’t like the term “gammon” but…
Duncann wrote:
If his reply to me isn’t a wind up then I’m happy to use the term “gammon” in relation to the very angry man called Behind The Bin Sheds
Duncann wrote:
Hahahaha, whatever dropkick, calling me a gammon shows you up for the fuclwit you are.
BehindTheBikesheds wrote:
This is a wind up right ?
If that jersey is made of the
If that jersey is made of the same material as an Enduro jersey I have then I’ve seen tissue paper thats thicker.
^^^ FFS ^^^
^^^ FFS ^^^
I like the term gammon,
I like the term gammon, especially when used like this: “what’s for dinner?”, “Smoked gammon joint, with roasties and seasonal veggies” 🙂
While not a enthusiastic
While not a enthusiastic supporter of Scottish independence, the idea that I would be independent from BTBS views is very attractive.
We could have a country of nuance and subtlety, where disc brakes could be used for appropriate bike builds and helmet wearing would be a choice.
If the choice is between Crobyn and May (or Boris) to bring prosperity, look after the NHS etc, then maybe it couldn’t be worse (though I have no desire for IndyRef2 at the monent).
Sniffer wrote:
Whah whah whah. You like others don’t like discussion or criticism, criticism that was unfairly aimed at the owners of Endura in the first instance hence my reposte!
BehindTheBikesheds wrote:
In what way was my criticism of Jim McFarlane (not Endura) unfair ?
Oh my, there’s some
Oh my, there’s some interesting views in this thread…
I have been very impressed by
I have been very impressed by all of my Endura purchases.