The science of wind resistance is pushing the boundaries, so every pro must be precisely fitted, wearing kits that normal riders might find very uncomfortable.
The All Blacks against Les Bleus, wearing kits that those names would suggest, is among the more iconic images in world rugby, provoking memories of their 1999 World Cup semi-final or the try from the end of the world.
Referees, assistant referees and fourth officials wear kits of a similar style to that worn by players; until the 1950s it was more common for a referee to wear a blazer than a jersey.
Other areas were slower to adopt the new styles – British clubs once again resisted change and stuck resolutely to kits little different from those worn before the war, and Eastern European teams continued to wear kits that were deemed old-fashioned elsewhere.
Papiss Cissé, who last week agreed to wear kit bearing the logo of Wonga, Newcastle's sponsor, did not travel to Blackpool.
The half-decade-old theory held that there is a finite number of middle-aged blokes willing to wear kit sporting a dodgy Japanese logo.
This, I finally realised, was why sports fans wear kit: as a sign of allegiance, yes, but also to create a community.
As a result, the most talented squad from South America were forced to train for the biggest championship in world football while wearing kit borrowed from a local gymnasium.
Otley's mini-flyers are often spotted whizzing through the town wearing kit donated last year by Armitstead: the fit being several sizes too small for any of the adult racers.
Half of the children passing the ball against their idols were wearing kit with Džeko's name on it; and he ran among them, showing off his skills but allowing the odd successful tackle by some scrawny lad, and beaming a honeyed smile.
The waxwork took four months to complete, wears kit donated by Ennis and raises the Union Flag in triumph.
