Team Sky to unveil rainforest-themed kit at Tour of Britain

Team Sky will sport special rainforest-themed kit during this year’s Tour of Britain to highlight the problem of deforestation in Brazil.

UCI rules allow teams to compete in one race each year in non-standard garb, and the squad will take full advantage of this with one-off jerseys, glasses, helmets, water bottles, saddles and bike graphics. Staff will also wear recycled sunglasses.

The aim is to promote Sky Rainforest Rescue, a three-year project with wildlife charity WWF that aims to save 1 billion trees in the state of Acre, north-west Brazil. Sky have agreed to donate £1 for every £1 raised.

The Tour of Britain kicks off in Rochdale on Saturday and ends in London the following weekend. Riders competing for Sky include Steve Cummings, Russell Downing, Mathew Hayman, Greg Henderson, Geraint Thomas and Bradley Wiggins.