A history lesson<\/h2>
Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, when downhill was establishing its own identity and diverging from Lycra-clad cross-country racers, riders started wearing loose motocross kits. MTB clothing brands jumped on board to give downhill its rough-around-the-edges character.<\/p>
There was even a racer’s agreement that Lycra skinsuits wouldn’t be worn during competitions (except at the World Championships), even though they had a definite speed advantage. Such was the desire for fashion over function during those early years.<\/p> Things started to change, though, when Mojo Suspension riders Chris Hutchens and Ben Cathro wore Lycra skinsuits during the 2008 Fort William World Cup.<\/p> Tracy Moseley also won the Canberra round of that year’s World Cup in a skinsuit. Rachel Atherton, who finished second behind Moseley, made her feelings clear by writing ‘Skinsuits suck’ on her arms for the podium ceremony.<\/p> By October 2008, the UCI had its say and brought in a rule that banned skinsuits and ‘tight-fitting clothing’. We even reported on it during the early days of BikeRadar<\/a>.<\/p> Since then, as downhill racing has matured, and riders, bike brands, suspension manufacturers and component companies continue their quest to produce the next best product to eke out more speed, so have the clothing companies.<\/p> As such, riders’ kit has become progressively tighter, especially during the last five years. So much so that in 2023, the UCI reversed its Lycra-based material rule for downhillers.\u00a0<\/p> Still, the kit couldn\u2019t be a one-piece suit and needed a separate top and pants. It should also, as UCI rule 4.3.011<\/a> states, \u201cbe of a type specifically designed and sold for use in BMX Racing or Mountain Bike downhill events. Jerseys designed for road cycling, skinsuits, or one-piece suits comprising the jersey and the pants\/shorts are not permitted for use in downhill events\u201d.<\/p> Fast forward to 2024 and Fox\u2019s new SpeedSuit RS has entered the picture.\u00a0<\/p> While this two-piece outfit circumvents the UCI\u2019s latest rule, it\u2019s no doubt going to be one of the main talking points in the Fort William pits this weekend.<\/p> It\u2019s fair to say Fox has taken its thinking outside the box with this one, innovating on something interesting for us to admire\/laugh\/cringe (delete as appropriate) about. It\u2019s essentially a compression top with pre-fitted protection and a form-fitted, high dungaree.<\/p> The UCI\u2019s rule states the jersey must be tucked in or tight-fitting and Fox has scored top marks there, even if DH clothing has become increasingly form-fitting over the past few years<\/p> Fox unveiled a one-piece motocross version of its SpeedSuit in January this year for sponsored rider Christian Craig. It\u2019s yet to catch on with Fox\u2019s other motocross stars, however.\u00a0<\/p> Does this MTB version signal the start of a new aero era for downhill? Or will we look back on the 2024 Fort William World Cup as a short-lived return to the headlines for riders seeking a wind-cheating advantage?<\/p> Does it even meet all of the UCI\u2019s regulations? Is it simply a publicity stunt? Will we see it on top of a podium?<\/p> Maybe we\u2019re going to see a barrage of companies and teams getting their sewing machines out for the next race in Poland; just like the 29in rear wheel rush of 2017 when Santa Cruz Syndicate unveiled its 29er V10<\/a> at the opening round of the World Cup in Lourdes.<\/p> And why not? This is a sport raced against the clock and every advantage counts. We live in a sporting world where everything is designed to give competitors an advantage \u2013 and the same applies to downhill.\u00a0<\/p> Someone is always going to take the heat for doing things differently until it becomes the norm, at least when it comes to top-tier racing.<\/p> There\u2019s an obvious parallel to ski racing. The general public doesn\u2019t ski in speed suits, even though they\u2019re available to buy.\u00a0<\/p> However, the racers compete in them. I\u2019m not likely to nip off and buy one of these to squeeze my middle-aged belly into, but if it’s the best tool for the job of racing down a mountain as fast as possible, so be it. Mountain bikers in the SpeedSuit look no more daft than road and gravel riders in Lycra.<\/p>![\"Tracy](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/05\/Tracy-Moseley-2008.jpg\")
The UCI has its say\u2026 again\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>
![\"Britain's](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/05\/GettyImages-1578480299-1.jpg\")
Enter the Fox SpeedSuit RS<\/h2>
![\"Laurie](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/05\/O5A9992.jpg\")
![\"Laurie](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/05\/O5A9994.jpg\")
Are we entering a new aero era?<\/h2>
![\"Laurie](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/05\/O5A9991.jpg\")
![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/05\/Santa-Cruz-2017.jpg\")
What\u2019s next?<\/h2>
![\"Peter](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/03\/GettyImages-1241647384.jpg\")