Girls Friday: Kate Upton for Sports Illustrated

Rapha to produce 2013 Team Sky kit

They've come a long way in a few years and it is testament to the quality of their gear that Rapha is going to be producing the Team Sky cycling kit from 2013.

The four-year deal, announced this morning will include the design and production of Team Sky racing kit, as well as off-the-bike outfits for riders and staff. So they will now look good at the press conferences as well.

“We are delighted that, after only eight years as a business, we have been chosen by Team Sky, the world’s number one team, as their partner. We share their passion for performance and team ethic and are enthusiastic to inspire and engage a wider fan base around the globe,” said Simon Mottram, Founder and Chief Executive of Rapha.

Like Rapha and its influence on road cycling in general, Team Sky has turned the world of pro-cycling on its head. Established in 2009 it has achieved consistent honours and this year with a team featuring the biggest UK names including Edvald Bosan Hagen and Mark Cavendish, carried Bradley Wiggins to his first Tour de France victory.

Dave Brailsford, Team Principal of Sky Pro Cycling, said: “Team Sky has achieved this year’s level of success because of a strong and steady vision to find improvement at every level to help our riders win. I see Rapha joining us next year as another step in that direction. They share our ambition and vision for cycling.”

Rapha will release the Sky Pro Cycling kit in January 2013 via www.rapha.cc and at select cycling retailers.

Colnago C59 disc: one day

I'll have some of this

Girls Friday: Miranda Kerr neked

Kansi bikes: It's all about the fold

It has been hard to find a folding bike that doesn't look like it should be worn by someone in a dayglo jacket and comfortable sandals, such is the stigma that they have earned themselves over the years. 

But as cycling has become a more acceptable form of transport so the imagination of the manufacturers has been fired, and we end up with this, the first folding BMX. 

Whether it would stand up in a head-to-head with the vintage Eighties Skyways to which it gives a nod has yet to be discovered. Regardless of that, this has to be the best-looking bike to have been unfolded thus far. 

Kansi bikes aren't just about the looks, though. They have done away with all the frustration that would usually go with a folding bike and created something that goes from folded to ready-to-ride in six seconds and rides like a normal road bike. What's more, the company has made its bikes so safe that they have set a new kitemark. 

Folding bikes just got cool. Find out more at www.kansi.co.uk

Nigel Cabourn AW12: sturdy

You always know what you're going to get with Nigel Cabourn - good solid gear that draws from eras past, manufactured with a passion that is unsurpassed. You might not want to climb a mountain in it, but you could.

Girls Friday: Bar Rafaeli

Maxim's Hottest Woman in the World. Understandably.