GreenEdge finally unveil official kit

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It was the moment everyone had been waiting for. After what seemed an almost interminable wait which included the launch of a prototype kit to whet the appetite of fans for the Jayco Bay Classic series, and the recent Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships, GreenEdge finally produced the colours the team will be riding in for the 2012 WorldTour.

There had been several hypotheticals, but the result lived up to expectation in every way, with a simple but distinctive look being unveiled at an official ceremony in Adelaide today.

To the tune of the team’s official song ‘I Won’t Back Down’ the full Tour Down Under team as well as director Matt White were presented on stage, with the kit officially launching ahead of the opening WorldTour event.

More green than the prototype kit, the official strip continues on the "green and gold theme" combined with some black which Robbie McEwen joked "will keep New Zealander Julian Dean happy."

"We think we look pretty good," said McEwen. "But the best way to look good is to have the hands in the air across the finish line. We look the part, now we just need to walk the walk."

The two national champions in attendance, Simon Gerrans and Fumiyuki Beppu also showed off their unique kits. Gerrans was beaming in his freshly earned Australian jersey, with the simplicity of the traditional green and gold stripe on a white background the fitting symbol of his achievement.

"I’ve been dying to put it on all week since the win last weekend," said Gerrans.

Beppu’s meanwhile pays homage to the Japanese red and white with a subtle green colouring on the shorts.

All about the brand: GreenEdge still insistent on no rush to find sponsor

In the lead-up to the kit unveiling, rumours had started to circulate that the launch would also coincide with a headline sponsor announcement. Indeed, in the official press invitation to the event the phrase "and other major announcements" had led many to believe that a sponsor – the one thing GreenEdge seemed to lack – had been found.

Alas, no such announcement eventuated, and Shayne Bannan coolly played down the necessity of the sponsor search with a line he has time and time repeated.

"We’re happy to focus this year on building the brand. That’s been the plan from day one. That’s not to say we don’t expect to announce a sponsor before the Giro or Tour – we’d welcome that opportunity, but for now – it’s about the GreenEdge brand."

Back in October, Bannan had previously stated to Cyclingnews that a sponsor for the GreenEdge team in its first year had been unlikely, and the search for one had "not been as aggressive because of the team’s focus on building the brand."

"We don't want to be desperate and go and knock on everyone's doors. Gerry, in his generosity, is really keen to develop the brand, develop the team which I think will put us in a good situation this time next year."