Unstitched: Rapha and Sky to end partnership

Clothing manufacturer Rapha will no longer be the supplier of the iconic Sky kit after its agreement with the team runs out the end of the 2016 season.

Chris Froome (C) and team mates celebrate another Tour de France victory for Team Sky (Getty) Source: Getty Images

The Rapha/Sky relationship began in 2012 and has been a good one for both parties, elevating the brand while raising the style stakes in the professional peloton.

"Together, we have redefined performance and style in the peloton, both on and off the bike," Rapha founder and CEO Simon Mottram said in a statement. "It’s been an amazing ride so far and the success of the Partnership has been beyond expectations."

"For the next year Rapha will focus on the Research and Development projects that are already in progress with the team," Mottram said. "With several special new products due to be released in 2016, we now look forward to an exciting final season with Team Sky and celebrating the Partnership in style."

Team Sky 2013

Edvald Boasson Hagen (R) on Stage 13 of the 2013 Tour de France (Getty) Source: Getty Images

Team Sky 2014

Peter Kennaugh in the 2014 Team Sky kit (Getty) Source: Getty Images

Team Sky 2015

Nicolas Roche on the Col d'Allos stage of the 2015 Tour de France (Getty) Source: Getty Images