The peleton comes screaming around a hairpin high in the Alps, hardly breaking as they move in unison. The smallest miscalculation of the apex, unexpected debris or cracks in the road could be the difference between reeling in the breakaway group, or a nasty crash. But this precise bike handling comes from a whole lot of time on the bike and these are the best cyclists in the world we're talking about. On top of being the best at their sport, having the best gear in the world helps. If you've been wondering what Oakley sunglasses are worn by pro cyclists, we've got you covered.
If you want to watch our video breakdown of the top pro cyclist's Oakley shades from the peloton, we've got a video below for you below.
Why do pro cyclists choose Oakley Sunglasses?
It all started in 1984 when a young American cyclist named Greg Lemond, showed up to the Olympics wearing an eyecatching pair of sunglasses. The Oakley Eyeshades would go on to pave the road for all cycling sunglasses and sports eyewear going forward, and you can still see their revolutionary design in sports frames today.
As for why pro cyclists are still choosing Oakley sunglasses today, there are a few things to know before we even jump into Oakley tech and Oakley cycling lenses.
Are Pro Cycling Teams Sponsored by Sunglass companies?
The short answer is yes. Professional teams have access to the best gear in the world and at the top level, teams get to handpick their sponsors. Even with the special treatment, sponsorship from top brands is a coveted thing because every company has a marketing budget to work within. This makes sponsorship from brands like Oakley, a coveted partnership.
What Pro Cycling Teams are Sponsored by Oakley?
There are a few big name pro cycling teams sponsored by Oakley, as well as some smaller teams. Here are a few of the bigger names on the list.
- Team Ineos
- Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl
- Alpecin Fenix
- Canyon/Sram Women's Pro Cycling Team
What Oakley Sunglasses are Pro Cyclists Wearing?
Mark Cavendish
Oakley Kato in Polished Black with a PRIZM Road Lens
Shop Oakley Kato
If you wondered what sunglasses pro riders were wearing at the Tour de France last year, you may have first had the thought after seeing Mark Cavendish sprint into history wearing wild-looking new Oakleys. Cav wears the Oakley Kato, possibly the most aero cycling sunglasses in the peleton, possibly the most aero sunglasses in the history of eyewear.
If you want a full break down of the Kato and Kato X, head on over to our blog where we compare them!
Mathieu van der Poel
Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep in Matte Navy with Prizm Sapphire Lenses
Shop Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep
The explosive attacks and long range power of Matthiew Van Der Poel have catapulted the young phenom to some truly memorable wins. Though he was sponsored by 100% last season, Van Der Poel is now crossing the line wearing Oakley Sunglasses. Unlike some riders who wear an exclusive frame, MVDP wears a mix of Sutro frames. Of note, are the custom pink Sutro Lite Sweep frames that went along with his pink leaders jersey at the 2022 Giro d'Italia.
For more info on the Sutro family, check out our blog on the Sutro Vs. Sutro S Vs Sutro Lite.
Chloe Dygart
Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep in Matte Black with Prizm Trail Torch Lenses
Shop Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep
The United States doesn't have a lot of big international names when it comes to professional cycling. Chloe Dygart, is an exception. The young rider has managed to overcome injuries and etch her name into the cycling history books at the World Championships on the velodrome. The world champ made the jump from domestic pro team, Sho-Air Twenty 20 to world tour team Canyon Sram, but suffered a horrific crash in the world championship time trial. Forrutnatly, Chloe has been training hard to get back in the pro peleton and we expect big things from her soon.
One thing hasn't changed, that's Chloe's love for Oakley shades. Like Van der Poel, you'll find her wearing Oakley Sutro's and most recently, Chloe Dygert has been wearing Pink Oakley Sutro Lite Sweeps.
Geraint Thomas
Oakley Racing Jacket in Carbon with PRIZM Trail
Shop Oakley Plazma
The Knighted Sir Geraint Thomas is a fan of what works. That's why the Brittish winner of the 2018 Tour de France sticks with his discontinued Oakley Racing Jackets. We're only currently selling prescription replacement lenses for the Racing Jacket here at SportRx, but you can find the hot new Oakley Plazma which pays homage to the iconic frames. Another new mold breaking Oakley frame in the Racing Jacket family is the Oakley Sub Zero. Keep an eye out!
We dug into the archives and found an old review of the Racing Jackets if you need more info on these classics.
Magnus Sheffield
Oakley Radar EV Path in Polished White with PRIZM Road lenses
Shop Oakley Radar EV Path
Despite the lack of US cycling talent at the international level, Magnus Sheffeild is a rising star. The young rider appeared on the radar of the world tour when he won bronze at the 2019 Juniors World Championship Road Race. As of the 2022 season, he has managed to win his first Europeon races. Magnus Sheffield wears the Oakley Radar sunglasses in his Team Ineos colors of red and white.
For more info on the Radar EV Path, check out our Review and Unboxing of the Oakley Radar EV Path.
Oakley Cycling Sunglasses in Prescription at SportRx!
Need prescription Oakley Cycling Sunglasses? Done. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tooltips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, Contact Us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription Cycling sunglasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your Oakley sunglasses for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription Fishing sunglasses at SportRx today!
Shop All Oakley Cycling Sunglasses
