Colombian National Women's Cycling Team Creates Stir With New Uniforms

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Is it sexy or silly? That is the question being asked after a women's cycling team debuted its new look.

They're called cycling kits, the uniforms that cyclists wear in every color of the rainbow, but the color 'nude' has sparked something of an international incident.

The uniform of the Colombian National Women's Cycling Team debuted at a race in Italy over the weekend.

The skin-colored uniforms fold in the most private of places leaving an illusion of nudity. The team proudly posed with their startling new gear, apparently unaware of what they look like.

The kits have fashionistas and cyclists deeming it a disaster.

"It's bizarre. It looks like they are naked," Bicycle Planet Manager, Jacob Stern said.

The uniform was sanctioned by the team's sponsor, the city of Bogota.

"My personal opinion, it's no good," Colombian restaurant owner Frank Toro said.

Others saw no reason to change gears.

"If it's covering I don't think there's anything wrong with that," one New Yorker told CBS 2's Carolyn Gusoff.

Just how the uniform rolled out is unclear, but no one on the team reportedly noticed the questionable color choice until it was laid out bare for all to see.

The uniforms have social media abuzz, with the International Cycling Union President tweeting, "We are on the case, it is unacceptable by any standard of decency."

With the world championship cycling event taking place in Spain next week, the big question now is 'what kind of exposure will they get next?'

Cycling's governing body is investigating the issue.

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