Design a Jersey Competition

Suffolk Stage Partners Honors Creativity and Passion for Cycling with Winning Designs

Suffolk Stage Partners have proudly announced the selection of three exceptional winners from dozens of submissions in the highly anticipated 'Design a Cycling Jersey' competition. Organised to mark the occasion of the fifth stage of the 2023 Tour of Britain taking place in Suffolk.

Enthusiastic participation was witnessed across three age categories: Under 12 years, 12 – 17 years, and 18 years and above, for the design of both the front and back of the cycling jersey with the winning design from each category being produced as a jersey by the cycling apparel provider www.thecyclingjersey.com

Entries were shortlisted before submission to a panel of judges including Dan Martin, a former Grand Tour stage victor and Race Ambassador for the Tour of Britain. Reflecting on his involvement in the judging process, Martin expressed, “It was an honour to be involved in the judging of this competition and to see just how well the tour has captured the imagination of people.”

In the Under 12s category, the standout design by the talented Ayla Tuffaha was chosen as the winner. Martin shared his admiration, stating, “I felt that the jersey said ‘roads to the beach’ with the colours involved reminding me of the beach and also the Suffolk flag”.

Ayla enthused, “I'm super happy that my design got chosen. I love art and sport, so I am very excited to be able to watch the cyclists up close and see my design as a real jersey." 

Rebecca Sinden, winner in the 12-17 age group enjoyed the opportunity to combine her loves of art and design and sport, “this competition was a great way to incorporate both, which is why I’m glad I entered and my design was chosen”. Her design caught the judges eye for its uniqueness and relevance to Suffolk. “I think it’s very dramatic and very different from the other designs with the creativity and colours involving the landscape” Martin commented, “being a Suffolk stage this is a jersey for our very own mini-Tour of Suffolk this year.”

Paul Calvesbert-Rearden, a teacher at SET Ixworth School in Bury, clinched victory in the over 18s category with his design chosen with the help of his students. “This is dramatic and just shouts about the stage” Martin explained, “but (it) is also memorable as immediately identifiable as Suffolk and Felixstowe with the pier, the fort, and the colours of the Suffolk flag.”

“I am so happy to have won in this category” Paul said, “my students were really keen to help me finalise my submission so they are going to be equally thrilled with the outcome”.

The winners will be presented with their professionally produced jerseys on the finish-line podium in Felixstowe on 7th September..