Team's Flesh-Toned Uniforms Not OK: Cycling Org

If the Bogota Humana Colombian women's cycling team walked by you on the street, you might do a double-take at their uniforms. The outfits start out red and gold, then transform to a flesh tone below the waist—making it appear to some as if they're not wearing anything down there, the Guardian reports. Photos showing the odd attire have recently gone viral, rankling fashionistas and cycling officials, including Union Cycliste Internationale President Brian Cookson, who tweeted that the uniform is "unacceptable by any standard of decency" and that his governing organization is "on the case."

The UCI says it's contacting the Colombian bicycling federation to remind it to keep tabs on uniforms, and former road-race champion Nicole Cooke tweeted, "This has turned the sport into a joke. Girls stand up for yourselves—say no." But reports indicate one of the team members designed the uniform, got the thumbs-up from her teammates, and wasn't trying to go for the nude look, a cycling journalist tells the BBC. Via NPR, the Chasing Wheels biking blog adds that the questionable band of fabric is actually gold—not flesh-colored—and says, "Lycra done as gold effect never photographs well." The designer, identified by the Sydney Morning Herald as cyclist Angie Ariza, says, "It is based on sponsors' colors. It is in no way grotesque or scandalous." (More Colombian women stories.)