By Duncan Mackay

Lacoste will replace Adidas to provide the ceremonial outfits for Team France at Sochi 2014October 14 - Team France will wear ceremonial outfits at next year's Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Sochi supplied by Lacoste, one of the country's most iconic brands, who have replaced Adidas in the role.
 

The brand presented the eight outfits it designed for the French team during a press conference held by the French National Olympic Committee (CNOSF) in Paris today. 

Lacoste's new collaboration with the CNOSF extends through 2016 for all every major multi-sport events, including Rio 2016. 

"Lacoste was the outfitter for the French ski team in 1968, but this is the first time we are official partner of the entire French delegation," said Lacoste chief executive José Luis Duran.

"We will have a great visibility.

"For example, French athletes are to wear the outfits during Opening Ceremonies and for medal presentations."

The company was founded in 1933 by former tennis player René Lacoste, winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles between 1925 and 1929. 

Lacoste's logo is a green crocodile logo because he was allegedly was named "the Crocodile" by fans because of his tenacity on the court.

Lacoste's kit that they are supplying for Sochi 2014 has been designed in Paris and mostly manufactured in France, the company claimsLacoste's kit that they are supplying for Sochi 2014 has been designed in Paris and mostly manufactured in France, the company claims

The new kit for Sochi 2014 will pay homage to the company's French roots.

"The Olympic collection was designed in our design studio in Paris and is mainly manufactured in our factory in Troyes [France]," said Duran

The Olympics collection consists of eight outfits for women and men, two ceremonial outfits, two official outfits and four village outfits.

Lacoste kit for Sochi 2014 4Selected items of the kit designed by Lacoste for Team France at Sochi 2014 will be available to buy in the shops

Most of the Olympics products for men will be available in Lacoste boutiques in France later this year with prices ranging from €50 (£42/$68) for a pair of gloves to €220 (£187/$298) for a sweater.

A shop-in-shop dedicated to the Olympics references will be installed in the Champs-Élysées flagship as well as windows dedicated to it.

France sent a team of 108 athletes to Vancouver 2010 and finished 12th overall in the medals table.

They won 11 medals, including two gold, thanks to Vincent Jay, winner of the men's sprint biathlon, and Jason Lamy-Chappuis in the Nordic combined.

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