The big M. Is it a big advantage?

Movistar showed off their new team kit for the 2017 season. While the design and color palette remain the same, there was one full scale modification: a bigger, bolder letter M.

Team officials believe that the significantly larger M will boost Nairo Quintana in his efforts to beat three time tour champion Chris Froome.

“From a mental point of view the larger M gives Nairo a very focused set of trigger words and performance messages. The M stands for motivation, mountains, mastery and maillot jaune, ” said Movistar’s team psychologist Javier Locco. “These words of affirmation will serve to boost his self-belief.”

While Quintana has delivered a number of impressive performances, finishing on the podium at the Tour de France on three occasions, he has yet to win his first Grand Boucle. “We decided to give Nairo every possible advantage from a sporting perspective. So a bigger M, a more powerful M, an M that will bring him good sensations,” said Locco.

Quintana looked poised to attack Froome int eh second and third week of the 2016 Tour de France but he was battered and worn down by the constant wind and then some breathing issues. If Movistar is correct in their calculations, the super-sized M could be invaluable.

“Quintana is mentally strong but he can always be stronger. The M will be right on his chest — he can’t miss it, So when he has a moment of weakness, he can see his jersey and look around to see the M’s of his teammates. That is massive with a capital M,” said Locco.

Movistar believes that will Team Sky has a bigger operating budget, they have the bigger logo. “This is huge. We can honestly say our font size puts Sky to shame. That have a medium size S but our M is clearly of a greater stature,” said Locco. “Nairo will feel this strength inside himself.”

It remains to be seen if the larger, more prominent letter M will benefit Nairo Quintana. However, should he win the 2017 Tour de France, perhaps he will point to the more than marginal gain on his team jersey.