At a glance A retro-styled, short-sleeved, full-zip cycling jersey with modern fabric technology
Tested by
Jonathan Manning, tester for the bike list
Performance
Innocently, naively, I want to believe in a time when the Corinthian spirit ruled sport, an era when athletes in any discipline competed for glory and honour, not endorsement and riches. So it's no surprise that my favourite sporting tops include Brazil's 1970 soccer shirt; the old, pure-white England rugby shirt with only a rose for decoration; and unadorned cricket whites before sponsors and pyjamas became the order of the day.
Against this background, the purity of the new Campagnolo cycling jersey comes as a genuine delight. There are no bank or insurance company logos to clutter the chest, no electrical outlet emblems on the sleeves, nor broadcaster icons on the back. I know the Tour de France began as a giant marketing exercise for cycling goods, but before it became today's global commercial carnival I love the idea of Anquetil powering through the Alps in this style of short-sleeve shirt.
It's part of Campagnolo's new heritage range, and proudly displays the Italian flag above the heart, and the greatest signature in cycling on both of its black sleeves and right across the shoulders. It's slim fitting and figure hugging, and in white is unforgiving - so unless you have the physique of a King of the Mountations climber, beware that last wafer-thin mint! But to my eyes it looks uber-cool.
It also cuts the technical mustard. It's made from a stretchy microfibre that wicks sweat rapidly away from the skin, and it dries rapidly. There's a full zip down the front, and three decent back pockets, yet it's featherlight. And there's brief reflective piping on the back in case drivers behind don't spot the giant Campag logo emblazoned riding along ahead.
Buy from: www.chainreactioncycles.com
Campagnolo says:
Performance improving techno fabrics - high level of sweat wicking - perfect breathability.
- Jersey in stretchable microfibre with "Interpower" treatment, for a high level of moisture absorption
- Ergonomic semi-blocking zip pull
- Three back pockets
- Reflective piping on back
Find out more: www.campagnolosportswear.com
