Ride with Castelli – October Epic Announced

It only seems like yesterday, I was writing about the September Epic ride hosted by Castelli. And here we are, talking about October! Before we know it there will be a Christmas ride to look forward to.

This month’s Epic ride is heading to Innsbruck.  Now the Castelli team do like Innsbruck and in 2018 they were testing their climbing skills in and around the city.  Check out their video which even includes a cameo from 2x World Champion, Italian Paulo Bettini.  It looks like they had real fun, which has left me wondering: will there ever be an IRL Epic ride with Rich and the team? I am confident it would be well attended. 

In an attempt to recapture the fun and magic from their own epic day, the Castelli Team are inviting us to join them on a group ride on the “Lutscher CCW” course on Tuesday 26th October at 7:25pm CEST/6:25pm BST/1:25pm EDT/10:25am PDT.  Sign up here.

For those of you that are not familiar with the course, it’s a climby one where you go up the Innsbruck KOM Reverse, descend the frontside, then do it again. Total distance 22.7km, total climb 826m.

The word Lutscher is German and actually translates as “lollipop.”  This is because the route, when you include the lead-in, is shaped like a lollipop.  

Because this is Castelli’s Epic ride, they are going to be giving away a prize and this month it’s an Unlimited jersey + bibshort combination.  To win these items, be sure to stay close to the beacon and be present when a snapshot is taken, as always – the closest to the beacon wins the prize, which is announced on Catelli’s Strava Club site, which riders are welcome to join.

Unlimited Jersey/Bibshort

The name “Unlimited” is used because these items can be used across all cycling disciplines such as road, mountain, and gravel. 

As a consequence, the jersey is made from fabric that better resists snags from tree branches and is a mixture of fabrics.  The main body is polyester, which stretches and wicks moisture away, whilst the sleeves use stretch woven fabric and are designed to be used in temperatures that range between 18-32C.

Key features include:

• The all-surface unlimited no-compromise jersey
• ProSecco Unlimited main body fabric
• Snag-resistant stretch woven on sleeves and shoulders
• No-sew flat-edge sleeve finishing
• 3 rear pockets plus zippered key/money pocket
• YKK® Vislon® zipper
• Silicone gripper elastic at waist
• 18°-32°C / 65°-90°F
• Weight:166 g

The bibshorts are equally durable and are made from high abrasion and tear resistance fabric.  There is a handy second layer on the side panel that acts as a side pocket with a flap and two mesh pockets on the lower back. 

• 200 g/m2 nylon/Lycra® fabric with best-in-class abrasion and tear resistance
• 2 mesh rear pockets built into mesh bib straps
• Double-layer side panels reduce abrasion if you fall, while also creating 2 useful side pockets
• Raw-cut leg ending with vertical silicone grip strips to hold leg in place
• KISS Air2 seat pad for long-distance comfort
• Weight:200g

This jersey and bib-short combination are part of Castelli’s wider Unlimited Collection.  Within the range there are long-sleeve jerseys, gloves, and other more appropriate winter clothing, but there is one standout item of clothing which I have not seen before in cycling and that is a Puffy Jacket. 

Puffy Jackets are associated with being a heavy item of clothing, worn on cold and usually dry days, however, Castelli has managed to engineer it as an item of clothing that can be used for cycling.  Having never worn it, or even seen it, I am reluctant to talk more about the product, but from what I have read and in speaking with the Castelli Team, this is a lightweight jacket that packs down small in your seat bag, but is still able to offer a lot of insulation and warmth when you need it.  This is ideal for bikepacking. 

For a chance to win this high-quality set of bibshorts and jersey, join the ride and stay close to the beacon.