Not quite Union Jack shorts… for the understated patriot

Rapha, a commercial partner of the 2005 Tour of Britain, has announced the launch of a limited edition Club Jersey and T-shirt to commemorate the 2005 race, which begins in Glasgow on 30th August.

Produced in Union Flag red, white and blue, the Rapha ‘Tour of Britain’ high-performance jersey is based on the design of the award winning Club Jersey, one of the company’s best selling product lines. Just 500 jerseys have been produced – each one individually numbered – making it a genuine collectors item for fans of Britain’s only professional road cycle race. The jersey features the official Tour of Britain event logo on the back pocket and a route map of the race has been stitched onto the inside of the pocket. Jersey number one will be given to Eddy Merckx and number two will be auctioned for charity at the Tour of Britain gala dinner on the 3rd September.

The Tour of Britain limited edition Club Jersey, priced at £90, is manufactured using lightweight Sportwool TM, a hybrid performance fabric designed to keep the rider cool and dry at all times. Tailored shoulders, a short zip and chest band combine to give the garment a pared down, timeless look.

Now that’s a proper broom wagon

Rapha’s 100% cotton ‘Tour of Britain’ T-shirt, available in red, green and black, features the company’s iconic Citroen H Van – ‘The Broom Wagon’ on last year’s race – on the shirtfront above the words ‘Tour of Britain 2005’. The Rapha H Van will again be an official vehicle at the 2005 race.

As commercial partners to the 2005 Tour of Britain, Rapha – the premium cycling clothing brand – will be supplying racewear to all senior staff and officials as well as contributing product as auction items and prizes for some of the event’s official functions.

“We are delighted to be supporting this year’s Tour,” said Simon Mottram, Rapha’s founder and Managing Director. “Following last year’s race in the broom wagon was an amazing experience. We were cheered up every climb. We feel privileged to be involved in this high profile race again and look forward to seeing lots of our customers along the route. I can’t wait to see the crowds on Holme Moss again.”

The limited edition Tour of Britain Club Jersey and T-shirts will be available online through the Rapha website www.rapha.cc and from official merchandising outlets at the start and finish areas of each Stage of the 5-day tour.