Rapha have unveiled the official jerseys for this year’s Etape du Tour.
The London-based manufacturer of premium cycling clothing signed a two-year deal with ASO, owner of races like Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Nice and Liege-Bastogne-Liege, in December to provide exclusive products for a growing portfolio of mass participation events.
Two Etapes du Tour will run this summer, Acte I, from Modane to Alpe d’Huez, on Monday July 11 and Acte II, from Issoire to Saint Flour, on Sunday July 17. The Acte I Etape Jersey is on sale now, with Acte II available from Friday. Both retail at £50.
A lightweight summer race jersey made from highly breathable polyester, it has a full-length zip, side-panels and a slim, race-fit. The design of each jersey has been inspired by a Tour stage winner with Acte I based on Joaquim ‘Tinho’ Agostinho and Acte II on Pierre Le Bigault.
Etape caps, t-shirts and musettes are also available, along with a Le Tour music album, on sale from www.rapha.cc or at the Rapha Mobile Cycle Club, which will be at both stages.
Meanwhile, the 2011 Tour de France celebrates 100 years since the Col du Galibier was first climbed, paying tribute to the infamous ascent not once but twice, scaling the 2,556m ascent over consecutive stages.
And Rapha have a manufactured a sportwool Galibier jersey (£135) jersey and produced a video in tribute to both the climb and 1998 Tour winner Marco Pantini. Watch it at www.rapha.cc/galibier
