In keeping with our Classics theme for April, we decided to test clothing from Belgian brand, Vermarc, supplier to Omega Pharma-Quickstep.
Their Flanders Classics-themed kit consists of an unlined short and short sleeved jersey, both in black with yellow detailing and printed with the names of the best-known northern Classics: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Gent-Wevelgem, Ronde Van Vlaanderen, Schelderprijs, and Barbantse Pijl.
The jersey is made from Vermarc’s TVX (Total Vapour Exchange) fabric: a 100 per cent polyester construction Vermarc say contains two different yarns to move moisture from the skin.
The loosely-spun inner yarn is said to move moisture away from the skin to the more tightly spun outer yarn for dispersal. The only way to test such claims is to ride it, so check back for a full review.
What we can say at this stage is that the jersey is lightweight, unlined, seamed, and made from a semi-perforated fabric. It has a full zip, something we like, and three rear pockets – another plus in our book. Vermarc have also sent us the Omega Pharma-Quickstep jersey, which is cut in an identical design from the same material.
The Flanders Classics shorts are made from an 80-20 per cent mix of polyamide nylon and elastene, with perforated bib straps in a yoke design with a rectangular pocket on the rear left.
Elasticated grippers are stitched to the inside of the hem of either leg. The one-piece insert is without seams and has two large pads beneath the sit bones and a variety of smaller pads at the front and site. Vermarc claim a manufacturing process that eliminates hard edges, which will be a pleasing feature if discernable in the ride. We’ll let you know.
Few of the riders who tackled the northern Classics this year did so only in a short sleeved jersey and shorts, and Vermarc have sent us Roubaix-lined knee and arm warmers (both black, fitted with elastic grippers at either end, and stamped with discreet, silver Vermarc logos), Roubaix-lined nylon shoe covers with a reflective tab stitched into the back of each, and a light, full-fingered glove with a deep cuff, palms imprinted with small, plastic ‘dots’, and backs detailed with a short length of reflective piping.
On cooler days, we’ll be testing Vermarc’s long-sleeved Strada jersey, a 100 per cent polyester garment, fleece-lined with Roubaix fabric and fitted with a full-length zip, three rear pockets, a low collar, and elasticated hem. Each of the garments is close fitting, as perhaps befits a supplier to professional teams. The Strada jersey, particularly, is snug. Perhaps consider a size up from normal.
Check back soon for a full review.
Add your own review or see more on MPORA Gear
