Milltag Tommy jersey

Milltag's limited run Tommy jersey is a celebration of the achievements of British cycling legend Tom Simpson with all profits going to the family of Wouter Weylandt, who was tragically killed when he crashed during Stage 3 of this year's Giro.

For many years, Tom Simpson ranked as Britain's most successful cyclist of all time. His palmares features victories in many major races such as the 1961 Tour of Flanders, the '61 Milan San-Remo, and most famously of all, the '65 World Championships. He became the first Briton to don the yellow jersey in the 1962 Tour, en route to a career best 6th place overall. The story of his tragic death on the hallowed slopes of the Mont Ventoux is the stuff of legends, immortalized by his final words 'put me back on my bike' (which he may or may not have said).

Stylistically, the jersey takes its cues from the two teams Simpson rode for as a professional - the red and black of Rapha Geminiani, and the checker of the iconic Peugeot team kit. The back of the jersey is emblazoned with the number 49, the last race number that he would ever put on. As a world champion, the jersey features the rainbow stripes on the sleeves, with some extra detailing present on the collar. Two small depictions of the yellow and world champs jersey are placed on the jersey sides, including the year in which they were obtained - a nice touch I thought.

Personally, I think that Milltag have really hit a home run with this design. It manages to capture the crowning achievements of 'Tommy's' racing career whilst remaining stylish in a retro sort of way. I'm a big fan of the original Peugeot team kit and the checkers across the chest work just as well on this jersey.

The jersey itself is made using Coolplus fabric which is pleasingly soft to the touch and efficient at wicking away moisture. Whilst it isn't the airiest jersey out there, the fabric does a good job keeping you dry and cool. And when it gets really hot you'll be grateful for the inclusion of a full length zip. The cut is asymmetric, with the rear longer than the front, although not aggressively so. There was no unsightly bunching up front when crouched down in an aero position, but equally, it doesn't expose your stomach when standing up straight. A silicon strip round the bottom hem also helps to prevent the jersey riding up when on the bike.

In terms of sizing, the jersey runs according to "euro" style rather than the slightly larger "US" style. I found the medium fit my lanky 6'3 frame perfectly, with no tight areas around the neck, and no flapping fabric around the waist. In use its presence was virtually unnoticeable, which I guess is the highest praise you could give a jersey.

Three rear pockets are included in addition to a zipped valuables pocket. Milltag have really nailed the pocket placement here as reaching in and out of them is effortless, even with my poor shoulder/arm flexibility. The outer pockets are slightly angled, further aiding access. If I have one criticism, it's that the pockets are a bit on the shallow side and could have been made deeper.

Verdict

A great looking jersey commemorating one of the greats of British cycling, executed using a technical, wicking fabric, and a slew of well thought out features. At £70 it isn't cheap but it is good quality, and it just feels "right" plus of course all profits go to a worthy cause too, I might have felt more inclined to quibble at the price if that hadn't been the case.