Castelli Velocissimo Team Jersey FZ

Castelli produce a vast range of jerseys and choosing the right one can be tricky, but I reckon the Velocissimo Team Jersey FZ is one of the nicest, with simple graphics that should appeal to most people's aesthetic sensibilities. And the fabric works brilliantly to keep you dry on hot and potentially sweaty rides.

It's made from a fabric which Castelli call Prosecco Strada. It has a distinctive dimpled appearance, and is used on the front, back and shoulder panels and has a small amount of stretch that works well to provide the jersey with a good shape. Stretchier mesh side panels both aid cooling and give the jersey a bit of flexibility so the jersey can move with you.

The multi-panel cut is extremely well designed, and the fabric keeps the jersey in place. Load up the three rear pockets with as much food as you want and they won't sag around your ankles, but stay put on your lower back. As with most Italian clothing, it's a fitted top, with an anatomic cut that works well on the bike whether slammed in the drops or cruising along on the tops. It's one of those jerseys that feels more comfortable on the bike than stood up.

Nobody likes drowning in sweat, and no matter how fit you are it's going to happen at some point. As the temperature increases and you're riding more and probably faster, you're going to work up more of a glow. This Prosecco Strada has a hydrophilic treatment, which works by encouraging water droplets to spread over a larger surface area, so they can be more easily evaporated. That means you stay drier.

And it works too. I've been testing it in the recent warmer weather during hard training rides that usually leave me pretty saturated, but I have to say, the jersey does feel drier at the end of the ride than others. Castelli claim it works well up to 35 °C, so if you're planning any trips abroad this summer where it gets that toasty, this is a very good choice.

It's a classically simple jersey both in style and also features. You get the regulation three rear pockets, plenty capacious enough for lugging loads of food, tools and money for an espresso at the mid-ride cafe stop. A YKK Vision full-length zipper is silky smooth to use. The back of the jersey drops a little lower, and the waistband is lined with a grippy silicone tape to help keep it all in place.

All in all, it's a very smart looking jersey for spring and summer riding, whether it's just long rides to the beach or a spot of road racing. It's available in three colours, but red on white looks the best, though is potentially a maintenance nightmare. Not one for the grubby.

Verdict

Stylish jersey with highly breathable fabric and excellent fit, perfect for spring/summer ride duties.