Cyclocross Goods from Rapha

For Rapha's Autumn/Winter winter collection will include two 'cross specific items, the Cross Jersey and the 3/4 Cross Bib Shorts, were designed with input from the well-regarded American frame-builder Independent Fabrication.



Their Cross Jersey was "inspired by the hardy cyclocross racers of Europe and North America, the Rapha Cross Jersey has been constructed for the unique demands of the sport" and is "versatile enough for everyday use". Their Cross Jersey, like all of the other Rapha garments, has a couple of well thought out features; e.g. a small amount of padding stitched into the right shoulder and one well-designed rear pocket. The rear pocket should be easy to open and get to, even with full fingered gloves, as the zipper has a large ring pull and is set in at an ergonomic angle.


Their Cross ¾ Bib Shorts have a full back and are constructed from Italian Thermoroubaix, a polyamide/polyester/elastane fabric, and Rapha's Cytech chamois. The Cross ¾ Bib Shorts sport a small, neoprene-lined, zippered key pocket placed on the back of the shorts & slightly above the waist line. I'm tempted to describe it as a Rapha tramp stamp, but it's placed a little further up the back than most tramp stamps are and Rapha could never be considered trampy.

Several Tour de France Riders Retested for EPO

From the AP:

Several Tour de France riders are having their blood samples retested for traces of the banned blood-booster EPO.
The head of the French Anti-Doping Agency told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the testing involved riders who were already under scrutiny for suspicious urine samples. Pierre Bordry declined to name the cyclists.
The new blood tests will look for CERA, a third-generation variation of EPO. Italian rider Riccardo Ricco tested positive for the substance during the Tour.

Shimano Initiates Rowing (Boat Race) Equipment Business

From the Shimano Corporate website:

In 2009 Shimano Inc. (President: Yozo Shimano) will initiate a rowing (regatta) equipment business, taking advantage of the Corporation’s exceptional manufacturing technologies, developed in the production of bicycle components and fishing tackle.

To begin with, Shimano plans to develop and launch rowing shoes and foot stretchers* during 2009, through effective use of its original technologies for producing cycling shoes and bicycle pedals. In five years, the Corporation plans to grow its annual sales of rowing equipment to approximately 3 billion yen.