Proper Women’s Clothing

The right clothing depends on the route you choose. Weather conditions and the temperatures in the days leading up to the event also play an important role.

At the start, it is usually cool for everyone, partly because the sun has not yet reached the course and temperatures can be as low as 4°C.

If the forecast predicts a full day of sunshine, the ideal choice is to start with the event jersey and bib shorts, adding a lightweight vest such as the Aria 2 W Vest over the jersey (easy to remove later on), together with a sleeveless breathable base layer such as the Pro Mesh W Sleeveless. It is important to carry a vest that provides excellent wind protection because, in the mountains, even on sunny days, wind is rarely absent and riders can easily feel cold, especially on descents. For those who are more sensitive to the cold, the Aria Shell 2 W Jacket may be a better option than a vest.

When morning temperatures drop to around 2–3°C, it is advisable to also wear the event wind vest over the cycling vest, at least during the first part of the race. Riders choosing the medium or long route may consider handing it to a friend after the first kilometres, while for those riding the short route it could be a good idea to keep it on for the entire ride. In addition, instead of a sleeveless base layer, it would be preferable to wear a short-sleeve base layer such as the Pro Mesh W Short Sleeve, which provides a little more warmth during the early hours.

If the forecast calls for variable and cold weather throughout the day, a heavier vest such as the Perfetto RoS 2 W Vest may be useful (and can easily be removed if temperatures rise), together with a high-quality windproof jacket such as the Squadra Stretch W Jacket.

Finally, one item you should never be without is a rain jacket, especially in the mountains where weather conditions can change quickly and unpredictably. For this purpose, we recommend the highly packable Emergency 3 W Rain Jacket. You can store your protective layer in one of the pockets of your vest or jersey and keep it there throughout the ride. Even if you never need it, you will at least have the reassurance of staying dry in case of rain.

As for accessories, arm warmers are absolutely essential, regardless of temperature or weather conditions. On warmer days, the Pro Seamless 2 Arm Warmer could be an excellent choice, while in colder conditions the ideal option would be the Nano Flex 3G Armwarmer. Gloves also play a crucial role in tackling the race comfortably and safely. Especially in the early morning, they can protect your hands from the cold and help prevent the unpleasant condition commonly known as chilblains. Depending on the temperature, you might choose a summer glove such as the Espresso Glove Women or the Premio Evo Glove Women, or a lightweight full-finger glove such as the Lightness 2 Glove or the Perfetto Light Glove. On extremely cold days, the Nano Flex 3G knee warmers can also be useful, providing protection for both the quadriceps and knees.

Information provided by Castelli