Rapha launch commemorative Tour de France Team Sky jersey and new range of winter gloves

Rapha has launched a new range of winter gloves, which the company describes as a 'modular' approach to dealing with a range of conditions and personal preferences. Dressing for the winter is really tricky, everyone has different requirements, so Rapha’s approach should suit most needs well. There are two gloves, Winter and Deep Winter, and both can be bolstered with a Merino Liner or Overmitts, depending on conditions.

The Winter Gloves (£75) are brand new. They're made from a windproof material with a DWR coating to make them water resistant. The palm, including the thumb, middle and index fingers, is reinforced with Pittards goatskin leather to provide durability for those long winter training rides, while a high density foam padding provides comfort. Inside is a brushed polyester lining. The cuff is extended with a Velcro closure and there's reflective piping.

The Deep Winter gloves (£95) are designed for much colder days than the regular Winter gloves. They feature a windproof nylon outer, with a DWR treatment, while inside is a Primaloft One insulation layer. Sandwiched between the two is a waterproof and breathable OutDry membrane, and they're finished with a tricot lining. The outside of the palm is made from Pittards leather and reinforced in those key areas to prevent wear. Elasticated cuffs and a Velcro closure ensure a good fit around the wrists.

Sometimes you need even more warmth, and the Merino Liner (£40) has been designed for such days. They're a slim fitting merino glove, so they can be worn inside the Winter or Deep Winter gloves. They do seem like they could be ideal gloves worn on their own for warmer autumn days, but Rapha advise they're not to be worn on their own.

For the coldest days Rapha has developed these Overmitts (£70). They’re designed to be worn over the Winter or Deep Winter gloves and provide another layer of protection against the cold. They’re a lobster claw design made from a waterproof fabric with taped seams. the palm and fingers are reinforced, and cleverly the index and middle fingers have a foldover sleeve to give you increased dexterity when you need it. The long cuffs have an AquaGuard Vislon waterproof zipper. They’re not currently available.

Rapha launch Team Sky commemorative jersey

To mark Chris Froome and Team Sky achievements in winning the Tour de France this summer, Rapha has launched a commemorative jersey. Based on the regular replica jersey, but the usual blue armband and back stripe are replaced with what we're calling a Tour de Franceseque (is that a word? it is now) yellow stripes.

The names of the nine riders in the Tour de France team are printed on the right rear cargo pocket. It costs £80.00 and is available now. The jersey is made from the same breathable fabric as used in the regular replica jersey. It’s a limited edition jersey, so when they're gone, they’re gone.

More at www.rapha.cc