Rapha launch CD and new luggage

Rapha have released a new CD inspired by the Tour de France and an updated luggage collection too.

The album is called Le Tour, fittingly enough, and Rapha describe it as, “A champagne-fuelled selection of French musical nuggets journeying through undiscovered library gems of the 70s, classic French pop, 60s psychedelia and contemporary Parisian house.”

Eclectic, then. The best known artists on the tracklist are Serge Gainsbourg and Sébastien Tellier. It’s official Tour merchandise, produced in association with race organiser ASO, and it features commentary from Daniel Mangeas who has covered the Tour de France since 1974. He explains what the Tour means to him, the riders and the fans.

Le Tour is out now priced at £12.

Rapha have launched an updated luggage collection where several completely new items join some revamped existing ones. Most are made from tough, black Cordura with a white leather stripe.

There is a new Shoulder Bag (main picture), for example, which has evolved from Rapha’s Musette. The side panels feature reflective pin dots and the adjustable shoulder strap comes with a cross strap with metal fasteners to keep the bag in place while you’re riding. There’s a pocket on the rear that houses a hi vis rain cover with a reflective logo.

The Shoulder Bag is available in two sizes, the large one (£140) containing a padded laptop sleeve (maximum 17in). The small version is £100.

The Backpack has been updated. It’s big enough to carry a laptop and a file or two along with your off-the-bike shoes and a change of clothes, and it comes with padded panels on the back to keep you comfortable. A waterproof cover comes with it – in high-visibility pink. This one will set you back £125.

The Race Bag has been redesigned too. You get compartments for your bike shoes and pedals, a bunch of leather details, and the whole thing is small enough to take on a plane as hand luggage. It’s £225.

The range also includes a small Shopper bag (£70), an Essentials Case for tools and valuables (£40), a Wash Bag (£40) and a belt (£60).

Go to www.rapha.cc for all the details.