Fiandre is Italian for Flanders; October 2014 saw the launch of the Fiandre Light Wind Jersey in Oudenaarde, Belgium. Nicki Sorensen & Tristan Hoffman of Tinkoff-Saxo lead the way.
There’s no getting away from it, the seasonal change has happened, summer seems a distant memory, the clocks have changed, shorter days lay ahead.
While many maybe seeking a rest, an opportunity to put the bike away for a few weeks… autumn is the best kept secret for those cyclist’s that continue to ride…
Those rich, golden, amber colors, that soft sunlight – that makes you think,
“It’s going to be a lovely day” it’s a truly magical time of year to be riding a bike.
The shift in season, see’s a sequential shift in weather, calling upon apparel that offers a little more warmth but can cope with the rise and fall of temperatures throughout a ride.
For those who don’t own a Fiandre Light Wind Jersey let me introduce you to one of my favourite pieces of Sportful kit. As apparel goes, it’s something that I whole-heartedly recommend to customers and fellow cyclists alike but perhaps needs a little explanation…
The first thing you’ll appreciate and notice is the cut; as the name suggests it fits like a jersey.
Put the Fiandre Light Wind Jersey on and you’ll realize why it’s called a “jersey” not a “jacket” The fit is liken to any thermal jersey within the Sportful collection, cut close to the torso and arms. It’s far removed from the big & bulky jackets, which were considered the norm just a few years ago.
A 4-Way Light Windstopper® fabric on the frontal aspects of the jersey blocks out the cold wind chill, letting you concentrate on the road ahead 😉
If the fit is liken to a jersey then the protection and fabric choice leads you to think that you’re wearing a jacket.
The frontal aspects of the jersey are constructed from a 4-Way Light Windstopper® fabric; it blocks out the wind chill, there’s no additional insulation on the back of the fabric, allowing you to choose your preferred base layer; short sleeved summer for the warmer, milder days. Long sleeved, more thermal pieces for when the temperature drops.
The rear panel of the jersey, cuffs and lower waistband are constructed from the warm fleecy backed No Rain Thermal Fabric. (See riders in blue)
In milder weather conditions, protection from the elements is wasted without the ability for a piece to breath effectively. Overheating and the subsequent sweat will only lead you to be cold and chilled.
The soft, fleecy backed NoRain Thermal fabric is used on the rear panel of the jersey and the waistband. The open nature of the fabric allows moisture to escape, while the close knit construction traps warm air. As with all “NoRain” fabrics there is a high level of water repellency built in; perfect for light showers and drizzle…
While I never want autumn to end, invariably those golden colours will turn to brown and the temps will continue to drop. That said the Fiandre Light Wind Jersey is a piece that will continue to be used throughout the winter, being truly effective on milder days and more intensive rides.
While winter is on it’s way, autumn is a season that should be savored.
