Further proof (as if it were needed) of the unstoppable gravel trend: Cafe du Cycliste, the Cote d'Azur brand best known for their stylish and technical road cycling gear, have launched a new gravel jersey.

A lot of brands are hopping on the gravel wagon, prompting a scramble to find a unique angle - remember Rapha's cargo bib shorts?

Well, Café du Cycliste have gone one step further with the Solenne: a long-sleeve technical jersey with a drawstring hood.

The new Solenne jersey from Cafe du Cycliste features a drawstring hood and front pockets.
The new Solenne jersey from Cafe du Cycliste features a drawstring hood and front pockets.

Taking a design cue from the standard attire of juvenile pavement pirates everywhere, the Solenne may seem a bit out there. Hoods are generally ill-advised when cycling, as they tend to compromise your peripheral vision - and don't generally fit over the top of a helmet either.

But it actually makes sense in the gravel/bikepacking context, when you consider that a typical ride is likely to be slower paced, usually in a rural or off-road setting, and requiring versatile kit that can double up for use off the bike as well as while riding.

Featuring a breathable, textured top layer, and hand-warming front pockets as well as the traditional three to the rear, the Solenne looks to tick all the boxes.

They've also launched a matching pair of shorts, the Renée.

Rémi Clermont, co-founder and creative director of the brand, explains: "In some ways adding a gravel range is a departure for Café du Cycliste when compared with our technical roadwear. In other ways, however, it feels completely natural as our clothing has always been about more than racing and best times.

"It's always been inspired by where we ride and imbued with a sense of outdoor, adventure and the possibilities opened up by our bikes. Gravel fits that perfectly."

The new kit is available now with the Solenne gravel top priced £160 and the Renée shorts £136.

www.cafeducycliste.com

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