CASTELLI CYCLING
With a history dating back to 1876 and a peerless reputation for innovation, style and performance, Castelli Cycling is undoubtedly the most prestigious cycling clothier in the world.
Decades of pro cycling development and a passion for perfection in materials, cut and performance has seen the brand reinvent cycle wear time after time. From the first Lycra shorts to sublimated printing, the game-changing Gabba and aerodynamic apparel, Castelli continues to set a path that others can only follow while maintaining generations of Italian heritage.
KEY CATEGORIES
Castelli's long history of industry-leading garments has ensured the brand remains the preeminent name in cycle clothing, combining Italian flair and style with cutting edge, pro-tested design and materials.
Castelli joined Saddleback in 2006 and the brand has since gone from strength to strength in the UK, with senior brand manager Richard Mardle working closely with Castelli HQ to develop a flow of industry-leading products perfect for UK riding conditions.
SIZE AND CARE GUIDES
CASTELLI FREE AR 4.1 JERSEY
With its significant aero savings and racing cut, the Free AR 4.1 began life as the go-to jersey for pro-level racing. It’s since evolved into the go-to jersey for virtually every riding situation, providing added speed and comfort to everything from hard efforts to long days in the sun.
If you’re out in the heat or stirring up the wattage with an interval session, the jersey’s excellent wicking capabilities will keep you cool and dry while dawn ’til dusk epics are catered for three generous rear pockets plus a zippered valuables pocket.
Comfort is assured by the stretchy fabric that moves with you as you ride, the silicone waist gripper, which avoids annoying riding up of the fabric, and the fit-and-forget mesh arm grippers as well as the full-length zip, which is a doddle to use one handed.
All of this comes in addition to aero credentials that will save approximately 12 watts of drag at 40km/h compared to a regular race jersey, meaning you’ll go faster than ever whether racing for the line or the next coffee stop.
CASTELLI FREE AERO SHORTS
Called "comfortable and cool with an excellent seatpad" by Cycling Weekly and rated 9/10 by Road.cc, the Free Aero Race bibshort is Castelli's top end racing short – as used by Team Sky at the world's biggest races.
The first Aero Race design shook up the peloton when it debuted in 2007 and has since evolved to incorporate the latest fabrics (including Vortex dimpled material), construction methods and pro team feedback. The result is a seriously fast short, saving you time no matter your level of riding.
It's not all about speed though – the Progetto X2 Air seatpad features variable thicknesses for luxurious all-day comfort. Meanwhile, the wide Giro Air leg grippers keep the shots perfectly in place while allowing unrestricted movement. Finally, the Carré engineered lie-flat bib strap construction ensures maximum comfort and breathability.
CASTELLI X GIRO D'ITALIA
After a 26-year break, Castelli is once again providing the leaders’ jerseys for Italy’s most prestigious race. Each jersey has been redesigned with to provide the perfect blend of technology and race tradition.
In addition to the scorpion adorning the highest placed rider in the general classification, sprint, mountains and best young rider competitions, there's also a homage to the black jersey – awarded to the last rider in the race between 1946 and 1951 – and stage-specific limited edition designs.
SERVIZIO CORSE – CASTELLI CUSTOM
Castelli makes the finest cycling apparel in the world – so why would you want anything else for your club or team?
Our in-house Servizo Corse programme is a full end-to-end service, guiding you through the design, ordering and delivery process to bring your kit ideas into reality.
You can pick from a variety of styles from Pro Issue (used by Team Sky) and Team Issue (a more relaxed fit) to triathlon, protection and accessories – ensuring you get the pro look on every ride.
CASTELLI HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Castelli has been inextricably linked to professional cycling since 1935 when one Armando Castelli became part of Vittore Gianni’s small tailoring shop in Milan.
Buying the shop four years later, Castelli began making bespoke cycling garments, catering for some of the sport’s most legendary names over the years including Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, Louison Bobet, Rik Van Looy and Jacques Anquetil.
Armando’s son, Maurizio, grew up in the cycling world and was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps. In 1974, Maurizio founded the Castelli brand and established the now iconic scorpion logo.
Castelli’s relationship with professional cycling only grew stronger as riders such as Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Francesco Moser with the latest innovations in the world of cycling wear.
As other brands scrambled to keep up, Castelli outfitted its riders with the first aerodynamic Lycra shots in 1977, created the first windproof jersey in 1983, ushering in sublimated printing the same year to change the look of the peloton forever.
Functional thermal clothing followed in 1984 and by 1989 much of the peloton was wearing Castelli, while the brand has also supplied leaders jerseys for the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia over the years.
Since the late 1980s, the innovations have continued to flow. Castelli created the first women’s cycling collection; the first Y-shaped anatomic chamois; the first fabric wicking treatments; the first aero-cut pro wear; the now famous all-weather Gabba; the Sanremo – the first speed suit designed for road racing. And the list of firsts has only continued to grow, highlighting the brand's industry leading credentials.
Castelli’s triathlon collection has also proved incredibly popular. Utilising the same obsessive attention to detail and employing both practical and performance-enhancing designs, the range, which launched in 2012 has already courted both male and female victories at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.
Castelli’s long history of industry-leading garments has ensured the brand remains the preeminent name in cycle clothing, combining Italian flair and style with cutting edge, pro-tested design and materials.
Castelli joined the Saddleback family in 2006 and the brand has since gone from strength to strength in the UK. Saddleback Brand Director Richard Mardle continues to work closely with Castelli's team in the Italian Dolomites on the development of high performance designs that are perfect for conditions faced by British riders.