01 BIKE
Merida Scultura Team
The Scultura Team, our 2022 Performance Bike of the Year, is everything a proper cutting-edge race bike should be. Light, devastatingly fast, and with an equipment specification that wouldn’t be out of place sprinting for the line on the Champs Elysees come July – and all at a price (£7,750) that no other superbike can match.
02 CLOTHING
Santini Delta bibs & jersey
This Delta jersey and bibs combination from Santini (£215) works well in temperatures from the low teens to the hottest centigrade of high summer, but it also performs well as a base for spring and autumnal rides. There are windproof elements on the jersey and compressive fabric on the legs, adding to the reasons that this is one of our most versatile all-year-round kits. Achieve your perfect fit and you won’t be disappointed.
03 SADDLE
Selle Italia Diva Gel saddle
Designed for endurance road cycling and cycle touring, this female-specific saddle (£114.90) maxes out on gel cushioning throughout, with extra padding for enhanced shock absorption. The extra-long central cutout that’s wider towards the rear relieves soft-tissue pressure, allowing us to ride comfortably in a range of positions, from relatively upright during shorter city commutes to a low profile on the drops.
04 EVENT
Etape du Tour
Etape du Tour organiser ASO endures much criticism – at times warranted – over the power it wields
