Cyclist
In the Drops: The Maurice Burton Way, Jelenew kit, Sloggi shorts and Grand Theft Auto
Happy Friday! I’m here to delight you with another edition of In the Drops. But aside from that, it’s been a busy week at Cyclist (as per usual).
La Vuelta Femenina will run from 28th April to the 5th May, with a fierce field containing Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime), Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM), Elisa Longo Borghini and Gaia Realini (Lidl-Trek). The first men’s Grand Tour of the year is almost here too, the Giro d’Italia will begin on 4th May with Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) the man to beat.
For all your bike concerns, we’ve got new buyer’s guides on the best socks for summer (even though the weather disagrees) and the best energy drink powders, plus tutorials including how to breathe better on the bike and whether you should sit or stand when climbing.
Ewan has broken the internet with his article on predictability of men’s cycling lately and has collated all the bigger cycling transfer rumours like a pro. Speaking of, have you welcomed the newbies Ewan Wilson and Laurence Kilpatrick to the team yet?
Alright, let’s get cracking.
The Maurice Burton Way by Maurice Burton and Paul Jones
The Maurice Burton Way is a phenomenal autobiography, written by the man himself alongside Phil Jones. It goes in depth into the life of Britain’s first black cycling champion – who once stepped onto the podium in 1974 to boos from the crowd – and his journey from the child of a Windrush generation father to the Commonwealth Games, experiencing racism, living to Belgium and more.
The book also covers Burton’s post-racing career running De Ver Cycles in south London. It’s an enthralling and necessary read.
Check out our podcast with Burton too, where he recalls some of the highlights from the book including his time competing in 56 Six-Day races and experiencing sabotage.
- Buy a signed hardback copy now from De Ver Cycles (£20)
Jelenew kit
Hourglass Short Sleeve Jersey
The Hourglass short sleeve jersey from Jelenew has streamlined side panels and is made for riding in hotter weather. I like the two different coloured sleeves to give it a funky look. However, as someone with a bigger chest, the contour design probably pulls too much focus to the chest area. Jelenew products are thinner/smaller than most cycling kits and more expensive.
- Buy now from Jelenew (£108)
Avant Sleeveless Mesh Base Layer
An essential in everyone’s wardrobe. A good base layer is key in regulating temperature and wicking moisture from the skin. This Avant Sleeveless Mesh Base Layer is an ideal thinness and keeps sweat from overwhelming your jersey.
Size up if you have a bigger chest.
- Buy now from Jelenew (£99)
L’avenir Long Sleeve Jersey
Designed for windy or warmer days from 15C-25C, the L’avenir jersey has long sleeves but is thin enough that it can be used to layer up.
Jelenew says the back pocket is ‘anti-sag’.
- Buy now from Jelenew (£294)
Evolve Y Back Bib Shorts 8”
The Evolve Y Back Bib Shorts are made of moisture-wicking fabric for hot days and designed with an aerodynamic fit in mind. The moulded chamois is one of the more padded ones I have come across too.
They sit at 8” with a silicone leg gripper to keep the shorts in place.
- Buy now from Jelenew (£249)
Sloggi Ever Infused Shorts
I love these shorts from Sloggi. They come in a variety of colours but you can see I have these snazzy berry looking ones with an almost waffle-knit texture that are made from recycled yarn.
I like the wider waistband too, and they’re not overly constricting. Sloggi says they also contain capsules of vitamin C and E which slowly release for a ‘full body wellness glow.’
- Buy now from Sloggi (£28)
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What we’re into this week: Grand Theft Auto
Oh boy. I’ve quickly begun an obsession with playing Grand Theft Auto. I came down with Covid a couple of months ago and had to find a way to pass the time; I saw a deal for GTA 3, Vice City and San Andreas, and haven’t looked back since.
I’m now on GTA 5 and loving how huge the world is. However, my favourite so far has been Vice City for the aesthetic – driving around in the rain listening to V Rock was everything, even if Cop Land was the hardest mission to complete. I was so hyped for people online to tell me about GTA 6 next year (thank you) and even more so to see the trailer giving some Vice City themes, so watch this space…
The post In the Drops: The Maurice Burton Way, Jelenew kit, Sloggi shorts and Grand Theft Auto appeared first on Cyclist.