Top Gear: Louis Garneau Course Race Kit

Louis Garneau have created an entire outfit for professional racers and weekend warriors, starting with the jersey and going right through to shoes, socks and gloves. The jersey is constructed of Mondo fabric, known for its lightweight properties and next-to-skin fit. It utilises a minimal number of seams and pre-shaped shoulders that not only improve aerodynamics but also enhance comfort in the cycling position. The fabric at the shoulders and sleeves strategically placed is Speedtech, one of the most aerodynamic fabrics on the market. All fabrics used are treated with coldblack^® for improved heat management through reflecting of the sun’s rays. It has a full length zip, zip garage to prevent irritation at the neck, three angled back pockets, a multimedia pocket which allows for headphone wires to be channelled inside the jersey and wide silicone gripper at back hem.

The Course Race Bib limits the number of seams for a completely smooth transition that improves aerodynamics and comfort. Inside the Five Motion Chamois combines 3D wings and a deep split at the back bridged by vented mesh to allow for multidirectional motion and amazing comfort. The bib straps uses two different types of mesh. At the bottom, there is Power Mesh for increased comfort and stretchability and at the top a Carbon X-Mesh is used for its anti-static effects. It also has laser-finished hems at the thighs, a ‘nature calls panel’ for easy and fast pit stops a super stretch reflective stripe and bottom reflective accents for enhanced visibility.

Developed with Team Europcar, the Course Speedzone Vest (patent pending) offers a new approach to outerwear layering that focuses on the rider’s usability and protection. The goal was to answer two needs of pro teams: easy access to jersey pockets and visibility of race numbers, so it can be worn during races. This vest has an opening at the rear large enough to answer both of these requirements. This opening, which has been validated and confirmed in accordance to the UCI Sport and Technical Department, is currently exclusive to Louis Garneau, and part of Team Europcar’s Team Kit. The front of the vest is constructed of Super Light fabric, a 100% polyester fabric that stretches, offers wind-resistant and is extremely light. The side panels and back of the vest are made of power mesh fabric for increased ventilation and snug fit. An inner flap under the zipper helps shield from wind and water, and the vest is finished with a zipper garage at the neck to eliminate chafing.

The Course 2LS shoes are said to offer perfect fit, increased comfort, less weight, greater power transfer and provide long-lasting durability. The Boa Closure system ‘dials-in’ with infinite degrees of fine tuning, to a more precise fit by evenly distributing pressure and reducing pressure points. It also boasts individual dials to the cuneiform bones and metatarsal bones. The Course 2LS shoe has a patented multi-vent system that takes in air via vents in the sole, then channels airflow through the sole of the shoe via two internal channels and evacuates the air through another vent in the sole. The Ex0-Jet Carbon Outsole is constructed of hot melt carbon, which means that the individual carbon fibres used have been further processed, making them not only lighter but thinner. This creates a shoe that is lighter, stronger and closer to the pedal. Increased power transfer is achieved not only through the carbon HM outsole but also through the heel, which is injected with nylon. This perfectly secures the heel in place, optimises fit, and reduces loss of power from slippage. The seamless microfibre upper is ventilated with the use of steel mesh and the four layered tongue is padded to disperse pressure across the top of the foot. Approximate weight for a size 42 shoe is 240 g.

The fit of the Course Glove is designed to eliminate sources of chafing and is tailored to fit like a ‘second skin’. This is achieved by progressive padding which allows for maximal shock protection and absorption; 4mm padding on the ulnar nerve, 3mm padding at the metacarpus regions, and 2mm on the median nerve. The outer palm is made of Clarino synthetic leather, a soft yet durable material for a maximum comfort and breathability. Through a precision cut, laser cut fingers eliminate stitching or hems at the finger openings without fraying. Finger-puller tabs make the gloves easy to remove even with perspiration and silicone-coated segments increase grip and stability. A seamless one-piece upper hand is made of Speedtech fabric and the edge of the wrist has also been fused, not stitched, to allow a perfect airflow from the upper-hand to the arm. Treated with coldblack^®, the fabric reflects heat and the fabric stays cool to the touch.