Rapha has released new items in its Pro Team series that target specific disciplines, tweaking design details to deliver superior performance in two vastly different environments.

The new pair of racing jerseys are the Pro Team Crit Jersey, designed for the fast and furious world of crit racing, and the Pro Team Gravel Jersey, designed for the fast and furious but hot and hungry world of gravel racing and adventure riding.

Will the composition of the best cycling jersey list have to change to include gravel jerseys in the mix in the future?

One of the two new jerseys from Rapha is designed specifically for the demands of crit racing and is designed with the LA Team corps very much in mind; Rapha already has the Pro Team jersey and the Pro Team Aero jersey, which are fast and intense While one might be forgiven for thinking that they have the base to handle crit races, Rapha believes that these short circuit races have different demands than the World Tour.

The focus is on a mix of aerodynamics and muscle support, with seamless shoulder panels in textured fabrics for improved breathability and a compression fit. While more aero than the Aero Jersey, it shares some details with the Aero Jersey, including a low-profile collar that aids in cooling and keeps the jersey open and flapping in the wind, and breathable material on the main panel that allows heat to escape during intense exercise.

The pockets, which may not be necessary for crit races but are very important to us enthusiasts, are low-profile and seamless to create as little drag as possible.

There is also reflective detailing in the form of logos and pro team stripes, but I don't think anyone would immediately mistake this for commuter wear.

The Pro Team Crit jersey is available in dark navy/dark gray, dark orange/dark navy, and navy/blue for men and dark navy/dark gray and peach/orange for women. Priced at £200 / $275 / €240, they are available immediately.

In contrast to the short, intense world of city crit, elite gravel racing is a world dedicated to endurance, and Rapha has jerseys designed specifically for the demands of events like Unbound.

The ProTeam Gravel Jersey uses the same aero material on the shoulders as the ProTeam Crit jersey, but the front is constructed with a breathable mesh to help regulate body temperature in the heat. and breathability without sacrificing compression.

The most important aspect of this jersey is the pocket design and associated support; Rapha appears to have opted for a five pocket arrangement, with three standard rear pockets, plus two smaller piggyback options above the left and right pockets for small items such as bars and gels

This is a very valuable feature.

To support this precious cargo and avoid the contents swinging from side to side with the jersey unzipped, the Pro Team Gravel Jersey also features a new waistband. The men's version features a 3/4 zipper, but following feedback from female test riders, the women's model now features a full-length zipper for easier on and off.

The ProTeam Gravel Jersey is available in light teal/dark orange and dark gray/dark orange for both men and women. Priced at £200 / $275 / €240, they will be available starting June 21.

Rapha's Powerweave bibs are not new, but they have been updated. The woven material for increased compression remains the same, but now features invisible leg grippers. It is identical in almost every aspect, except for the most important chamois.

Powerweave bibs now feature new pads that are slimmer, lighter, more breathable, and quicker drying; Rapha's pads, especially the high-end models, have always been relatively thick, so we don't expect this to be a paper-thin cushion, but these shorts are low intensity and hours This may suggest that the shorts are focused on intense crit races rather than staying in the saddle for hours at a time.

The ProTeam Power Weave bib shorts are available in three colors: dark gray/dark navy, navy/green, and the RCC exclusive dark navy/carbon gray. Priced at £295/$395/€350.