Castelli

The Gabba is Castelli’s most iconic waterproof and breathable jacket, launched in 2012 and designed to be worn during races in cold and wet weather. It combines a Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric on the front with a stretchy, breathable back. Before the Gabba, riders would take their jackets off mid-race because of the heat. The Gabba R (current version) solves this problem: maximum protection without overheating. It is worn by the Soudal Quick-Step riders and has become a global benchmark.

Yes, Castelli is the official kit supplier for Soudal Quick-Step (contract extended until 2026) for the men’s and women’s WorldTour teams. This partnership has been in place since 2022. Castelli supplies the full range of kit: Free Aero Race S bib shorts, Sanremo Speed Suit, Gabba R jacket and all accessories. The Italian brand has also previously kitted out the Trek-Segafredo team and several WorldTour teams.

**The KISS Air2 pad is Castelli’s standard pad, comfortable and versatile for daily training and rides lasting 2–4 hours.** The Progetto X2 Air Seamless is a seamless evolution, with optimised density and ventilation zones for long distances. The latter is featured in high-end products such as the Competizione 2 bib shorts and the Sanremo suits. Both are designed in collaboration with specialists to reduce friction and improve moisture wicking.

The Sanremo Speed Suit is an aerodynamic racing suit launched in 2011, designed to replace a jersey and bib shorts with a single, ultra-tight-fitting garment. It is worn by professionals in competition for the aerodynamic gains it offers over a traditional outfit. Castelli claims a gain of several watts at race pace. It is suitable for competitors wishing to reduce aerodynamic drag on short, high-intensity races. It is not suitable for long rides or high temperatures.

Opinions are divided: Castelli follows standard European sizing (S/M/L/XL) but the cuts are generally fitted (race fit). Those used to mainstream brands may need to go up a size. The brand provides detailed size charts based on chest and waist measurements on its official website. The Competizione and Velocissima ranges are more form-fitting than the entry-level Prima or Livelli ranges.

Yes, Castelli offers trail clothing with the Trail Tech and MTB ranges, designed for off-road riding. Trail Tech jerseys are looser-fitting and more durable than road models, with reinforced fabrics at contact points. The brand also offers MTB shorts and lightweight jackets suitable for gravel riding. The range remains less developed than the road range, the brand’s historic core.

RoS stands for Rain or Shine: these products are designed for riding whatever the weather. The Perfetto RoS is the flagship jacket of this concept: waterproof Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric at the front, with a stretchy and breathable mesh back. It is suitable for temperatures between 5 and 15°C, depending on the intensity of the ride. Castelli uses the term RoS on several products (jackets, bib shorts) to indicate superior weather versatility.

Competizione is Castelli’s entry-level technical range, featuring the KISS Air2 chamois at an affordable price. Competizione 2 adds improved anatomical seams and a more breathable main fabric. Free Aero Race S is the competition bib shorts used by the Soudal Quick-Step pros: a second-skin fit, ultra-lightweight compression fabric, and no compromise on comfort. For regular training rides, the Competizione 2 offers the best value for money. For races and intense rides, the Free Aero Race S is the benchmark.

Yes, Castelli’s Aero Race socks (18 cm in height) have been wind tunnel tested and generate a measurable aerodynamic gain at high speeds. The 18 cm height and the specific compression fabric reduce drag at the ankle. They are worn by Soudal Quick-Step riders in competition. For everyday training, the Espresso 18 socks offer similar comfort at a more affordable price. Both are available in white, the teams’ favourite colour for measured aerodynamic gains.