New jacket features several updates from existing Castelli Idro
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The jacket features a full-length YKK waterproof zipper.(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Ian Boswell wore the jacket ahead of stage 1 of the Tour de Romandie.(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Gore's new stretch inserts feature in the side panels, elbow and armpits.(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Two large external pockets provide ample storage.(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
A longer rear tail provides extra protection from road spray.(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
The side panel inserts offer extra stretch for unrestricted movement, but the jacket retains a tailored fit(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
The remainder of the jacket is constructed from GoreTex ShakeDry material.(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Peter Kennaugh opted to start stage 1 with the jacket packed away, while Owain Doull began and finished the race wearing the jacket.(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Chris Froome demonstrates the packability of the jacket.(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Updated April 28 with additional information from Gore.
The Tour de Romandie has become famous for its terrible weather in recent years and the 2017 edition of the race is no different. Following the rainy prologue, stage 1 began in a grey, cold and rainy Aigle in Switzerland. All but the hardiest of riders wore wet weather jackets and Team Sky were equipped with a not-yet-released waterproof from Castelli.
The grey jacket is an evolution of the Castelli Idro, and despite the prominent feature being a hyper-lightweight Gore-Tex outer layer, this team jacket has several new design features from the current version.
Gore told BikeRadar that Castelli is one of several brands testing a new fabric called, somewhat plainly, Gore-Tex Fabric with Stretch Technology.
The new Gore-Tex Fabric with Stretch features on the side panels, elbow and shoulder. The remainder of the jacket is constructed from Gore-Tex ShakeDry waterproof fabric, the same that is used on 7mesh's 93g Oro jacket and Gore's own One 1985 shell.
Despite a full-length waterproof zipper, extra material from cargo pockets and Gore-Tex Stretch side panel inserts, the jacket remains lightweight enough to be comfortably packed into a jersey pocket and weighs a claimed 123 grams for a size large.
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The jacket also features fully taped seams, a silicone elastic waistband and reflectivity.
Although it may be a while yet, we look forward to getting our hands on the new jacket from Castelli and giving you a full review as soon as we can.
