The kind folks at Rapha have provided us with a Lightweight Jersey to pass on.

To be in the running all you need to do is follow both @602nds & @RaphaAustralia on Twitter and you could randomly be chosen as a winner of the Rapha jersey.

If you are already following 602nds, simply retweet (RT) our Rapha competition tweets.

Prize winner will be announced Friday October 28th.

As well as reviewing the latest Rapha womens range, 602nds would like to introduce Rapha Condor rider Angharrad Mason.

As well asking her about the Rapha Condor Ladies Team and her riding, 602nds has also given Angharrad the opportunity to provide her thoughts on Rapha clothing.

602nds: The Rapha Condor female team was formed at the start of this year, Can you tell us about the team and what the goals are for the team?

Angharad:The team was formed in March of this year and initially comprised a small core group of six riders most of whom were riding for different teams last year. The initial aim was to form a grass root level team, taking part in British based women’s races and concentrating on the National Team series. Rapha Condor were then invited to a stage race in the Czech and are planning on taking part in the upcoming Holland Ladies Tour and the Tour de L’Ardeche in Sept. These stage races will only help to further raise the profile of Rapha Condor and Womens cycling. The marketing raison d’etre was for grass roots female cyclists to see that there were girls racing in the womens Rapha kit and that Rapha isn’t just kit for their cycling boyfriends but can be for them as well.

602nds: Why did you choose to join the team?

Angharad: The formation of the team came at an excellent time for me. I didn’t choose to join the team – they chose me because I started off the new season with a win. They had been monitoring my progress through my coach who had been telling them that I might be a good prospect.  Having only started cycling seriously at the begining of the year I was facing the prospect of entering the season without a women’s team. Rapha Condor impressed me initially with their enthusiasm and complete professionalism towards cycling and are keen to develop the team both as individuals and the team as a whole. The girls within the team have all bonded really well and work very well as a team.

602nds: Have you met your goals in cycling for 2010? & what are you aiming for in 2011?

Angharad: My goal and ambitions for the year are ever evolving. At the beginning of the year I found out that I had been included on the long list for the Commonwealth games so this was a big focus to work towards. I have since met the selection criteria and will be representing Wales in the forthcoming Commonwealth games in Delhi, India in October this year. In addition I was picked for the Great Britain Team and thrown in at the deep end. The aim next year is to build on what I’ve achieved this year and become a regular for GB as well as gaining further experience in European racing as part of the Rapha Condor team.

602nds: I recently read you were chosen to ride for the Great Britain Team, How did the racing go?

Angharad: It was an incredible experience having the opportunity to represent the GB team in the Giro Del Trentino and in 2 one day races. I worked very hard in the 2 one day races and unfortunately I crashed hard during the first stage of the Giro del Trentino and although I managed to complete both the first and second day injury meant I was unable to perform to the best of my ability.

602nds: Is there a female rider that you look up to? And if so why?

Angharad: Nicole Cooke. Also a Welsh cyclist Nicole has achieved everything there is to achieve in world cycling.

602nds: You were a tri-athlete before you started riding, what made you change to Road Racing?

Angharad: My background is predominantly endurance running having taken part in 9 marathons in total. I decided to set myself a new challenge and entered a local triathlon so bought a road bike. My love affair with the bike had started! I struggled with the swim part of the tri but found myself passing most of the field in the bike leg. There then followed a 500km, 3 day sportive in Israel where I participated strongly even while suffering food poisoning. This indicated that I possessed both the endurance and will power required for cycling and a friend, and former British Champion cyclist suggested I started training with a view to racing.

602nds: As you know I am currently reviewing the Rapha womens Range, what are your thoughts on the womens range?

Angharad: I was very excited when I heard Rapha were bringing out a women’s range. I have a few items of the mens range and although very pleased with the fabric quality, durability and feel, the fit of the garments were never quite right. The women’s range keeps all the positive classic qualities of the Rapha range with the addition of a exceptional anatomical fit for women.

602nds: How do you find the gear when wearing it in competition?

Angharad: The kit is brilliant and attracts many positive comment and possibly some jealousy within the women’s peloton. I’m a big fan of the non bibbed shorts which are the most comfortable and practical short I’ve worn.

602nds would also like to thank Angarad Mason for giving the time up to chat to us. We wish her well in her cycling endeavors and look forward to seeing how the Rapha Condor Ladies Team races over the next couple of years.

If you wish to keep track of the Ladies Team check out the Rapha Condor Website.

When I first received the Rapha Stowaway Jacket I thought straight away it looks good and felt very soft. I like how the jacket fits when wearing, it isn’t to bulky and doesn’t look like I’m pitching a tent. It was comfortable to ride in and I wasn’t constantly pulling the jacket down at the back to cover my umm, “rear”.

The jacket has a drop tail in order to provide protection from spray and it works well, as mentioned on the Rapha site, “The tail has been stitched to prevent the jacket flapping whilst riding”.

The jacket has many features such as, friction locks on the waistcoat, wear-resistant lycra cuffs which provides a wind-proof seal, soft-fleece chin guard to prevent chaffing when the jacket is completely zipped up and the zip is sewn on in reverse for maximum water resistant. The jacket feels soft; it doesn’t have that plastic feel that most wind-proof jackets have.

I didn’t find myself sweating after wearing the jacket for a while, although I was riding in Brisbane and it really only drizzled down, so I wasn’t able to test the jacket in Belgian winter conditions.

Another feature I liked is the reflective stripes the jacket has on the sleeves, with a reflective Rapha Logo on the rear to help with visibility when riding in dim lighting conditions or night.

The jacket weighs 150g and folds up easily to store in a jersey pocket.  It comes in red or cream and matches perfectly with the Rapha Women’s Range of Jerseys and Shorts available.

Rapha states on their website that the jacket is windproof, water-resistant and extremely breathable, and is ideal for riding in changeable conditions. I have to agree with Rapha, this jacket provides everything that they say and is comfortable to wear, looks great and although pricier than most of the stowaway jackets on the market is well worth the money. The quality of the jacket will have you wearing it for many years to come.

I also want to mention the Merino Rapha Socks I have been wearing constantly since they were sent to me. These socks are good; they feel great on, no sweaty feet after taking them off and no annoying rubbing along the top of the toe s due to stitching.

If you have trouble wearing socks whilst riding then give the Merino Socks a go. The socks are made from Merino wool with the natural fibre providing a better wicking of the sweat away and also provides a natural anti-bacterial to stop the socks smelling after repeated use.

The women’s range keeps all the positive classic qualities of the Rapha range with the addition of a exceptional anatomical fit for women.

All up I have to say is that I really enjoyed wearing the Rapha Womens Range and if you too like looking good whilst riding, then do it, you won’t be disappointed.

To purchase the Rapha Stowaway Jacket or any of the Rapha Womens range take a look at the Rapha Website.

The colourways celebrate the leading cycling nations of Europe. The jersey features a full length zip for temperature regulation and a reinforced pocket layout.

Also included is a Rapha Cap the quintessential performance cycling cap. This classically styled cap is made in Italy from windproof, water resistant cotton. Highly breathable, it is finished with anti-bacterial tape.

To be in the running for this classy looking jersey and cap describe Rapha in three words starting with a vowel in the comment section below making sure you provide your name and an accurate email address.

Competition Conditions

The 602nds team will decide a winner on the most creative answer from all responses.

Entries closes at 5pm AEST September 30th 2010.

Judges decision is final.

NOTE: By entering the competition you are agreeing to receive emails from Rapha CC.

602nds had the opportunity to catch up with Australian cyclist and all round good guy Dean Windsor.

602nds: You joined the Rapha Condor Sharp team at the beginning of the 2010 season. How has the experience been so far?
Dean: Rapha Condor Sharp is so much more than a bike team. It is a complete experience! You get the taste of the continental cycling team and the races, the travelling the wins and losses but when you hit the road with RCS it’s a showcase of experiences. This team has the most amazing support all over the world. You step off the plane and are welcomed by members of the Rapha Club who are itching to provide the most memorable experience of their home town/country and will do anything to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. We were taken for rides through central park in New York City and followed by fans as we rode the most ridiculous race through the dirt roads of north east America. Then a morning courier style ride through Osksa Japan followed by a mass start 11km mount Fuji race. We get the wide range of races and your guaranteed with this team you will meet some unique people involved with the Rapha Condor Sharp Club and will enjoy the whole trip.

602nds: The team at 602nds are big fans of the Rapha range of clothing. Do you have a favourite piece from the collection?
Dean: Tough question, but how could you go past the grand tour gloves. My most used piece of clothing is the stowaway jacket, no matter how sunny it is in England when you leave the house a rain jacket is an essential item out training.

602nds: What is your long term goal for your cycling career?
Dean: The goals change every year depending on the team but ultimately I would like to keep riding full time as long as I can and try move through the ranks getting new and enjoyable experiences every year. It’s such a complex sport and so very interesting to be involved with so I will be grabbing every opportunity that presents itself.

602nds: What has been your proudest moment in cycling?
Dean: Wow, I have raced bikes for 18years so to pin point one moment is tough, but reflecting on some of the good bad and ugly times I remember 2009 bay crits riding in the same team as my brother. I had the support of my brother in the team but also mum and dad had travelled down to look after us. It was very enjoyable to take on Australia’s best and I stepped on the podium every day. When you really enjoy being away the results come a lot easier.

602nds: Do you have a personal favourite mountain climb?
Dean: You’re not a man til you have climbed the kitzbul Horn in Austria!

602nds: What advice can you offer the weekend racing cyclist when it comes to nutrition and fitness?
Dean: There are no secrets to training that will make you go straight to Pro Tour but 2 easy things to concentrate on, to improve you performance that won’t take too much time or effort on top of your training routine.
1.     You need to find your own individual balance of quality versus quantity with your training.
2.     Most people overlook how important recovery is. Training is ineffective if you don’t look after yourself afterwards. This means rest, stretching, replacing fluid, ensuring you’re having at least 1-2grams of protein per kg of your weight a day, even a sports massage or hot cold baths after the massive ride you do every now and again.

602nds: How did the nickname “The Duke” originate?
Dean: It’s to do with the royal family. I attempted to convince the boys that my UK ‘home’ was a massive castle in the outskirts of London with my Aunt Elizabeth. So I got the “Duke of Windsor” then shortened to the Duke. I am pretty happy with the nick name as in my last team I was the Bogan from Bathurst.

602nds: If your IPod was stuck on one song then what would it be?
Dean: Probably a Gun’s and Roses or Metallica song just because the one song would probably go for half the day.

602nds: If you had $500 to spend on something cycling related, what would it be?
Dean: I have very expensive taste when it comes to bike gear, so I would struggle to stay under $500 when its clothing or bike equipment (plus I would be very bias to my sponsored products which all rock!), I would go a Heart Rate Monitor. The polar RS800x has all the functions I would be after and you can really take your training to a new level with the measurements it takes… It can really tell you how bad you’re going!

602nds: Being a kid from Bathurst, are you at Ford or Holden man?
Dean: Every October I proudly stand on the mountain under a massive red flag yelling how much I dislike Ford. Funny enough true V8 fans are not about supporting their favourite car, its all about the joy of Hating the other car. So yep I really hate those fords.

602nds: How do you relax when back home in Australia?
Dean: I am a serial tourist/traveller so relaxing would involve a weekend trip away with my girlfriend, friends or family. Or in Bathurst it would be a easy ride followed by a long coffee shop stop, then a good old BBQ under the long hot summer sun with a bit of swimming thrown in. I don’t think I have been home sick til I started answering this question!

Take an opportunity to look at Dean’s website  www.deanwindsor.com which has consistent updates and reports.

Team Rapha Condor Sharp can be followed via Twitter or their website.

Images courtesy of Shuhei Takenouchi @ 2010 Tour of Japan

For those cycling fans in Australia who have wanted to wear the gear, and that now includes ladies, Rapha was officially launched in Australia last October when Rapha Condor Sharp raced at the Jayco Sun Tour.

Whilst orders are fulfilled out of the UK, the Australian customer base now has everything priced in AUD, $20 flat shipping no matter what the amount, free shipping for larger orders and a quick 3-6 day delivery from Fedex. Australian Customers also have a local distributer contact as well.

The Rapha range already has a large female customer base, many of whom have been wearing the men’s range for years. Rapha thought it was only fair that female cyclists should be able to enjoy Rapha but with a completely tailored fit.  This leads me to being lucky enough to review a few items from the new Rapha women’s range.

From previous reviews that I have done I have mentioned that looking good on the bike is just as important as feeling good whilst on the bike, and the gear that I was sent will have you looking good on the bike.

When I opened the package from Rapha I was pleasantly surprised. The Rapha gear was in a soft waterproof plastic bag, not the crappy plastic bags that you just throw away. The bag could be used to store the gear in when traveling, not bad I thought, with recycling helping the environment.

When I pulled the jersey out of the packaging I was instantly drawn to the quality of the jersey, it looked great and felt soft. I was thinking this jersey is going to feel nice on.  The jersey is made from sportwool™ (40% Merino & 60% Polyester), slightly narrower waist with being wider at the hips.

A full-length zip with Zip guard, three rear cargo pockets with a zip pocket for valuables and a sleeve for a pump. The jersey also has a drawcord to make easy adjustments to the jacket whilst riding. It’s not very often that I take my hands off the handlebars, due to my fantastic riding skills I hold on for dear life, but it was actually very easy to adjust the bottom of the jersey when required.

The jersey didn’t feel uncomfortable at all and I was surprised with how well the jersey fabric soaked up perspiration (women perspire not sweat I’ve always been told) without feeling wet or cold.  I had no rubbing from the zip or edges of the jersey, with no feeling of tightness around forearms or hips.  The classic design with the cream strip around the arm looks good and with the red jersey, you are sure to be noticed by other riders.

When purchased you also receive a complimentary set of matching arm warmers. The arm warmers have a brushed fleece inner and soft gripper tape to hold them in place. The times that I have used the arm warmers I have had no problems with them falling down.  The arm warmers are finished with contrast piping and colour-on-colour logos.

The women’s classic jersey and the matching arm warmers can only be improved by wearing them with the Rapha women’s shorts.

The Rapha shorts are made from a lightweight, durable stretch fabric, with a panel construction and the chamois pad from specialist manufacturer Cytech. The Shorts are very comfortable and have been made to ensure there is no rubbing in those places that can make riding the bike uncomfortable for women.

The little detail of having no stitching across the front of the waistband I think is fantastic, a known place for chaffing and annoying rubbing for women. I noticed the waist was a little higher than normal shorts with the rear of the shorts even higher, which made them, feel very comfortable. They are also longer in the leg so no worrying about the shorts riding up whilst on the bike. It’s like wearing spankx, but looking and feeling much better.

The chamois is good and I had no trouble with rubbing whilst riding and was feeling pretty good when I got off the bike. The Rapha shorts look great with the cream detail at the rear waist, reflective tape on the legs and the Rapha logos on both legs.

I must say that the Rapha Classic Jersey, matching arm warmers and shorts look fantastic when wearing them all together as a complete kit. The colours are vibrant and the small matching colour details on the arm warmers and shorts to match the jersey are a stylish touch.

The whole kit is very comfortable to wear and looks amazing on. For all the women out there that enjoy looking fantastic whilst feeling good on the bike, the Rapha kit is the kit for you. Must say, I thoroughly enjoyed wearing the Rapha range and is looking forward to showing it off on my next ride.

I was also wearing the Rapha Stowaway Jacket and the Rapha Merino Socks with the rest of the kit which will be reviewed in the near future.

Rapha is supporting a grass-roots female cycling team in the UK which formed earlier this year. Rapha hope that it will further promote the growth of female cycling as it has been gaining momentum for some time.

If you would like to purchase this great looking kit or have a look at the Rapha Women’s Range then check it out here – Women’s Range

Images courtesy of Rapha

Paul: Until recently i had been living in London only returning to Melbourne each summer to visit family (and ride!). I was amazed at the progression of cycling in Australia, particularly the explosion of interest in performance cycling. Demand has seen better and better quality hardware hit the roads but generally speaking, a lag in the apparel side of things. So yes, Rapha is reaching out to those who are seeking the finest in style and performance – just ask the Rapha Condor Sharp squad!

602nds: What has proven to be the most popular lines since entering the Australian market?
Paul: The Classic Softshell, the Lightweight Jersey and the Merino Base Layers.

602nds: Describe the Rapha brand name in 3 words?
Paul: Stylish, passionate, inspiring OR to quote our favourite phrase “Glory through suffering”.

Take a look at the Rapha website for more information or follow the guys on Twitter and Facebook.

Images courtesy of Rapha