You don't have to only ride your bike to train for a 100 mile ride, but you do have to eat a lot to get to the finish line feeling strong, as Ellie Donnell found out

Great quality backpack that works well for short and steady rides, with plenty of storage compartments 7/10

Emanuel Buchmann had a fall out with BORA - hansgrohe and now had a rough fall in what was his last race day with the German national champion's jersey. Buchmann crashed yesterday during stage 2 of the Tour de Suisse and has suffered severe injuries as a result.It is a nightmare situation for the G...

Its Tuesday and Ryan Mallons back to continue his Tour preparations with more high-altitude cycling news and views on the live blog

Nairo Quintana slowly rose and showed glimpses of his past self at the Giro d'Italia but, outside of it, he has truly had an unlucky season. After several illnesses and injuries suffered earlier in the season, the Colombian has been sidelined once again with a fracture suffered on a crash at the Tou...

From the 12th to the 16th of June the peloton will tackle the Tour of Slovenia. This is one of the races that in recent years has grown in popularity due to the country's new stars, and serves as a preparation race for the Tour de France for a few riders. We preview the race ahead.The first stage o...

24-year old Maxim van Gils has had stable development over the past years into a high level, but in 2024 he has truly took another step. The Lotto Dstny rider has been headlining the team's results and is one of the most successful riders of the year; and is now testing himself as a climber at the m...

The best womens cycling jerseys are a ticket to comfort and convenience on the bike, with easy-access pockets, aerodynamic fit and good ventilation.Weve put a selection of womens jerseys to the test to find out which will serve you best, whether youre racing, bikepacking or extending your commute.You can also jump to the end of this article to read our buyers guide to womens cycling jerseys, which explains what to look for in a jersey, the different types and what to wear them with.Best womens cycling jerseys in 2024Gore Distance Jersey The Women's Gore Distance Jersey would be our choice for summer tours. - Ashley Quinlan / Our Media120 as testedSizes: EU 34-42Weight: 121g (Size XS/36)Pros: Longer sleeves with raw-cut cuffs; effective grippers; spacious pockets; feels amazingCons: Not cheap The Gore Distance Jersey is expensive, but arguably worth it. Every aspect of this exceptional jersey is design is well thought out. The jersey features an ergonomically shaped neck, with a much more subtle take on a traditional collar.There are long sleeves with raw-cut hems, contributing to a modern and clean look.Available in block single colours, the material is a polyamide/elastane mix, incorporating recycled content.The construction is flattering and allows for a super-comfortable fit. Attention to detail is exceptional the secure zipper pocket has a rubberised grip, which makes it easy to access even when riding.The reflective details are classy, too. The substantial reflective strip underneath the back pockets worked brilliantly when cycling.The rear pockets give ample capacity for a days worth of snacks.Gore Spinshift Breathe Jersey Womens The Gore Spinshift Breathe Jersey Womens is ideal for long summer rides. - Dave Caudery / Our Media109.99 / 109.95Sizes: EU36-44Weight: 97g (XS)Pros: Flattering fit, beautiful colours, lightweightCons: Flimsy feeling main zip, mesh fabrics may not be the most durableThe Gore Spinshift Breathe Jersey Womens is superlight, fits well and is hard to fault despite its premium price tag.If our tester had to choose one jersey for a summer bike tour, it would be this one.Soft and stretchy fabrics offer good ventilation while remaining reasonably opaque as you sweat.At the back, the pockets are generously sized and well designed with reflective details to either side. There is a smaller zipped pocket for valuables.However, the main zip and some of the mesh fabric feels a little flimsy.Le Col Womens Sport Jersey The Le Col Women's Sport Jersey uses lightweight fabrics. - Ashley Quinlan / Our Media105 as testedSizes: XS-XLWeight: 93g (Size S)Pros: Lightweight fabric; waterproof secure pocketCons: Baggier fit; minimal reflective detailsThe Le Col Womens Sport Jersey is designed to be your go-to training jersey. In testing, it provided excellent comfort and a soft touch.The jersey is constructed from a stretch-knit polyester, resulting in a soft, less compressive jersey with a slightly matt finish. Our tester found the fabric to be breathable on warm days and when working harder.There are three rear pockets, with a fourth secure zipped pocket that's waterproof.A silicone hem gripper sits on the rear, and the sleeves are cuffed without any form of gripper.The sleeves are on the shorter side, positioned slightly higher up than most jerseys, but still comfortable.The relaxed fit meant the material bunched a little over our testers chest.Being very lightweight, though, it was fast to dry out after being rained on, and wicked sweat away effectively.Santini Colore Riga Jersey The Santini Colore Riga Jersey has gorgeous colours, but misses a zipped pocket. - Ashley Quinlan / Our Media90 as testedSizes: XXS-XXXLWeight: 101g (Size M)Pros: Gorgeous colours and pattern; comfortable relaxed fit; breathableCons: Missing a zipped pocket; reflective details minimalThe Santini Colore Riga is a dreamy summer jersey with materials that ooze quality.The design aims for a second skin weightless feel and a flattering fit, in beautiful colours with a subtly striped top panel.The raw-cut sleeve cuffs are soft and keep the sleeves neatly in place.The fabric itself is lightweight and felt breathable even on hotter rides, which was helped by the relaxed cut.Santinis kit has a reputation for running small. However, our tester found this jersey to run big, which hopefully means the size range will cater for a broader range of cyclists up to around UK18-20.The Santini Colore Riga jersey achieves near perfection its just a shame it lacks a zipped pocket for valuables.Altura Icon Plus SS Jersey The Altura Icon Plus has great reflective details. - Ashley Quinlan / Our Media70 as testedSizes: 8-18Weight: 170g (Size 10)Pros: Great reflective details; large pockets; nice zip toggles; flattering fitCons: Over-enthusiastic sleeve grippers; back gripper could be better; main fabric a little heavyThe Altura Icon Plus SS jersey is constructed from a soft streamlined body and recycled mesh panels, with a classy pattern and attractive colourway.The fit is flattering and comfortable with the longer-cut sleeves and well-fitting panels.The reflective details are subtle in daylight but highly effective at night, offering a good boost to visibility.The zip toggles are substantial and grippy without being clunky, allowing for easy access and adjustment when riding.The grippers could be improved. The sleeves gripped a little over-enthusiastically, leaving behind indents on our testers skin, and the back gripper struggled to keep the jersey in place when the spacious rear pockets were full.The main fabric is a little heavier than most comparable summer jerseys, making it slightly warm to ride in at times.The Icon Plus SS jersey is ultimately a great summer jersey that punches above its price.Sportful Light Pro W Jersey The Sportful Light Pro W Jersey is lightweight and comfortable in the heat. - Dave Caudery / Our Media110 / $140 / 99.90 as testedSizes: XS-XXLWeight: 100g (M)Pros: Highly flexible pockets; lightweight; aesthetically pleasingCons: No secure pocketThe Sportful Light Pro W Jersey wicks sweat and dries quickly, making it an excellent choice for riding in the heat.Lightweight, super stretchy and incredibly comfortable, the Light Pro W has lazer-cut sleeves which sit gently on the skin.The jersey body is longer than some other brands and it didnt ride up on our tester.The pockets are generous and expand to fit larger items (including up to four bananas). But theres no zipped compartment.Also consider The following jerseys scored fewer than four out of five stars, so we haven't included them in our main list. However, you may find they tick the right boxes for you. Rapha Womens Pro Team Training Jersey Sweat patches can become prominent on this otherwise quality jersey. - Dave Caudery / Our Media110 / $145 / 130 / AU$180 as tested Sizes: XXS-XLWeight: 106g (S)Pros: Soft supple fabrics; flattering cut; robust zips; comfortable sleevesCons: Shows sweat (at least in the blue colourway); short in the body; small pocketsThe Rapha Womens Pro Team Training Jersey is a good summer jersey, let down by a tendency to show sweat in the blue colour we tested.On the plus side, it has a subtle and comfortable low-profile neckline, close fitting cut, and soft stretchy fabrics. There are three small rear pockets and one zipped pocket.The relatively long sleeves have comfortable sewn ends which stayed put.But the jersey is quite short in the body and the gripper only covers the rear half of the jersey. This led to it riding up at times.Specialized Women's Prime Short Sleeved Jersey Although it changes colour when sweaty, this is a decent jersey. - Dave Caudery / Our Media100 / $170 / 140 as tested Sizes: XS-XLWeight: 114g (S)Pros: Classy colour palette; elegant fit; comfortableCons: Readily shows sweat (in terracotta)The Specialized Women's Prime Short Sleeved Jersey is a great jersey, hindered by how much it shows sweat (in the terracotta colour we tested).Wearing a sports bra underneath highlighted the issue further giving a two-tone appearance with colour change above and below boob level.But that aside, theres a lot to love. The fit is flattering, the material is smooth and supple and the Terracotta colour on test was rich and gorgeous.The rear pockets are sufficiently roomy and one has a small reflective logo. The secure, zipped pocket uses the same robust zip as on the front of the jersey.Sportful Kelly Thermal Jersey The Sportful Kelly Thermal Jersey is suitable for temperatures down to 9C with a short-sleeve baselayer. - Ashley Quinlan / Our Media85 as testedSizes: XS-XXLPros: Bright colours; comfortable; tapered wrist cuffsCons: Zip lets cold air in; no secure pocket; few reflective detailsThe Sportful Kelly Thermal Jersey is a solid if not spectacular jersey designed for riding in cool weather.It uses a combination of brushed fleece and lighter textured panels, focusing warmth around the core while enabling excess heat and moisture to escape.The jersey performs well and was warm enough with a short-sleeve baselayer to ride in temperatures around 9C.The tapered cuffs are close-fitting and sit comfortably under gloves to keep warm air in. Unfortunately, the front zip is draughty.While this jersey does a lot of things well, it falls short in several areas. A zipper pocket for valuables would be nice and so would more reflective details.Read our full Sportful Kelly Thermal Jersey reviewBuyers guide to womens cycling jerseysLong-sleeve or short-sleeve, a cycling jersey is your ticket to convenience and comfort. - Steve Sayers / Our MediaA cycling jersey is one of the first items youll want to invest in when starting out, possibly only second to a pair of the best cycling shorts.An abundance of options exist and the choice can be somewhat overwhelming, but our guide will help you pick out the right jersey for you.How should a cycling jersey fit?A jersey should be comfortably close-fitting for aerodynamic efficiency. - Dave Caudery / Our MediaA cycling jersey should be comfortably close-fitting without being baggy or loose. It should gently hug you, and any zips or seams especially around the neck or under the arms should not dig in.Length-wise, a cycling jersey should overlap a little with the top of your shorts. Too short and you risk bare patches when cycling, too long and the jersey will bunch and roll up.The pockets should sit at a suitable height for you to access when riding, with an opening thats large enough to get your hand inside easily.Note that sizing can vary substantially between brands, and some can be much longer in the body than others, so its always worth checking the brand-specific size guide if ordering online, or trying the kit on in person.What to look for in a womens cycling jerseyBesides fit, there are several key features to consider when choosing a cycling jersey.MaterialsChoose a light material to keep you cool in summer. - Dave Caudery / Our MediaMost cycling jerseys will be a blend of synthetic materials, creating a soft stretchy fabric. They are commonly a polyamide/elastane blend. These jerseys are often lightweight and quick-drying.Alternatively, Merino wool or Merino blend jerseys exist. These utilise Merino wools natural antibacterial and insulating properties.Summer jerseys will often be constructed from lightweight synthetic fabrics and may feature mesh panels to maximise ventilation. Meanwhile, winter jerseys are long-sleeved and often fleece-lined for warmth.ZipsFull-length zips make the jersey easier to put on and take off. - Dave Caudery / Our MediaMost modern jerseys are designed with a full-length front zip for ease of changing. Many of the best womens cycling jerseys include housing for the zip at the neckline and a protective backing for it, both helping to prevent chafing.PocketsA zipped pocket is handy for carrying valuables in your jersey. - Dave Caudery / Our MediaRear pockets are a key feature of cycling jerseys and one of the major advantages of a jersey over a T-shirt.The ideal pocket is stretchy, with some form of band across the top to prevent items escaping when riding.Many jerseys also include a secure zipped pocket or waterproof zipped pocket for valuable items such as keys or electricals, which you dont want to lose in the process of retrieving your waterproof jacket or any snacks.GrippersSome jerseys have silicone grippers to hold the hem in place. - Dave Caudery / Our MediaGrippers are bands of tighter material, or stickier substances (often silicone), which help to keep parts of the jersey in place.Grippers are common on jersey sleeves, and around the bottom of the garment to stop the jersey from riding up.The gripper should give a firm hold, without irritating your skin.SleevesLaser-cut sleeves can prove very comfortable with no gripper biting into your arm. - Dave Caudery / Our MediaSleeves come in a variety of lengths and whichever length you choose is largely personal preference, although aero jerseys will generally have longer-cut sleeves made from aerodynamic fabric.The sleeve hem should stay in place neatly without cutting into your skin. If the hem gives your arm a waist, its too tight.Laser-cut sleeves dont have a hem and often remove the need for grippers. These can be very comfortable.What type of cycling jersey do you need?Climate is the main thing to consider when choosing which jersey to get. - Steve Sayers / Our MediaThere seems to be a type of jersey for every niche in cycling, from race jerseys to gravel jerseys.Be reassured that most jerseys work for most disciplines, and you wont be disadvantaged wearing a training jersey to a race, or a road jersey on gravel.The main decision-making factor will be the climate youre riding in. This determines the need for a summer/lightweight jersey, a midweight short-sleeved jersey or a long-sleeved winter jersey.Other variations include aero jerseys for races and time trials, jerseys with more carrying capacity for longer adventures and (rare) maternity jerseys for cycling while pregnant.What to wear under a cycling jerseyIt's a good idea to wear a baselayer beneath a jersey in most conditions. - Dave Caudery / Our MediaTemperatures will also help you decide what you wear under your jersey. Wearing just a sports bra under the jersey will suffice for warm weather, or on harder rides.However, combining jerseys with different baselayers can broaden the range of temperatures theyre suitable for.As the weather cools, a short-sleeved baselayer underneath a jersey is a good call.A thick, long-sleeve baselayer can make a long-sleeve jersey designed for spring or autumn suitable for winter riding.

The reigning champ is accompanied by boyfriend and their dog Flo on the French odyssey that ended atop Alpe d'Huez