Looking for a truly useful short sleeve base layer with forward facing wind protection? Castelli has the perfect solution with their Prosecco Wind Short Sleeve. The Prosecco base layer series forms the basis for an optimal layering system for cool weather cycling. The Prosecco Wind Short Sleeve adds a layer of protection with a lightweight, flexible Gore® Windstopper® panel on the torso to block on coming wind and help maintain a little more heat. This allows you to wear a long sleeve jersey over the base layer on a cool dry day that might otherwise require the cyclist to wear or carry a vest or jacket. We think most riders would agree that even the best jackets and vests add a level of challenge and possibly lack of aerodynamics, and especially when road or cross racing, showing your sponsors is paramount, so a base layer that blocks the wind has many advantages.

The standard Prosecco Short Sleeve is considered a versatile mid-weight base layer. Two fabrics are used in a complementary fashion, with the core, shoulders, and torso covered with 100% Prosecco 1st Layer main body fabric delivering the warmth, with excellent breathability. For the zones that simply require coverage, and less insulation such as the lower core, sleeve ends, underarms, etc., Castelli developed Prosecco Micro, a thinner lighter weight material that quickly and efficiently pulls moisture from the skin and passes it out. The stretch of the two fabrics is nearly the same, so fit and and feel is consistent and comfortable, with no bulk, foldover or bunching. The mid-height crew neck collar is super comfortable, and gives more coverage, without irritating the skin. Flat lock stitching is used where seams may otherwise cause chafing, and the overall anatomic fit feels perfect on the bike, in the riding position, with just just the right amount of stretch and light compression to support muscles and feel form fit at all times.

Adding the Windstopper® panel isn't a new idea in the base layer market, but Castelli has done a masterful job getting the fit, stitching and stretch to work well with the overall design of the Prosecco Long Sleeve. Though you are aware of the panel, you won't find it annoying, or bunched up as some other applications have struggled with. Given Castelli's strong relationship with Gore, this ins't a big surprise, as many variations of Windstopper can be found across the line. We really appreciate the attention to detail and fabrics of this base layer, with it's flat finish bottom hem, and the overall effectiveness and feel of the Prosecco Micro standing out. Many riders feel like a long sleeve baselayer is just a bit too much on a cool race day or when they have a heavier weight long sleeve jersey on for a training ride. The Prosecco Wind Short Sleeve gives you the extra core protection you need, without the added warmth of the sleeves, and is perfect for those chilly starts and cool winds on race day when you prefer to wear a short sleeve jersey, even for cyclocross. Castelli's execution on this piece is excellent with the overall feel and finish of the Windstopper panel integration extremely well done. It is lightweight, comfortable, and hugely effective.