Like it's coordinating sibling, the Grand Tour Bib Short, the Grand Tour Jersey has been designed to provide anatomically correct, effective support to muscles during extended riding. The challenge of providing compression, fit, function, and adequate sun protection in a lightweight, wicking summer jersey has been steep. Rest easy, the high performance clothing wizards at Craft have cracked the code by employing body-mapping to determine what the cyclist needs most, and where, while in the cycling position. Matching the type and shape of supremely engineered technical materials to the corresponding anatomy was the next step, followed by how to integrate, attach, and build a truly functional cycling jersey. The Grand Tour Jersey delivers excellent fit, incredible moisture and heat management, muscle compression, and stylish good looks. And we can't disregard UPF 50+ protection.

So how did Craft do it? By employing materials and experience from years of baselayer and cross-country ski experience. The shouders and arms and back must be allowed to move freely, yet these areas have different fabric requirements. Stretch and compression cannot be too restricting, nor prevent cooling. Craft's designers understood that although many hours on the bike are held in a relatively steady position, this position requires the arms and shoulders to be active and in tension. When the cyclist stands up on the pedals even more dynamic movement takes place. Using Moving Wing Technolgy™ from cross-country ski wear, the shoulder, back and arm panels were allowed to stretch and move in conjunction with each other. The raglan sleeve is also a crossroads for three materials, though you would never know it from the ease of movement. This freedom comes from elastic materials cut in anatomical shapes with maximum stretch following the physical requirements. These fabrics vary in elasticity depending on range of movement. The upper back and shoulders are quite elastic, but the central back panel reverts to a hexachannel mesh that breathes freely and supports the pocket structure. The main front panel features the same fabric, creating a cool layer of air and dynamic flow through the material. Stretchy mesh panels can be found under the arm for the most active ventilation, but along the sides of the rib cage the more elastic, compressive material returns, to support the fine muscles that sit on the rib cage and complement the abdominals and obliques.

This intricate balance of moisture management, compression and fit is only possible due to the advanced materials used, incredibly well thought out construction and judicious usage of flat-lock stitching. The rear pocket delivers the more elastic stretch material and has three standard slots with a zipper pocket off the back of the middle version. A headphone or race radio cord slot eases cord management. The Grand Tour Jersey is a full zip model for easy on off, and even more temperature control on extreme days. Craft also hit on the small, yet important details, like a soft elastic arm band, and rear hem silicone gripper that keeps the jersey from riding up. If you need a soft, supple, great fitting jersey with functional movement and muscle support, the Craft Grand Tour Jersey is an excellent choice.