In the pink for Christmas?

Us neither. Christmas kit for the discerning cycling woman.

If you are like us at Le Sportif and are getting in the winter miles (or something), and still haven’t started your Christmas shopping, we will save you hours of trolling through shops and websites. Order these during your turbo trainer sessions to ensure that no one is looking over your shoulder.

Ideas for the women cyclists in your life.

A cook book is always well received… Nicole Cooke’s The Breakaway, a fantastic book from the era of the Women’s Tour de France. Published in 2014 but a must-read for any woman (or man) passionate about cycling. Be sure not to read it prior to wrapping…

Rapha and Liberty Cap. Shrink it and pink it this is not. Liberty patterned and not too pink, this is a classic item, an innovation in cycling elegance.

For those of you with a heavier cheque book, at the opposite end of the financial scale is the Rapha Deconstructed Blazer. Stylish whilst still having safety at the forefront of its design (it has hi-vis pink piping). In the words of Rapha: there’s also an anti-bacterial half-lining, so you arrive fresh at your destination.

Winter is the season of cyclo-cross, and what could be more festive than a ‘cross bike! Perhaps the Trek Crockett is what you’re looking for? If, like Le Sportif, you don’t think that women’s cycling stuff has to be pink and fluffy, they also do a black and neon green version.

Thinking of buying some sexy underwear? If you are mindful of both practicality and wary of the objectification of women, why not try style and function? Your loved one’s bottom deserves only the best: padded Italian chamoix from VeloVixen.

Obviously delivery times may vary so make sure you order with at least a remotely suitable lead time. Failing that, I guess it’s chocolates from the garage on the way back from your Christmas Eve training ride again…