Castelli Squadra Stretch W Jacket

The Squadra Stretch outer material keeps the wind at bay during rides in cool weather or long descents, while the stretch inserts ensure that the jacket fits snugly to the body and doesn't flap.

• Coated ripstop nylon on the front and back and on the sleeves to block the wind
• Closely knitted stretch inserts on the sides and sleeves provide a perfect fit
• High collar to keep drafts out
• Reflective accents on the chest and lower back for visibility in low light conditions

This is a modern interpretation of the windbreaker that you keep in your jersey pocket for a long descent or wear during the first hour of a ride until it warms up. Such jackets used to be a simple affair—a nylon shell—but the lack of elasticity meant they had to be cut quite generously to fit all body shapes, both on and off the bike. We have completely redefined what a windbreaker should be and how it is constructed. We added inserts on the sides and sleeves made from a very elastic yet tightly knitted material, allowing us to give the jacket a modern, close-to-the-body fit to achieve aerodynamic gains on any terrain. And it actually retains more warmth than a jacket that flaps around. We kept it very compact, so it takes up minimal space in a jersey pocket. The stretch inserts are treated to be water-repellent, which helps in light mist, but it is not intended as a true rain jacket.