The cyclocross season is in full swing.
The recent Rapha Super Cross Nobeyama took place over two days with unprecedented clear weather.
SimWorks CX Racing saw Gishi compete in the Men's Elite, Aya in the Women's Elite, and Rei in the Single Speed category. Since Nobeyama is the only race in Japan that hosts UCI races on both days, it’s not just about competing and aiming for the top; I think it’s also a lot of fun to cheer and watch the race while talking to people gathered from all over the country and visiting the various vendor booths.
Nobeyama, which is one of the most exciting events in Japan, will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, and we hear they are planning something a bit different, so it's definitely something to look forward to. For those who have never participated, why not try joining at least once? Also, since Day 2 was upgraded to a UCI1 event starting this year, the race became even more spectacular with international riders joining the Japanese elite athletes.
Among those international riders, Garry and Fiona from the MAAP X ENVE TEAM traveled all the way from Australia to compete in the UCI races held in Japan over this past month. We raced alongside them, but we couldn't keep up at all; we were thoroughly overwhelmed by the extraordinary speed of the international riders from start to finish, yet the sense of speed, which is something you rarely get to experience, was incredibly stimulating. They captivated everyone as they skillfully maneuvered their bikes, clad in the signature navy-based skinsuits characteristic of MAAP.
MAAP, which we at Circles carry primarily for their women’s collection, is based in Melbourne, Australia. They design their apparel there, using carefully selected materials and patterns optimized for riding to create high-quality gear. Their clothing expresses a unique style that remains timeless. While MAAP is particularly known for their spring and summer items given their base in Australia, we have just received items that are perfect for the upcoming winter riding season.
Size : S,M,L
Price : ¥7,842 (excl. tax)
First up are the gloves, which are indispensable as we head into the increasingly cold winter months. MAAP's Base Gloves are treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, protecting you from moisture and light rain. They are also brushed on the inside for added warmth, and because they are made from excellent, lightweight materials, they are easy to operate in as well. Silicone is applied to the palms for improved grip, and they feature reflective logos for high visibility, which comes in handy in low-light conditions.
Size : XS,S,M,L
Price : ¥7,000 (excl. tax)
The Base Arm Warmers and Base Leg Warmers, which can be worn with your jersey or bibs, use micro-silicone dots on the inside for excellent elasticity and a high-quality fit that prevents chafing. A key feature is the stress-free, comfortable fit when layered under your jerseys and bibs.
Size : XS,S,M,L
Price : ¥9,000 (excl. tax)
These items, which are warm with a brushed lining and reliable for the transitional spring/autumn seasons and winter rides, are made with SPF 50+ UV-resistant fabric. Furthermore, the MAAP logo is designed to reflect light in dark settings, giving you peace of mind if your ride extends into the night.
Being able to coordinate with the increasingly common navy jackets, jerseys, and bibs is uniquely MAAP. While keeping things chic in black is great, my personal recommendation is to try incorporating navy as an accent to winter outfits, which tend to look dark. Additionally, all items are unisex sizing, so they can be worn by anyone regardless of gender.
At Circles, we put a lot of effort into our ladies' models and curate a selection of items that help women enjoy their rides, but we can also accommodate special orders for men's models, so please feel free to check them out if you are interested.