Get writing for a very British Tour celebration!

To celebrate the British run of success at the Tour de France, Leicestershire brand Velobici have launched their all-British designed and manufactured road wear collection. And, for those inspired by the biggest race on the calendar, we’re also holding our first major competition for budding writers.

The Roadwear collection includes four items: two jerseys and two sets of bib shorts. Each item is made from a Meryl/Lycra actisystem fabric which makes them exceptionally soft but durable, ride after ride and wash after wash. The Lycra in the fabric stretches five times its own length and has moisture management technology that keeps you cool and dry; it is light and windproof, dries quickly, and offers excellent protection against UVA and UVB rays. Each item has the customary Velobici style and beautifully executed detail and are manufactured by hand entirely in Leicestershire. The full details of the collection are below.

In addition to the road wear and to reflect British cycling success throughout 2012, Velobici is launching its first writing competition. Chris Puttnam of Velobici says “The cycling world has a wealth of writing talent and we thought after all this year’s success in all riding disciplines that there are some inspirational stories to be told. We have 3 categories: The Bike, The Race and The Ride, so your story doesn’t have to be about professional racing. It can be about your own rides, your own memories”. Entries should be no more than 1,000 words (there is no minimum, to encourage the odd Haiku!) and to submit your entry, simply email it to info@velobici.com, stating clearly which category you are entering. The closing date is 10pm on 17 August 2012 and the winners will be announced during September.

The six judges are: Chris Puttnam, founder of Velobici; Adrian Bell of Mousehold Press; Matt Rendell, cycling author and journalist; David Harmon, Eurosport’s lead English language commentator; Matt Stephens, 1998 British Road Race champion and pro rider between 1998 and 2011 and Andy Ward, cycling doctor and writer. Two judges will preside over each category, submitting their favourite two to a ‘grand final’ where all the judges will decide on the three ultimate winners.

To enter, type your essay which should be a maximum of 1,000 words. Email it to info@velobici.com before 10pm on Friday 17 August, and you must put the category you are entering in the subject field. Or go to 'Writing Competition' at www.velobici.cc and make your entry by clicking on the suitable link.

The winner of the Race category will receive a set of the new road wear, a choice of Van Abel or Van Dapper (Jersey & shorts); winner of the Bike category will win a choice of a Classic Bob Maitland or Tommy Godwin jersey, and the winner of the Ride category will win a Lombardy Classic Cardigan with matching Seamless Merino Scarf and Gloves. For female winners, we have a set of Ella Paris or Ella Nice as well as a set of Velobici’s soon-to-be-released women’s wear, a technical vest and briefs. Each winner will receive a copy of the latest publication from Mousehold Press and all three finalists will also be recorded by commentator David Harmon and made available as a podcast on the Velobici website.

Full details of the Roadwear Collection
Van Abel men’s jersey has a full zip and rear drop hem. The back features a sweeping five pocket design, topped with a red binding. Two of the pockets are zipped and lined with matching red waterproof fabric. The side panel features a 'Velobici' jacquard and there is a ‘vb’ chainring jacquard design on the chest. Van Abel also features silicone gripper and reflective piping on the sleeves and hem. Both jerseys have a glasses wipe insert. Retails at £140.

Van Abel men’s bib shorts match the jersey with a Velobici side panel jacquard. The Meryl Actisystem Lycra Velobici has chosen has a super soft feel that stretches five times its own length. The insert is a top of the range Gopresia Airmesh seat pad with flatlock stitching to prevent any rubbing, plus a centre back 'Radio' pocket and soft leg grippers. Retails at £130.

Van Dapper men’s jersey has a full zip and rear drop hem. The back features a sweeping five pocket design, topped with a yellow binding. Two of the pockets are zipped and waterproof with black lining. There is easy access to the right side hip pockets with bespoke Velobici logo zip pullers. The side panel features a 'vb' chainring jacquard with 'vélobici' embroidered on the front chest. Van Dapper also features reflective piping and gripper on the sleeves and hem. Retails at £140.

Van Dapper men’s bib shorts match the Van Dapper jersey and have ‘vb’ chainring designed jacquard side panels. Retails at £130.