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Team TWC Cycling Gear of the Year 2013: Gail Wilkinson

We ask our contributors to share their favourite cycling outfit of 2013. No guidelines, no limits, just what our lovely bloggers have enjoyed riding in over the past 12 months. It seems every outfit has a story!

Gail’s winning cycling outfit

What to choose? My Assos “pre-winter” tights that seem to heat up as I ride? The Rapha rain jacket that I love the fit of. How it rolls up snuggly into a jersey pocket. My GB triathlon suit with “Wilkinson” proudly stamped across the butt?  Or the yellow dress that I wore once in Paris having cycled from London in 24 hours to watch Le Tour?

The winner;

I got this cycling jersey after my first cycling trip in the mountains. Organisers of that trip Peter Dumplemann (66) and Lilo, his wife (73) asked me about my cycling experience, I will never forget the look on their faces when I confidently explained I commuted by bike to work and had climbed up Ditchling Beacon once.

Priceless! 

The jersey has the name of all the Cols Gail climbed during her memorable trip

I love it as a memento of the magic and eternal grace of the mountains. It reminds me of all of the reasons why I cycle, the places that cycling has taken me, and friends that I have made along the way.

It reminds me that cycling is a social sport, that not only pushes personal boundaries, but that brings people together.

When I wear this jersey it makes me feel a part of something that is bigger than myself. I cycle a little faster. I feel a little more alive. I remember my friends who I have cycled with every year since.

It’s also a jersey that engages me in conversation with others, because people ask me about it too. I climbed those cols. I earned that jersey.

Gail among friends wearing her epic jersey

This jersey is reserved for the rides where I need to dig a little deeper or want to experience the magic.

Like climbing Mont Ventoux in August.

Amazing what an outfit can inspire you to do!
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