Since its inception in 2013, the annual Rapha Women’s 100 event has been an important date in the calendar for many female cyclists. It’s a day when women from all over the world come together and ride 100km, resulting in an empowering celebration of community. This year, the event will take place on the 12th September and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever.
In 2020 coronavirus restrictions scuppered any plans to ride in groups, but the Women’s 100 was still a momentous event. Rapha teamed up with riders like ultra-endurance athlete Emily Chappell to create an ‘invisible peloton.’ While the 100km would have to be completed solo, Rapha encouraged participants to think of their own ‘invisible peloton’: women who they could reach out to when they needed that extra strength in the most difficult parts of the challenge.
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This year, as restrictions have eased, Rapha Clubhouses and partner cafe networks will lead rides worldwide on the 12th September with the aim of getting as many women on bikes as possible. Virtual community rides will also take place on the same date. It will be an event that aims to create lasting friendships and memories, as the women’s cycling community joins together to ride towards a common goal. Rapha hopes to inspire both those new to the sport and those more experienced to complete the distance together.
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In celebration of the event, Rapha have released a Women’s 100 capsule collection with a new design for 2021. The pattern is inspired by women who pioneered the first ever women’s cycling clubs, a homage to the doors they opened for aspiring female cyclists. It features an eye-catching pink, yellow and blue colour palette, fitting choices for the hopeful and positive nature of the event. 
The pattern dons Rapha’s most premium jersey: the Pro Team Aero, a garment designed for speed and performance. It’s made with a trio of fabrics aimed at reducing drag and ensuring ventilation. Despite the focus on aerodynamics, comfort is also a priority, the jersey features a low collar to avoid irritation and a zip with an easy-glide puller to ensure ease of use at speed. A sturdy elasticated hem means the jersey will stay put over the long day of riding.
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For those looking for a more casual fit in a lower price bracket, Rapha have also released a Core Jersey with the same pattern. While the iconic design is still as visible, the Core jersey is less race-focused and offers a simple, refined look. 
The Core Bib shorts round out the outfit. They feature an understated black base colour but with an ode to the Women’s 100 patterning on the straps and the hem of the shorts. Built for all day riding, the Core shorts are well-suited to the demands of the Women’s 100. The female specific chamois comes in a range of widths for optimal support and comfort, allowing a stylish look that doesn’t compromise on practicality.
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Women’s 100 Pro Team Socks, Cap and Bidon complete the capsule collection, all featuring the Women’s 100 emblem and in keeping with the blue, pink and yellow colour scheme.
The collection is modelled by the Steezy Collective: a group of trailblazing women helping to change the face of cycling by increasing diversity and reducing the barriers to entry. The Steezy Collective is an inclusive cycling collective representative of all cycling disciplines. Its ethos aligns perfectly with that of the Rapha’s Women’s 100: bringing women from all over the world together to unite and experience cycling without limitations.
The Women’s 100 Collection is available to buy from the Rapha website here, allowing women to train in the kit in the run up to the big day on the 12th September. The registration for the Women’s 100 will open at the end of July on rapha.cc.
