Castelli bills the Trasparente 3 Wind Jersey FZ as pro issue training gear, and sure enough this is the favored winter training piece that the Cannondale-Garmin team turns to. The pro's regard it as the go-to winter training option because the Trasparente 3 blocks wind and water like a jacket, keeps them warm while managing the perspiration that comes with high-level effort, yet fits and feels like a jersey, all at a weight of 281 grams in a size Medium. The incredible wind-blocking front also stops water, while the dense but light insulating fleece delivers exceptional fit, warmth and comfort all around. Highly effective between 50 and 65°F, and manageable even a few degrees colder, the Trasparente can be worn with various weight baselayers for even more range, especially in dry conditions. While some pro-level pieces seem just too specific for every day cyclists, this wonderful jacket-like jersey will be the go-to piece of many intermediate to race level cyclists.

Blocking wind, onrushing cold air, and moisture from above and below is crucial in a full-on wind jersey. For the Trasparente 3, Castelli uses the incredible flexible, thermal Windstopper® X-Lite Plus fabric as the barrier found on the front-facing chest and arm panels. This exceptional 4-layer fabric is 100% windproof, nearly waterproof, yet insulates and breathes at high levels. The level of protection is astounding given the 4-way stretch flexibility. This allows the designers to truly build a lightweight piece with protection without compromising fit, comfort, and freedom of movement.

For the back arm and rear facing panels, Castelli has chosen their WARMER fabric. The soft fleece inside traps heat and releases moisture at a high level without being bulky or stiff. The 100% polyester material uses hollow core spun yarns in a proprietary weave to achieve incredible performance. Normally fabrics that wick so well are challenged to retain warmth, especially with some air exposure, but WARMER strikes a perfect balance while still being compressive, with just the right stretch for ideal race-cut fit.

Every detail- the cuffs the hem, the collar- reflects the attention that ensures that pro's can head out for a 4-5 hour training ride without ever worrying about comfort. All stitching and seaming is kept off normal areas prone to chafing. The YKK Camlock zipper locks in place perfectly, and the pull is easy to grasp and use with gloves on. A left chest pocket with vertical zip is deal for electronics or compact food items, and the three-pocket pro-preferred rear pocket structure reassures that this really is a jersey, regardless of the level of protection. Even the soft, wide Jacquard internal waist band is perfect. It holds the piece in place, yet never feels bulky or annoying. With simple and subtle Castelli logos, and reflective elements to the rear, the company allows the Trasparente 3 to do it's own promotion.

For many riders this wind jersey will replace combinations of jerseys and jackets. While the price isn't low, we feel the Trasparente 3 is a tremendous value. With such high quality fabrics and construction, it is durable and perfectly suited to the challenges of high-level cool weather cycling. You won't be afraid to do intervals or hit tough climbs because it can handle the sweat that results. If pro riders trust it to protect and keep them comfortable on frequent harsh off-season training rides, so can you.