The Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) was founded in 2015 with the aim of connecting cyclists around the world and bringing them closer to the Rapha brand.
In a release, Rapha notes that ‘though the club as we now know it was established six years ago, the community at its heart has much deeper roots… Long before the signature stripes of the RCC were to be seen in cities around the world, there was another club based in London but with an Italian soul.
‘Taking its name from Rapha’s original offices inside an old piano factory, Imperial Works was an invitation-only members’ club whose luxurious livery was the envy of other cyclists. To celebrate the origins of the Rapha Cycling Club, we have recreated the black, purple and gold of the original gruppo sportivo in an exclusive collection that, like the original, is available only to members.’
Inspired by jackets worn by racers during cycling’s golden era and made with 100% merino wool, the Track Jacket features a ‘chain-stitched G.S Imperial befitting a bygone era.’ The Classic Bib Shorts feature Rapha’s most supportive chamois pad plus the limited edition black and gold livery of the original gruppo sportivo.
A classic tricolour jersey comes in the distinctive black, purple and gold of G.S. Imperial. Made with Rapha Performance Merino (RPM150), the jersey also features an embroidered treble clef on the pocket as a nod to Rapha’s original offices inside an old piano factory.
The Imperial Works Collection consists of: Men’s & Women’s Classic Bib Shorts, Men’s & Women’s Tricolour Jersey, Jersey, Track Jacket, Merino Base Layer, Socks and Cap.
The Imperial Works collection is available exclusively to RCC Members from Tuesday July 6th on rapha.cc. Rapha Cycling Club membership is available on rapha.cc/rcc
- Men’s & Women’s Tricolour Jersey – RRP £140 / €165 / US$190
- Men’s & Women’s Classic Bib Shorts – RRP £170 / €200 / US$235
- Club Jersey – RRP £140 / €165 / US$190
- Merino Base Layer – RRP £60 / €70 / US$80
- Track Jacket – RRP £180 / €215 / US$250
- Socks – RRP £15 / €17.50 / US$20
- Cap – RRP £15 / €17.50 / US$20
www.rapha.cc/stories/imperial-works-collection
