Embers Merino came to our attention as suppliers of fine Merino wool base layers a couple of years ago, and today the company has announced the new Velo range of cycle clothing.

Velo sees the company moving into the manufacture of such items as jackets, gilets and jerseys of various styles available for both men and women, with further expansion scheduled. All the garments are made in either the UK or New Zealand and use MAPP endorsed NZ merino fabrics as they do with their baselayers.

A new Core twin face fabric has been developed for the range, a fabric comprising a 100% Merino wool lining with an external layer of wicking technical synthetic fabric. The fabric combines the comfort, anti-odour and breathability benefits of merino with the extra abrasion resistance required for outer layers

“There is often a perception that merino is only be for winter,” says Chris from Embers Merino. “This [short sleeved core jersey] is an ultralight fabric and the outer face has an eyelet structure all over for extra breathability.

“It’s done loads of miles of testing in hot conditions and has been really successful,.The merino helps keep the chill off if things turn cold so it’s a really versatile jersey.”

Prices and more info at www.embersmerino.com