Queen of the Mountains: empowering cycling clothing

A fantastic new range of women’s cycling attire has caught our attention this week.

Queen of the Mountains, founded by Alicia Bamford, aims to encapsulate in its products the positive, invigorating and life affirming aspects of cycling.

The brand’s performance cycling clothing is designed to channel the beauty & freedom at the heart of cycling, but Alicia’s ultimate aim is to empower more women to ride:

“We want to inspire women to ride and to climb their own mountain, to set their own challenge and feel that sense of achievement on the way up, as well as at the summit. We’re introducing more women to the beauty, freedom and sense of achievement that comes with cycling.”

The reception has been positive so far. Triathlete Simone Dailey described the range as “one of the most comfortable jersey and shorts combinations that I have worn, hands down!” Ex Great Britain cyclist Alice Monger-Godfrey echoes her sentiments.

A Kickstarter campaign is in progress, with the goal of £10,000 already having been raised in the first two weeks. At time of writing £12,311 has been raised and plenty of rewards are still available: now is the time to get involved!

The Queen of the Mountains range

Mont Ventoux in Provence inspires the brand’s first collection: its colour schemes and design details being influenced by the mountain that is familiar to all serious cyclists!

Mont Ventoux
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All products are designed in London and tested by a team of dedicated cyclists to ensure they are optimal, before being manufactured in Italy.

Currently there are eight garments are on offer, designed to appeal to cyclists of all abilities (“weekend warriors, café riders, racers and professionals”). The products outlined below are available to pre-order in various bundles through the Kickstarter page:

• Classic jersey: for recreational riding, with slightly relaxed figure compared to the race jersey.
• Race jersey: for tempo and longer rides, made from sensitive and technical fabric which is soft and wicks away sweat.
• Shorts: Lycra Power© shorts, figure hugging and supportive and designed to reduce muscle vibrations that cause fatigue. Also include the latest women’s Cytech pad to optimise comfort during all rides.
• Gilet: a lightweight, waterproof and wind repellent Gilet which will fit easily into a back pocket when not in use.
• Base layer: temperature regulating garment to be worn beneath other layers
• Arm warmers: designed to complement the race jersey’s design, they’ll keep the wind (and sun!) off of your exposed arms
• Caps: designed for the female head size!
• Socks: lightweight, mid length, with polka dot design

Race jersey, gilet, arm warmers and cap
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Classic jersey in ‘Soleil’
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Empowering women in the saddle

Alicia’s vision extends beyond clothing, too. Queen of the Mountains organise training rides for female cyclists, a selection of which are currently recruiting.

She is also part of the ambassador team of Strongher, a global movement established by Marianne Vos inspiring women to ride.

An impressive portfolio and a noble mission!

You can find out more about Queen of the Mountains at the website or head to their Kickstarter page now if you want to get involved!