JACKSON KIHIKO / STRADE BIANCHE / Eva – Our Men’s Functional Cargo Bib Shorts

I’d never had the chance to cycle in Tuscany, but it’s a place that had always pulled at me. The food, the culture, the deep sense of heritage that seems to run through every village; I wanted to experience it properly, on the bike. 

Strade Bianche felt like the right way in. A race that sits slightly outside the norm. White roads, billowing dust and beautiful chaos. A course where anything can happen, especially on a road bike that feels just fine on gravel… until it doesn’t. Riding up Le Tolfe was a standout. A savage 18% kicker in the final sectors, where even the strongest riders feel the sting. Some might call it torturous – and they wouldn’t be wrong. But I managed to get it done, with sheer grit (and mud on my frame from the unexpected downpour the night before!) – that’s Strade.

The Eva cargo bib shorts were a star of my fit on the day. Multiple side pockets, including a hidden stowaway section in the back, meant I could carry everything I needed, without compromising aesthetics and performance.

“And the new golden olive colour? Well, that most certainly turned a few heads on the day – standing out was on the agenda!”

CATALINA LABO / EL ESCORIAL / Graziella - Our Women’s Essential Bib Shorts with Quick Release Construction

One of my favorite rides with friends was a route to El Escorial monastery. Before reaching San Lorenzo Square, we stopped at the famous Philip II’s chair. As we enjoyed the view and stretched our legs, I couldn’t help but remember the legend of the Black Dog of El Escorial: in the 16th century, an infernal dog with red eyes terrorized the workers building the monastery. The story goes that its ghost still appears, especially during tragic moments, reminding us that every stone in the monastery carries mystery and symbolism. Then we continued to San Lorenzo Square to eat and recharge.

Those moments of laughter, good food and stories with friends are what make every ride special. What I enjoy most about long rides is discovering new places, getting lost in nature or charming spots, and just letting myself go with the rhythm of the bike. For rides like this, I always wear my Graziella bib short: comfortable, breathable and with a chamois perfect for long kilometres. 

“And if I had to pick one extra thing… the fabric feels like a massage on the skin, something that really makes a difference on long rides.”

THIBAUT BARONIAN / TRAIL RUNNER IN CHAMONIX / Marinette - Our Men’s Essential Bib Shorts

During my UTMB training camp, I couldn't run, so I went for a ride on my own. And from Chamonix, the options are pretty limited! I decided to do almost the shortest loop, starting from Chamonix on one side of the valley and returning on the other. 

In the end, it was a loop of over 200 kilometres with 4,000 metres of elevation gain, and that day I discovered the Pas de Morgins. It was incredibly hot (over 35°C)! A really great solo ride, with plenty of stops at fountains to cool off! When I arrived in Chamonix, my teammates were on a terrace having a drink. The timing was perfect, the cold beer was very welcome, and it was great to see my friends again after they'd spent a wonderful day on the trails reconnoitering the UTMB course!

“Overall, I love Café du Cycliste cycling shorts, I find them really comfortable, I don't get any chafing even after very hot and sweaty days, I feel really good in them, and that's super important over long distances, whether in a race or in training!”

Hugo Chevalier / Desertus / cecile - Our Brushed Bib Shorts for Cool to Cold Conditions

@hugoo.chevalier

Desertus Bikus is always one of the year’s most eagerly awaited gravel events, but deserts can be cold, and spring weather unpredictable, even in Spain. To perform in all conditions, 24 hours a day, come what may, you need clothing that’s tough, and versatile. For this year’s race, Café du Cycliste ultradistance ambassador Hugo Chevalier chose Cecile. “My favourite piece of the year: Cécile. A brushed bib short with a fleecy inside, to keep you warm while keeping your legs free. A perfect compromise for the 2025 Desertus, where we went from freezing to scorching hot in the same day. I also wear them for my cold, fast rides during the winter season.”

“I never go without them.”

NOAH WARREN / CAPE EPIC RACER / MATHILDE - BIB SHORTS

@noah_warren42

More than 20 countries. Tens of thousands of kilometres. Mountain bike and road. Noah still has – and still wears – his first Mathilde bib, which he wore bikepacking 5,200 kilometres across America in 2021. “I choose the Mathilde for its exceptional comfort and durability. I love the one-piece woven leg gripper because it eliminates the possibility of chafing. Mathilde’s mesh bib acts like a built-in base layer that aids in temperature control, keeps you dry and eliminates the rub points caused by most bibs on long journeys. The Mathilde is sold as a long-distance bib, but I prefer it for any distance from cross-country short track to cross-country marathon to weeklong bikepacking adventures across the San Juan mountains of Colorado and Utah. If I could only own one bib, it would be the Mathilde.

“Riding the world over the last four years, the Café du Cycliste Mathilde, now rebranded as Freida, has been my go-to bib short.”

REMKO RINKEMA / UNBOUND GRAVEL / Victoire – Our Race Bib Shorts

@remkorinkema

Alongside his partner, Jess Mägdefrau, Dutch-native, Las Vegas-based Remko travels the US and Europe racing at the biggest gravel races.

“My favorite bibs for a long hot day are the Victoire superlight bibs. The comfort level is the same as the other Café bibs, but the fabric is so thin that it helps keep you cool on the hottest days. I chose these bibs for all of my summer races in 2025, including during Unbound 200, where I was able to win my age group.”