Castelli

Free Donna Tri Distance Suit - Women's

The Castelli Free Donna Tri Distance Suit was created for triathletes who need the ultimate gear for long distance races. In other words, the most demanding set of circumstances that either an athlete or a piece of clothing can face.

Castelli constructed the Free Donna Tri Distance Suit from Instadry Speed Fabric with a hydrophobic treatment. So, it glides through the water with hydrodynamic properties akin to the newest swim skins. It also happens to dry very quickly when you get out, improving comfort post-T1. Additionally, Velocity mesh at the back improves aerodynamics and provides cooling airflow.

The Tri Top features a back zipper with an oversized tab in order to both ease entry and exit and to allow on-the-fly heat dumps. Castelli also incorporated two rear pockets that are large enough to carry your race-day nutrition. Additionally, Castelli covered them with what it calls 'fairing flaps' in order to maintain a low hydrodynamic profile in the water.

This brings us to the shorts' aero- and hydro-dynamic benefits. It all comes down to managing airflow, and coincidentally, the human body accounts for over 90% of aerodynamic drag on the bike and 100% of hydrodynamic drag during the swim. To mitigate this, the shorts have been made to be what Castelli calls 'slippery.' By combining a nearly seamless design with a low-profile, compacted thread Lycra, air and water flow remains attached to the body as it comes off of the helmet and front of the bike during the ride, and the head and shoulders during the swim.

The integrated leg grippers don't feel like they're binding your legs, as some grippers can. They hold your leg subtly, so you don't notice them as you ride, run, or swim. Castelli achieves this effect by knitting the grippers directly into the fabric at the hem, so everything lies flat and gently grips your leg without binding.

Rounding off the shorts is Castelli's triathlon-exclusive KISS Tri chamois. Castelli designed the KISS Tri to work most effectively while you're in the aero position on the bike. It trimmed away unnecessary foam to optimize comfort during the run and swim portions of your race. The removal of excess foam also allowed Castelli to make the pad wider, thus moving stitching away from the crotch to avoid irritation. A liner on the front of the short adds support to make you more comfortable during the run.

The Castelli Free Donna Distance Tri Suit is available in six sizes from Small to 3X-Large and in the color White/black/pink.