My initial ‘short shorts’ concerns were alleviated once I had actually got the Athena shorts on, finding they had a similar healthy length to all the other shorts that have been tested recently.

Coming with a snug secure fit, the Mavic Athena women’s cycling shorts manage to achieve the perfect balance between close fitting, without over compression.

I suspect this is thanks to a supportive ‘Skin Power’ fabric used on the panelled short and then a more compliant non-binding fabric for the leg cuff, along with sufficient silicone to keep it secure.

>>> Women’s cycling shorts: a buyer’s guide

The shorts come with a streamlined Ergo 3D chamois, which had padding in the right places and felt fluid with movement when on the bike.

The Athena waistline was the least noticeable of all the non-bib shorts that I have worn so far this season, squeezing in the middle gently, but thanks to a high waist it provided no risk of any jersey to shorts gaps appearing.

A great pair of shorts, but at nearly £80 they are certainly a considered purchase, but if you do indulge – you won’t be disappointed.