The UCI and Santini shook hands again and for the next ones four years The rainbow jersey will bear the Bergamo-based company's logo. The novelty of the Imola agreement is a renewed focus on the environment and ecological issues.
In fact, starting from January 2021, from the cyclocross world championships in Belgium, the rainbow jersey will be made with recycled fabrics from PolartecThe jerseys for the master world champion and the circuit leaders will also be eco-friendly. Women's cycling's World TourAll the shirts will finally be placed in biodegradable packaging.
«An important chapter in our company history – he commented Monica Santini, CEO of Santini Cycling Wear – which tells the story of our collaboration with the highest institution in world cycling. The choice of recycled materials confirms our commitment to the environment. For years, we've been choosing local suppliers and are increasingly using recycled fabrics.
We took a step back in Santini's history with Paola Santini, Marketing Director of Santini Cycling WearThe two sisters, daughters of the knight Peter, are today the backbone of the company.
How long has Santini been making the rainbow jersey?
Santini has been a partner of the UCI since 1988 And this bond represents a fundamental chapter in the company's history. Dressing world champions is a source of great pride.
Is the rainbow jersey open to variations?
It's an iconic shirt that does not change over time. We made a restyling in 2016 when the UCI updated the logo and it was decided to make the graphics unique for all disciplines.
So it's not changing?
So there is not much to do about the design of the rainbow jersey, but we have the full confidence of the UCI for the choice of fabrics which are constantly updatedAs for the UCI line, we have free rein to design it, respecting the guidelines for the use of colors and the logo.
How many world championship events do you cover each year?
We supply jerseys to the world championships for all specialtiesFrom road to track, from cyclocross to mountain biking, including indoor cycling and paracycling. We're also creating a dedicated line for some of these events, working directly with the local organizer and the UCI.
Is the rainbow jersey also a product to be sold?
Sales are mostly for UCI products featuring the rainbow colors. The rainbow jersey isn't the best-selling product. I believe this is partly due to a certain embarrassment surrounding such an important jersey for cycling. A jersey that many believe can only be worn if it's earned, sweated for, and won.
Did the many World Cup graphics make your life difficult?
The tricky part is that each World Cup has a different organizer, and therefore new people to explain what we do each time. Once we've overcome this obstacle, Our creative director, Fergus Niland, enjoys designing the dedicated line.
Was there a world champion to whom the company was more attached than others?
More than one and for different reasons. On an emotional level I can mention Bugno and also Freire, with whom we have had a very close relationship of collaboration and friendship. Then there are champions like History or all Australians, from Evans to Dennis.
Why Australians?
Because they won the World Cup while already wearing Santini for their national team. Mads pedersen instead it was special because it had been a long time since a rider from a team sponsored by Santini, the Trek-Segafredo, he hadn't won a world championship on the road. I could make an endless list, and I wouldn't want to forget the women.
Which ones do we want to remember?
Anna Meares, with whom we have a wonderful relationship and who is an icon for us, not only for the victories she has achieved in her career but also for what she represents for women's track cycling. Or “Lizzie” Deignan, who demonstrated that being a woman and a mother does not mean giving up on winning! With both of them we have developed some of the our lines dedicated to women and so we worked closely together creating a unique relationship.
