The 2017 Giro D’Italia starts today, and this year marks a huge milestone as the centenary edition of the event. From May 5 to May 28, racers will vie for podium finishes and the right to don the coveted leader jerseys. Santini Cycling Wear has been producing official jerseys for the Giro D’Italia since 1993, and will continue their partnership this year with some thoughtful special edition designs.
Given the occasion Santini is not only producing the four leader jerseys (plus a black Maglia Nero jersey!), they’re also releasing a separate Capsule Collection paying homage to the various race stages, famed ex-racers and the history and culture of several host cities. In this article we’ll check out the Capsule Collection’s tech specs and the stories behind each design…
The Capsule Collection jerseys all share the same materials and construction. The front and sides are made from a lightweight, breathable fabric called Think Opaco, while a textile dubbed stretch Cyber Rider covers your back. The slim-fitting jerseys feature raw-cut Bodyfit sleeves and elastic silicone grippers at the lower hem. The Capsule Collection jerseys also include three rear pockets and a full front zipper.
The first stage jersey is dedicated to the race’s start location in Sardinia. It bears the colors of the Mediterranean sea, and a stylized traditional Sardinian lapwing melded with the swirling infinity Giro D’Italia centenary symbol. The region’s flag and the names of the towns hosting finish lines for the three Sardinian stages also appear on the rear panel. The unique sleeve patterns are inspired by Sardinian rug motifs, and the collar displays the words L’isola infinita (eternal island) in script.
As riders traverse the Apennines in the Bartali stage, they begin at the Ponte a Ema in Florence, where legendary rider Giro Bartali was born. This jersey celebrates Bartali’s three event wins and seven King of the Mountain jerseys, but also pays homage to his resistance efforts during WWII. On the chest Bartali’s name is displayed, topped by mountains made of letters: This is a reference to Bartali’s role carrying confidential notes during the war. The yellow and blue color scheme was chosen as those colors were common threads throughout Bartali’s racing career. Finally, the message ‘You do good but you don’t talk about it. And some medals are pinned on the heart, not the jacket,” is featured on the jersey’s back.
During the Rovetta-Bormio stage, riders will tackle the highest peak in the race atop the Stelvio Pass at 2757m elevation. This jersey is a tribute to the race’s highest peak, or Cima Coppi. The words W COPPI are shown on the chest and five-time Giro D’Italia champion Angelo Fausto Coppi’s nickname ‘The Great One’ is featured on the inside of the collar. The start and finish cities of Bornia and Rovetta are included on the right and left sleeves, while an Amore Infinito logo pattern adorns both.
The Giro D’Italia’s final stage is represented in the Monza-Milano jersey, which borrows the pink and gold accents from Santini’s Maglia Rosa leader jersey. On the chest the words Monza-Milano are shadowed by the profile of the architecturally astounding Doumo cathedral. The sleeves also bear Monza-Milano in text and a swirling 100 logo pattern. Finally, the back of the Monza-Milano jersey features the words ‘L’onda Invincible’ (invincible wave) in reference to a Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper article that announced the creation of the first Giro D’Italia event.
For those who like to accessorize, Santini is also producing co-ordinated shorts, caps, socks and gloves for each of these jerseys as well. The centenary edition jerseys and matching accessories are now available in stores and online, check out Santini’s website for all the details.
