Founded in 1965 by Pietro Santini, Santini Cycling celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The Italian family company has always been closely connected to professional cycling, and since 1988, has been the Official Supplier of the prestigious rainbow jersey that UCI World Champions get to wear for the year following their victory. As well as providing clothing for the professional peloton, Santini produces kit for cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
With the unveiling of its new collection, the Mondo Line and Nations Line, we talk to CEO of Santini Cycling Monica Santini, about the company’s cycling journey, the inspiration behind the different Santini collections, and her own vision of cycling.
What have been the major highlights and the biggest evolutions for Santini since 1965?
Monica Santini (M.S.): Celebrating 60 years is a significant milestone for Santini, and looking back, we’re incredibly proud of the journey we’ve taken since 1965. One of the major highlights has been our long-standing partnership with the UCI, which began in 1988 and has never been interrupted.
Throughout the decades, we've remained closely connected to professional cycling, which has been essential in driving our technological and product evolution. From the early days of wool jerseys to the introduction of Lycra, printable polyester, advanced membranes, and aerodynamic innovations developed in the wind tunnel—our history is a reflection of the sport’s progress.
The rainbow jersey is one of the most recognised pieces of sporting apparel in the world: can you talk us through what the rainbow stripes represent for Santini?
M.S.: For us at Santini, the rainbow jersey is much more than just a piece of sporting apparel — it’s a symbol of excellence, history, and identity. We refer to ourselves as “The Rainbow Factory”, because we are the proud producers of the iconic jersey worn by the UCI World Champions.
The rainbow stripes represent the pinnacle of achievement in cycling, and being entrusted with their production is both an honour and a responsibility we take very seriously. Personally, I’ve attended nearly every UCI Road World Championships in my lifetime, and each one carries its own story and emotion. One of my most cherished memories is the 1986 UCI Road World Championships in Colorado Springs, when Moreno Argentin claimed the title. That race — like every edition of the event — shows how a single day can change a rider’s life forever.
You produce the rainbow jersey not only for UCI World Champions but also a version that can be purchased by cycling enthusiasts around the world, enabling them to live a dream….
M.S.: Our mission has never been limited to the professional peloton. We've always worked to bring the best products to every type of cyclist — from UCI World Champions to everyday riders — aligning with the UCI’s vision to spread the love for cycling to a broader audience.
Giving cycling enthusiasts around the world the opportunity to wear the rainbow jersey is something we value deeply. Of course, the original jersey is reserved for the UCI World Champions, but the version we make available to the public carries an equally powerful message.
When a rider chooses to wear the rainbow stripes, they’re not just wearing a design — they’re wearing the values of the UCI. It’s a way for cycling fans to express that they belong to this world, that they share in its history and its future. We see it as a dream made tangible. Through this jersey, people can celebrate their love for cycling and show that they are part of a global community.
How does Santini go about designing a new collection?
M.S.: Designing UCI collections is both an exciting challenge and a great honour for us. One of our most iconic assets is the rainbow stripes — a powerful and instantly recognisable symbol of world cycling. Our goal is always to find elegant and refined graphic solutions that showcase the rainbow motif in a way that feels contemporary while respecting its legacy.
Each edition of the UCI World Championships tells a different story. The host countries and locations provide unique cultural, historical, and visual inspiration that forms the heart of each collection. We carefully study the distinctive features of the setting — its colours, landscapes, architecture, and traditions — and translate those into graphic elements, textures, and colour palettes that make every design deeply connected to its context.
What inspired the new Mondo Line et Nations Line?
M.S.: The Mondo Line was inspired by the desire to celebrate the global spirit of cycling and the prestige of the UCI through a clean, elegant, and timeless design. We wanted to create a collection that speaks to cyclists all over the world — something that reflects the universality of the sport.
The Nations Line, on the other hand, is a tribute to the countries that have hosted the UCI World Championships over the years. It reimagines the iconic rainbow stripes by blending them with the distinctive colours of each nation, creating a strong connection between national identity and global cycling heritage. This collection is designed to carry a piece of that history on every ride.
Over the years there have been numerous collections. Is there a design that you are particularly proud of?
M.S.: One collection that stands out for us is the Grandi Campioni collection. It was a tribute to some of the most iconic UCI Road World Championships in history, with each design telling the story of a legendary victory. Every piece was inspired by a specific UCI World Champion and the context of their win—whether it was the terrain, the race dynamics, or the unique personality of the rider.
More than 35 years of partnership with the UCI and its events: can you describe the inspiration gained from working with cycling’s worldwide governing body?
M.S.: This partnership has been a constant source of inspiration. We are proud to be aligned with the UCI’s core values and to support not just elite competitions, but also initiatives that promote the growth of cycling at all levels.
One of the projects we’re especially proud to support is the UCI World Cycling Centre. This unique training and development hub helps young athletes from all over the world — often from countries with limited access to resources — develop their talent and pursue their dreams in cycling. It’s a concrete example of how the UCI goes beyond racing, using sport as a tool for empowerment and global connection.