MAILLOT SOLIDARIO: A SYMBOL OF UNITY AT LA VUELTA
La Vuelta is not only a celebration of speed and endurance but also of humanity and social commitment among cyclists. Introduced in the 2023 edition, the Maillot Solidario will be present again this year. This unique award is given to the cyclist who demonstrates the greatest solidarity during each stage. This garment is made and sold to support Bicicletas Sin Fronteras, a Spanish NGO that provides bicycles to children and young people in Senegal, giving them a sustainable means of transportation to go to school.
The jersey
The jersey has a unique and meaningful design: white, with black and yellow stripes in the shape of hands embracing the cyclist. It doesn't distinguish the fastest or most consistent cyclists but those who believe in a better world, understanding that victory is shared. “What is truly important is that we all win,” explains Jorge Martínez, the initiative’s creator and creative director. This design symbolizes unity and collaboration, fundamental values that transcend mere sports competition.
Every day, a group of sports journalists votes for the cyclist who has shown the most solidarity. The winner receives the jersey on the podium the next day. Even though they don't wear it during the race, the jersey remains an indelible reminder of their act of solidarity, a symbol of the true spirit of sport. This recognition not only rewards individual action but also inspires other cyclists and spectators to follow the example.
Bicicletas Sin Fronteras
Bicicletas Sin Fronteras is an NGO that transforms bicycles into tools for social change. By promoting education and social integration of vulnerable children and young people, it seeks to improve the lives of thousands of students and their families in Senegal. “Last year, the sale of jerseys allowed more than 200 new students to attend school without having to face difficult paths,” says Romà Boule, founder and director of the project.
Currently, more than 9,000 students in Senegal benefit from this program. The initiative has not only increased school attendance but also raised the university access rate from 31% to 57%. Additionally, the program includes the creation of repair and mechanical training workshops, providing practical skills and job opportunities.
A symbol of unity
First introduced in the 2023 edition of La Vuelta, the Maillot Solidario received an enthusiastic acclaim from journalists and fans, as well as cyclists and sports teams who were awarded it: Robbe Ghys, Andreas Kron, Egan Bernal, Matevz Govekar, Geraint Thomas, Sepp Kuss, David González, Thomas de Gendt, Michael Storer, Imanol Erviti, Filippo Ganna, Andrey Zeits, Mattia Cattaneo, Romain Bardet, Remco Evenepoel, Jonas Vingegaard, Mikel Landa, Pelayo Sánchez, Primoz Roglic, and Luís León Sánchez.
Among the winners of this jersey were a variety of profiles: from team support riders to team leaders, from young promising talents to highly experienced cyclists. All were chosen for their gestures and attitudes deserving of recognition that go beyond sporting achievements, highlighting the human values of cycling and sports.
In an era where sport often seems dominated by ruthless competition, the Maillot Solidario reminds us that the essence of sport is human connection and solidarity. Every cyclist who wears this jersey carries a powerful message: victory is not just personal, but collective. At Santini, as a sponsor of La Vuelta and the official producers of the leader jerseys, we strongly believe in this project that reflects our values. We are delighted to create this jersey to support Bicicletas Sin Fronteras. Supporting an initiative that promotes education and social integration through cycling fills us with pride and reinforces our commitment to a more just and supportive future.
