THE COLORS OF VICTORY: THE RAINBOW JERSEY’S TIMELESS JOURNEY

In the world of cycling, few symbols are as iconic and revered as the UCI World Champion's rainbow jersey. For nearly a century, this garment has stood as the pinnacle of achievement — a dream realized by only the best, worn with pride across every discipline. But beyond its legendary status, the story of the rainbow jersey is also a reflection of cycling’s evolution, a journey that has shaped the sport and those who dedicate their lives to it.

A dream woven in wool: 1921 and the first rainbow stripes

The roots of the rainbow jersey stretch back to 1921, when the UCI World Championships were held in Copenhagen. Swedish rider Gunnar Sköld became the first cyclist to wear the rainbow jersey after conquering the men's road race. At the time, the rainbow was just a simple woolen garment — humble in material, but powerful in its meaning. The five horizontal stripes — blue, red, black, yellow, and green — were chosen to represent the global reach of cycling, uniting athletes from all continents under a single banner.

Back then, the jersey was free of any branding or commercial logos, a pure testament to the rider's ability and endurance. These early versions were raw, made of wool and acrylic, mirroring the gritty, determined spirit of the champions who wore them.

A new era begins: 1996 and the rise of cycling disciplines

As cycling expanded and evolved, so did the rainbow jersey. By the 1980s, wool had given way to high-performance synthetic fabrics like polyester and Lycra, transforming the jersey into a lightweight, aerodynamic garment designed for peak performance.

Santini joined forces with the UCI in 1988, becoming the official manufacturer of this prestigious symbol. With our expertise, the rainbow jersey embraced the future of cycling technology, adapting to the needs of modern athletes.

Then, in 1996, the rainbow stripes took on a new form. As cycling grew beyond road racing, with disciplines like cyclo-cross, track cycling, and mountain biking flourishing, the UCI introduced specific symbols to the jersey to distinguish each champion’s discipline — yet the iconic stripes remained, a unifying element representing the shared spirit of all cycling disciplines.

A bold redesign: 2015 and the future of the rainbow jersey

In 2015, the UCI undertook a major rebranding effort. The goal? To create a design that would represent the global and diverse nature of cycling in the modern era. Gone were the discipline-specific symbols, and in their place was a clean, universal design that spoke to all corners of the cycling world.

The rainbow stripes stayed strong — unwavering in their symbolism of global unity and excellence. This new jersey was bold, timeless, and ready to embrace the challenges of the next generation of riders.

100 years of glory: 2021 and the centennial celebration

A century after the rainbow stripes first graced a champion’s chest, the UCI celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021 with a special edition of the jersey. This was no ordinary design. The classic white base and rainbow stripes were enriched with luxurious details like a gold zipper, trims, and a commemorative badge, honoring both the history and the future of the sport.

This jersey wasn’t just a piece of clothing; it was a tribute to the legends who had come before, a reminder of the legacy that continues to inspire new generations of cyclists.

Sustainability takes the stage: 2021 and the introduction of eco-friendly fabrics

2021 also marked another important milestone in the rainbow jersey’s evolution — one that reflected the sport’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility. In partnership with Santini, the UCI introduced an eco-friendly version of the jersey, using sustainable fabrics to reduce the environmental impact of professional cycling.

The rainbow jersey had long been a symbol of individual triumph, but now, it stood for something greater. It became a beacon for the sport’s potential to drive positive change, demonstrating that the future of cycling isn’t just about winning races, but also about protecting the world we ride in.

The legacy of the rainbow stripes

As the rainbow jersey continues to evolve, its core message remains the same: it is a mark of excellence, a dream realized by few, but aspired to by many. It symbolizes the unity of the global cycling community, transcending disciplines and boundaries. And today, it stands as a reminder that the sport of cycling is not just about pushing limits on the bike — it’s about shaping a better, more sustainable future.

Every stitch in the rainbow jersey tells a story. It’s a journey that has unfolded over a century and will continue to inspire the champions of tomorrow. Because in cycling, as in life, the road ahead is always full of possibility.