Like all the grand tours in professional cycling, the Giro d'Italia has many prized jerseys. The Maglia Rosa, the leader's jersey, is the most coveted of course, but there is also a symbolic jersey for the last man to finish the race - the Maglia Nera.
For 2019, Santini celebrates the Maglia Nera with the L’Arte di Perdere - The Art of Losing. The design incorporates two specific graphic elements: the stylized background image, adapted from a photo of the Passo del Gavia, the Cima Coppi of this year’s Giro d’Italia - and the geometric text pattern repeating the word NERA.
Additionally the small white star on the left sleeve of the jersey is linked to the figure whom the original concept of the Maglia Nera was based, Giovanni Ticcozzelli. The star is taken from the crest of the professional football team Casale, who he played with through the 1920’s. During his ill fated and only attempt at competing at the Giro in 1926, Tico wore his teams football jersey instead of a cycling jersey, all black with the white star.
At Cento this year, we've also stocked the matching bib shorts, featuring elastic, breathable mesh braces with the unique design treatment. The shorts also have light silicone leg grippers at the knee hem. Lastly, the popular GITevo chamois is made in an antibacterial fiber with a Twist Gel core. This allows it to return to the original shape even after long hours on the saddle.
You will also find the gloves and socks to complete the kit look as well. For deals on the remaining items in last year's kit, see the 2018 collection here.
Learn more about this piece of cycling history in the video below.