Italian clothes manufacturer Santini SMS has secured a five-year partnership with La Vuelta Espana organisers Unipublic SAU that will see it as the official kit suppliers for each of the four classifications.
That includes the red jersey of the general classification, the (white and blue) polka dot king of the mountains jersey, the green jersey for the points classification and the white jersey for the leader of the combined classification. Santini take over from Le Coq Sportif as the official jersey supplier, in a deal that is set to last through 2021, and expand Santini's portfolio beyond the Giro d'Italia and World Championships collaborations that it has already established.
'The innovative and creative character of their proposals is in sync with our philosophy and with the image we wish to portray of the race. For this reason, we consider them to be the perfect ally to help us transmit all the values that characterise us, through our jerseys,' said Unipublic general manager Javier Guillén; Unipublic being the Spanish subsidiary of ASO, the sport's biggest event organiser.
Monica Santini, CEO of Santini SMS, meanwhile said: 'We are delighted with the sponsorship of La Vuelta, one of the leading men’s road cycling races of the UCI World Tour. In more than 80 years of tradition, La Vuelta today is close to everyone’s hearts. We share the same values and passion.'
'It will be an exciting event for everyone,' she continues, 'not only for pros but for all cyclists who train with passion and challenge themselves. For us the partnership with La Vuelta is more than just a race, it represents our continuing contribution to global cycling. Working together not only as a sponsor but a partner with fresh ideas including new special event jerseys, to write together a new chapter of cycling history.'