In a celebration of all that the race embodies, the organisation of the Tour de France and its official clothing partner, Santini, has launched a new cycling clothing brand named “Maillot Jaune.” Aimed at riders of all levels, be it serious racers or just casual cyclists, the Tour de France hope that the collection will unite fans in shared appreciation of cycling’s most famous race.
Made up of jerseys, base layers, bib shorts, rain jackets and accessories, the kit features a striking dark green and blue base colour with dashes of yellow as an ode to the famous yellow jersey, worn by the leader of Le Tour. While the design is inspired by the speed of the race and pays homage to the history of the Tour de France, kit manufacturers Santini have ensured that the jersey remains elegant and understated with a small Maillot Jaune logo and pops of yellow as just a subtle nod to the race’s history.
Related: Santini to make the first women's maillot jaune
While the aesthetics of the Maillot Jaune range hold huge importance to the Tour de France, Santini has ensured that the technical quality of the kit withholds the Italian brand’s usual high standard. The range’s flagship product, the Esprit Climbing Jersey, is made of lightweight and breathable fabrics and has a slim performance fit. Its technical characteristics are identical to those of the jerseys awarded to the leader of each classification during the Tour de France.
Related: Lizzie Deignan, Fran Millar and Monica Santini in conversation
The Esprit Baselayer and Allez Single Panel Bib Shorts perfectly complete the outfit. The bib shorts have been made using a light compression 'Thunderbike' Power fabric with a “tattoo effect” silicon gripper and seamless elastic braces. Ideal for long rides, the shorts also feature reflective logos for when the light begins to fade and a multi density chamois for optimum comfort. As a special additional detail, labels detailing the history behind the product are thermo-sealed on the rear of the shorts.
Related: Tour de France 2022 Preview
The Allez Nimbus Rain Jacket and Wind Vest are also part of the collection for if the weather takes a turn, with a neck warmer, gloves and socks finishing off the outfit. The Tour de France and Santini also offer a technical t-shirt as part of the collection for a more casual or off-bike option. With the Esprit jersey retailing at £140 and the Allez bib shorts at £180, the new Maillot Jaune collection is reasonably well priced in today’s kit market.
While the Tour de France has launched the initial Maillot Jaune kit in collaboration with Santini, the Italian brand won’t always be the only manufacturer of the Maillot Jaune range. The Tour de France explained in a press release: “The clothing manufacturer Santini is marking the release of "Maillot Jaune" with the creation of an exclusive first collection that celebrates the singular nature of the Tour de France. Other manufacturers will be invited to join the movement in the future.”
The full range is available to buy now on Santini and the official Tour de France website.
