OUR HISTORY
Castelli's history is made up of innovation, passion and historical firsts. Let's relive its key moments together.
THE FOUNDATIONS
THE FOUNDATIONS
1876 - VITTORE GIANNI
Castelli traces its roots back to a fine tailor (Vittore Gianni) in the heart of Milan, founded in 1876.
Through the years, Vittore Gianni clothed AC Milan, Juventus, and the Milan Ballet.
1910 - ALFREDO BINDA
The first cycling clothing was made in the 1910s for the world champion and five-time Giro champion Alfredo Binda.
1935 - ARMANDO CASTELLI
The business changed course in 1935 when a young Armando Castelli joined Gianni’s staff and in 1939 purchased the company.
DRESSING THE CHAMPIONS
DRESSING THE CHAMPIONS
1945 - HIGH‑PROFILE CLIENTS
Castelli maintained Vittore Gianni’s high‑profile clients, which by the late 1940s included the cycling heroes Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi.
1948 - MAURIZIO CASTELLI
Armando’s son, Maurizio was born. He grew up following the races of Fausto Coppi who always wore Vittore Gianni clothing, including the first silk skin suits designed for Fausto’s time trials.
1953 - THE PROFESSIONALS
And it didn’t stop there, Louison Bobet, Raphael Gimignani, Rik Van Looy and Jacques Anquetil wore the Vittore Gianni apparel, including up to 12 pro teams were clothed by Vittore Gianni in these years.
THE CASTELLI REVOLUTION
THE CASTELLI REVOLUTION
1974 - THE SCORPION
An early version of the Castelli scorpion logo fashioned by Maurizio for his newly formed brand.
1977 - FIRST LYCRA SHORTS
Castelli innovates again when introducing the first aerodynamic Lycra® shorts used in racing and sold to the public.
1979 - REVOLUTION
Castelli innovates again when introducing the first aerodynamic Lycra® shorts used in racing and sold to the public.
REDEFINING THE RULES
REDEFINING THE RULES
1981 - FIRST COLORED SHORTS
At the 1981 Giro, Maurizio outfitted a handful of riders with the first colored Lycra® shorts at a time when only black shorts were allowed.
1983 - FIRST SUBLIMATION PRINT AND WINDPROOF JERSEY
Castelli pioneered the sublimation dye process with the first sublimation printing of jerseys which allowed graphics such sponsor’s names to be printed directly on fabric.
Bernard Hinault wore the first windproof jersey to win the Fleche Wallonne classic.
1984 - FIRST THERMAL CLOTHING
Francesco Moser wearing the first functional thermal clothing at Paris-Roubaix.
FROM RACING TO A NEW GENERATION
FROM RACING TO A NEW GENERATION
1989 - OFFICIAL SUPPLIER
In the late 80’s and early 90’s Castelli supplied the leader jerseys at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France as well as a dozen of pro teams.
1995 - A SAD MOMENT
Maurizio’s life was cut short at age 47 when he died of a heart attack riding up the Cipressa hill, the legendary ascent on the Milan-Sanremo course.
1996 - WOMAN CYCLING COLLECTION
Maurizio’s vision to create the most innovative clothing continued being the driving force of the company. In 1996, the first fully aerodynamic skinsuit was introduced for the Atlanta Olympics.
Castelli equipped the Italian national cycling team, and Paola Pezzo when she won the olympic gold medal in mountain biking. The same year, Castelli introduced the "Prima Donna" women's cycling collection.
A NEW ERA OF INNOVATION
A NEW ERA OF INNOVATION
1998 - WICKING FABRIC TREATMENT AND Y-CUT PAD
The Castelli equipped, Team Once with Abraham Olano wore the first jersey with wicking fabric treatment (Prosecco).
The same year, Castelli innovates the first modern anatomic seatpad, the Y-cut seatpad.
2003 - A NEW ERA
Castelli becomes part of Manifattura Valcismon and moves to Fonzaso, at the foot of the Dolomites. A new chapter begins, driven by the same pursuit of innovation and performance that has always defined the brand.
2007 - REVOLUTIONIZING RACE CLOTHING
Castelli revolutionizes Team Saunier Duval's clothing with the first Aero Race Jersey, the first Aero Bibshort and the lightest jersey ever produced in professional cycling to date.
The Giro elastic band was introduced when others used an uncomfortable, tight and thin elastic at the edge of their shorts. In just 4 years the cycling shorts are completely changed.
REDEFINING CYCLING PERFORMANCE
REDEFINING CYCLING PERFORMANCE
2008 - RADIATION
The ‘Radiation’ insulation system is introduced offering performance cyclists a new way of dressing for cold winter days. (Radiation)
2009 - REINVENTING THE BIBSHORT
Castelli reinvents the bib short with Body Paint, a single piece of fabric with most of the components integrated into the seamless fabric.
2010 - COLD AND WET
The Gabba WS jersey, the first all-weather aerodynamic jersey, is used by the Cervelo-TestTeam (above) and immediately sets the standard for protection against cold and wet conditions for racers and club cyclists alike. The Nano-Flex water repellent fabrics shed water but are still breathable offering function as well as an aero fit.
CREATING NEW ICONS
CREATING NEW ICONS
2011 - SANREMO SPEED SUIT
The Sanremo Speed Suit, the first ever skinsuit made for road racing, is used by Johan Van Summeren to win Paris-Roubaix.
2012 - BODY PAINT 3.0 SPEED SUIT
Canadian Ryder Hesjedal uses the Body Paint 3.0 speed suit, the most engineered time-trial suit ever made by Castelli, to win the Giro d’Italia by a scant 16 seconds overall.
2014 - ALPHA JACKET
Castelli reinvents the winter cycling jacket by separating the insulating inner layer from the outer windproof barrier. The Alpha construction provides better control of temperature and moisture during cold-weather rides.
FROM HERITAGE TO THE FUTURE
FROM HERITAGE TO THE FUTURE
2018 - Returning to the Giro d'Italia
Castelli returns to the Giro d’Italia as the official supplier of the classification leaders’ jerseys, renewing the historic connection between the brand, the Corsa Rosa, and cycling’s greatest champions.
2024 - Gabba R
The sixth generation of the Gabba radically reimagines a Castelli icon. An exclusive new fabric combines rain protection and breathability with an exceptionally aerodynamic fit developed for racing.
2026 - 150 Years of Castelli
Castelli celebrates 150 years of innovation, passion, and cycling. From Vittore Gianni’s tailor shop to the WorldTour, the story continues with the same ambition: to create the cycling apparel of the future.