An early version of the Castelli scorpion logo fashioned by Maurizio for his newly formed brand.

The Scorpion

Castelli innovates again when introducing the first aerodynamic Lycra® shorts used in racing and sold to the public.

First Lycra Shorts

Castelli was crowned with  the prestigious Corriere dello Sport Discobolo award. “Castelli has in a truly  futuristic way, revolutionize clothing for cyclists”.

Revolution

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.

First Colored Shorts

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.

First sublimation print and windproof jersey

Francesco Moser wearing the first functional thermal clothing at Paris-Roubaix.

First thermal clothing

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.

Official supplier

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-San Remo course.

A sad moment

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 first  womens cycling collecton.

First woman collection

Gravel

Road

Mountain

Subscribe to the Ritchey newsletter and enjoy a welcome discount code, engaging stories, exclusive offers and product news delivered right to your inbox.

Ritchey Newsletter

Explore Ritchey Products