SKY RIDER TEAM
SKY Rider Team was born from the desire of a group of friends to share their passion for cycling and make a difference, both on the road and in society. Founded over 18 years ago, the group has grown in size and spirit, and today represents an example of how cycling can be a driver of change and solidarity. With a custom uniform created in collaboration with Santini, the team stands out for its values of discipline, friendship, and respect, turning every outing into an opportunity to raise awareness and help others.
How did your team/project come about?
Our project has its roots in the 1990s, when I was fortunate enough to work as Sports Director for the Bianchi MTB team. During those years, Felice Gimondi, team president and friend of Cavalier Santini, laid the foundation for a collaboration and friendship that continues to this day. In 2006, feeling the desire to create something unique, I founded the SKY Rider Team with a small group of friends. We wanted something that would make us stand out, so I picked up the phone and called Santini. From there, our first kit was born, and the name SKY Rider Team has represented us for over 18 years. And since then, we’ve updated our kit every year and pursued this adventure with passion and consistency.
What are the values and mission of your team/project?
The SKY Rider Team is founded on the values of order, respect, and solidarity. Each member of the group is committed to representing the team and our sponsors with integrity, respecting uniformity during group rides—from uniforms to helmets and glasses—as a symbol of unity and respect for the road. But our commitment goes beyond cycling. We have always been dedicated to solidarity projects, supporting causes close to our hearts. We supported mountaineer Mario Merelli until his passing, contributing to the hospital he founded in Nepal to provide medical care in remote areas. Today, we support the Michele Scarponi Foundation, established to promote road safety and raise community awareness of respect for cyclists and the most vulnerable road users. We also collaborate with the Centro Aiuto alla Vita in Alzano Lombardo, which assists girls and women in need. Every ride thus becomes an opportunity to help those in need and spread the values that unite us as a team and as a community.
How do you plan to influence the cycling community?
We believe that proper and respectful behavior on the roads can make a difference. Wearing a neat and consistent uniform makes us a more visible and respected group among other road users. This positive attitude not only sets a good example, but also draws attention to the safety of cyclists and the most vulnerable on the road. Our social commitment, through donations and support for important causes, also aims to encourage the cycling community to do their part for those less fortunate.
What was the inspiration behind your kit’s design? Is there a particular story behind it?
Our blue kit was designed as a tribute to the sky, a symbol of freedom and adventure. Every time we wear it, we feel united under the same sky, inspired by the desire to explore new horizons. The color blue not only represents our identity, but makes us visible and recognizable, allowing us to feel part of a team even when we’re on the road. This kit tells our story and our connection to nature, to the free spirit that unites us.
SKY Rider Team is more than a sports group: it’s a community that has turned its passion for cycling into a commitment to solidarity and respect for others. Each team member wears a uniform that tells a story of friendship and commitment, and every ride becomes a way to make a difference. We’re proud to ride alongside SKY Rider Team, to help those less fortunate and to promote a message of respect on the road, turning every ride into an act of sharing and awareness.