[Bloomington, IN] – The Indiana University Student Foundation is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Giordana, crafters of premium Italian cycling clothing, to produce custom jerseys for the Little 500 riders throughout the 2024, 2025, and 2026 races. This unique partnership will give Little 500 riders access to a premium brand on race day, adding to their comfort and performance so they can ride at their best when it matters most.
Known for their unmatched expertise and constant innovation, Giordana will design and produce superior jerseys tailored to the specific needs of the Little 500 teams. In keeping with tradition, the Giordana jerseys will feature a full-zip front, with no jersey pockets in the back. Little 500 teams will have their name, sponsor, qualification position, and Students Helping Students patch featured.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Indiana University Student Foundation in support of the World's Greatest College Weekend,” said Jenny Rollyson, Marketing Director for Giordana. “This partnership embodies a shared commitment to camaraderie, competition, and sportsmanship as well as an appreciation for tradition and legacy. Giordana is excited to deliver custom-made jerseys that not only optimize performance, but also reflect the spirited essence of the Little 500. We look forward to our part in enhancing the riders' experience on the track and in supporting these athletes in pursuit of their goals.”
As part of the partnership, Giordana has collaborated closely with the Little 500 to develop bespoke designs that reflect the race’s spirit. From advanced fabric technologies to aerodynamic enhancements, each jersey will be meticulously crafted to optimize performance and comfort for the riders. The IUSF Riders Council proudly sports their student-designed Giordana wind jacket at Bill Armstrong Stadium to be recognizable to new riders in a variety of weather conditions. For custom team kits, Little 500 riders can work with Giordana to create their own team apparel to train in year-round.
"We are delighted to team up with Giordana for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 races," said Emily Carrico, Little 500 Race Director. "Their expertise and commitment to innovation align perfectly with our values and aspirations. Our riders look forward to sporting their race-tailored jerseys as they continue to push the boundaries of excellence in cycling, while raising funds for Students Helping Students, the peer-to-peer philanthropic campaign."
This year, the 36th running of the women's Little 500 and the 73rd running of the men's Little 500 will take place at Bill Armstrong Stadium on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University. The women's race will be at 4 p.m. Friday, April 19, and the men's race will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20.