Heritage Day on the 24th September, loved as a day that celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of South Africa, and an ideal opportunity to take a moment reflect on our brand's heritage and journey from small beginnings to a brand with an international customer base. Since our inception, we’ve been driven by a passion for creating high-performance cycling apparel that merges cutting-edge design with exceptional quality and style. But beyond that, our heritage is deeply rooted in the love we have for our community—our customers, partners, and team members who have been with us every step of the way.
A Heritage of Craftsmanship and Innovation
Founded in 2015 by Andrew Gold the brand was driven by his passion for cycling and extensive experience in the clothing industry. Reflecting on his inspiration, Andrew recalls how it came from a moment of inspiration, “I was watching the Giro d’Italia that year and, seeing the passion of the riders and fans, decided that I wanted to make kit the will inspire other to ride.” This vision led to the creation of CIOVITA, a brand born from the Latin word “cio,” meaning “move,” and the Italian “vita,” meaning “life.” Thus, CIOVITA — life in motion — embodies the essence of being in constant movement.
Starting with a small team of just three people, CIOVITA produced its first cycling apparel in early 2016. From those humble beginnings, the brand has grown to employ over 200 dedicated individuals, each contributing to our mission of providing premium performance gear for cyclists of all levels.
From the very start, CIOVITA has been more than just a cycling kit manufacturer. We combined deep clothing industry expertise with a passion for cycling to create products that enhance every rider’s experience. Each stitch, design detail, and fabric choice reflects our commitment to quality, comfort, and style.
As we’ve evolved, we’ve embraced new technologies and sustainable practices, continually striving to create the best possible cycling apparel. Whether through our innovative Polartec® collaboration for winter gear or our vibrant summer collections, our focus has remained steadfast on delivering excellence in every product we offer.
Milestones to Celebrate
This year has been particularly special for us, marked by milestones that we’re incredibly proud to share with you.
- One Year of CIOVITA Broadacres Store: Our Johannesburg flagship store recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. It’s been an incredible journey, and this space has become a hub for the local cycling community. We’ve loved getting to know our Jo'burg customers better and are excited for what the next year holds.
- CIOVITA Stellenbosch Store Facelift: Our Stellenbosch store, located in one of the country’s most iconic cycling regions, has also received a fresh new look. The revamped space is a reflection of our evolution as a brand, and we look forward to welcoming you to experience the new design.
- Global Expansion: This year, our footprint in Europe and Australia has continued to grow. We’ve been fortunate to connect with cycling communities worldwide, bringing the spirit of CIOVITA to new markets and showcasing our South African heritage on a global stage.
- 20,000 Strong on Social Media: We recently reached a major milestone—20,000 followers on our main social media platform. This is more than just a number; it represents a vibrant and growing community of cyclists who inspire us daily.
- Custom Services for Our Community: We’ve also taken significant strides in offering bespoke services with the introduction of our CANVAS and FUSION custom ranges. Whether it’s a custom design created just for you or a fusion of your branding with our existing styles, we’ve built this service with our community in mind, offering a secure and seamless experience
Giving Back: Our Commitment to Local Communities
At CIOVITA, we believe that giving back is part of our roots. We proudly support local talent through the DSV Shift Cycling Academy, providing young riders with structured training and opportunities for a future in pro cycling. We also offer reduced rates for corporate and race teams to help make cycling more accessible.
Our broader social responsibility efforts include numerous partnerships focused on using the sport of cycling to cross boundaries, support worthy initiatives and create meaningful opportunities opportunities
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community
At the core of everything we do is our customers and community. Whether you’re a rider who has been with us since the early days or someone who has just discovered CIOVITA, we want to say thank you. Your support, feedback, and passion drive us to keep innovating and creating the very best products. Our journey wouldn’t be possible without you, and as we celebrate our heritage, we also celebrate you.
Here’s to many more milestones, many more rides, and many more moments of community. Together, we continue to build on the heritage of CIOVITA, with a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and giving back.
Happy Heritage Day from the CIOVITA family!
