USA 
Brazil 
Germany 
France 
Italy 
Switzerland 
Sweden 
Spain 
Great Britain 
Norway 
Russia 
South Africa 
Japan 
New Zealand 
Australia 
Valentino Rossi announced on 5 August 2021 that he would retire from MotoGP at the end of that season, as reported by Cycle News. His last race took place at Valencia on 14 November 2021, where he finished tenth, according to Euronews. Fans around the world used the hashtag #GrazieVale to mark the end of a career that began in 1996 and brought nine world championships.
The is a replica jacket inspired by that farewell. This article explains what the product page lists for materials and protection, and how the jacket relates to Rossi's final season.
Key Takeaways
- Rossi retired after the 2021 MotoGP season, with his final race at Valencia on 14 November 2021.
- The jacket is a replica inspired by the Grazie Vale tribute and is not an official product of the rider or the series.
- The product page lists cowhide leather, removable CE Level 2 armour (EN 1621-1:2012) at the shoulders and elbows, a removable spine protector described as EN 1621-2 compatible, and a mesh lining.
- The order form also shows CE Level 2 as an add-on, so the page does not make clear whether Level 2 is fitted without it; confirm this before ordering, and check the fit before riding.
Celebrating a Career in Motion
Rossi's number 46 made him one of the most recognizable figures in the paddock for more than two decades. The "Grazie Vale" (Thank You, Vale) theme turned the end of his career into a shared moment for fans, and the jacket takes inspiration from that tribute. Riders who follow his career can also look at replica suits such as the , or the matching .
Materials and Construction
According to the product page, the jacket is made from 1.2 to 1.3 mm drum-dyed milled cowhide with 100% polyester mesh lining. Other listed details include YKK zippers at the front, cuffs and calf, and stretchable Cordura reinforcement at the sleeves and calf. The sleeves are pre-curved to suit a riding position on the handlebars.
Protection Features
The product page lists removable CE Level 2 armour (EN 1621-1:2012) at the shoulders and elbows and a removable spine protector described as EN 1621-2 compatible; no test certificate is shown. The order form lists speed hump options (no hump, standard, ventilated or hydro) but the page does not describe a protector inside them. The order form also shows CE Level 2 (EN 1621-1:2012) as an add-on, so the page is not clear on whether Level 2 armour is fitted without it, and this should be confirmed before ordering. The SATRA summary of EN 1621 explains that EN 1621-1 sets impact-attenuation test requirements for limb joint protectors. CE and EN 1621 describe how a protector is tested, not how a rider will fare in a crash, so riders should make sure it sits correctly over the joint.
Why Fit Matters for Armour
Armour only works when it stays over the shoulder, elbow and spine. A made-to-measure option helps with this, and the jacket should be tried with the intended layers underneath. A back protector is useful only when it is actually fitted.
Riding Comfort
was known for longevity in the sport, and the jacket's comfort features follow a simple idea: reduce fatigue over a long ride. Pre-curved sleeves keep the arms in a natural position, and a mesh lining helps with airflow in warm weather.
The Grazie Vale Look
The product page describes a season-accurate black and fluorescent yellow livery for the Grazie Vale jacket. As a replica inspired by the rider, it is not an official or licensed item. Exploring the wider range of shows other suits and jackets inspired by riders and seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Valentino Rossi retire from MotoGP?
Rossi announced his retirement on 5 August 2021 and rode his final MotoGP race at Valencia on 14 November 2021, finishing tenth. His career in the world championship had begun in 1996 and included nine world titles across the classes he raced in.
What does Grazie Vale mean?
Grazie Vale is Italian for Thank you, Vale, with Vale being short for Valentino. The phrase became a hashtag and a theme for fans who wanted to thank Rossi at the end of his MotoGP career, and it appears on tribute merchandise.
Is this jacket an official Valentino Rossi product?
No. It is a replica inspired by the Grazie Vale tribute. It is not presented as made or approved by Rossi, his team or MotoGP, and the rider is named only to describe the design it is inspired by.
Does the jacket come with a back protector?
The product page lists a removable spine protector described as EN 1621-2 compatible, along with removable Level 2 shoulder and elbow armour. The order form lists speed hump options, but the page does not describe a protector inside them. CE Level 2 armour is also shown as an add-on, so riders should confirm with the maker which armour is fitted for the option chosen.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
