On July 20, 1924, Ottavio Bottecchia became the first Italian to win the Tour de France, achieving an extraordinary feat: he was the first to wear the yellow jersey, from the first to the last stageHis victory was not only a demonstration of extraordinary cycling talent, but also of immense dedication and a strong bond with his family and his homeland. Without knowing a word of French, Bottecchia actually managed to win the toughest race in the world on foreign soil, an undertaking that profoundly marked the history of cycling.
But Bottecchia didn't stop at that victory. The following year, in 1925, he repeated the feat by winning the Tour de France again.A second victory that cemented his legendary status in the cycling world. Ottavio Bottecchia became a true symbol of perseverance and success, an example for future generations of Italian and international cyclists.
Flying finish line
In 2024, exactly one hundred years after his historic victory, the roads of the Giro d'Italia paid tribute to Ottavio Bottecchia during the nineteenth stage, Mortegliano – Sappada. This tribute was more than just a commemorative ride. It is no coincidence that the route of the fraction included a stage in Trasaghis (Udine), the place where Bottecchia spent most of his life and where the memorial dedicated to him is located, exactly at the spot where it is said that the champion was struck by the illness that led to his death.
The choice to include Trasaghis in the Giro d'Italia route was no coincidence and demonstrates a sign of respect and recognition for one of the greatest cyclists of all time. The stage also included the first intermediate sprint of the day in this very place, thus celebrating one of the most illustrious sons of Italian cycling.
A celebratory success
During the Giro d'Italia's passage through Trasaghis, the company that bears the champion's name wanted to honor the memory of Ottavio Bottecchia.
«This celebration – admitted Marco Turato, the Italian sales manager of Bottecchia Cicli – is a great source of pride for all of us, and that is why we are here today to witness the passage of the Giro d'Italia in front of the monument of Ottavio Bottecchia, with our yellow shirts of the Centenary of the victory".
The company, founded with the same competitive spirit and dedication that characterized Ottavio, sees this commemoration as a tribute not only to the person, but also to the values he represented: Competition, resilience, sacrifice and passion are the distinctive traits that unite Ottavio's story and the Bottecchia brandA story of great achievements, but also of constant commitment and dedication.
The mayor of Trasaghis, Stefania Pisu, played a key role in organizing this commemoration. Thanks to the support of local authorities and collaboration with various cycling associations, it was possible to organize an event that honored not only Bottecchia's memory, but also the deep bond between the champion and his homeland of Friuli. The Friuli sales manager for Bottecchia Cicli, Percos Bike, and the ASD Ottavio Bottecchia, also participated. have further contributed significantly to making this celebration a success. Their participation testifies to the affection and respect that the cycling community still has for Ottavio Bottecchia today.
