One year of the Ottavio Bottecchia Museum deserves a celebration! And so, on Sunday, February 9th, to celebrate what many have called a "miracle" that even the most seasoned gamblers would have bet against, they aimed high by inviting "the sheriff" Francesco Moser as the guest of honor.

It all began on February 3rd, 2024, in San Martino di Colle Umberto, where a particularly dreamy Pro Loco had stubbornly worked to create and open the first museum in Italy entirely dedicated to Ottavio Bottecchia! And so, they celebrated the first centenary of the Tour de France 2024 victory not only by inaugurating the Museum but also hosting Davide Cassani and Christian Prudhomme. "In addition to them, 1,937 visitors have followed during the 11 calendar openings (the first Sunday of the month) and the 9 special and by-reservation openings. Many were also visitors from abroad, and many came by bicycle, Bottecchia enthusiasts and curious to learn about his story," declares Tiziana Gottardi, President of Pro Loco Colle Umberto.

"The museum exhibition initiative has garnered great interest, as we hoped from the beginning," states Mayor Sebastiano Coletti, who continues, "we hope that the promotion will continue to bring good results, particularly regarding slow tourism."

Many authorities intervened to pay homage to a character who contributed to writing an important page of Italian and international cycling. Next appointment: Sunday, May 25th, with the Giro d'Italia passing through Ottavio's homeland.