MUSEO
OTTAVIO
BOTTECCHIA

THE MUSEUM OPENS ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES:

Opening hours:

1/11-30/4 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

1/5-31/10 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

OPENINGS BY APPOINTMENT BY WRITING TO THE NUMBER 375.6124747

In San Martino di Colle Umberto, inside an ancient mill-forge located a short distance from the places dear to the champion, the first museum space in Italy entirely dedicated to Ottavio Bottecchia opens. Inside, only original memorabilia or items that belonged to Botescià are exhibited.

Unique events are proposed that lead us to rediscover the distinctive places scattered throughout the territory, bringing enthusiasts and newcomers alike to ride again on the roads that the champion traveled many times.

TESTIMONIALS

THE FIRST VICTORY AT THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Bottecchia triumphantly wins the Tour de France and reaches the goal that the strongest Italian road cyclists had pursued in vain for 20 years.

La Gazzetta dello Sport
Monday, July 21, 1924

TESTIMONIALS

THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

… I do not race for sport, nor for the cheers of the crowds, nor even for the flowers from beautiful girls, and certainly not for glory.

I race to earn money, as much as I can, and no fatigue or suffering will be enough to remove this thought from my mind; earning money. I race for my family and do not fear suffering. I have endured far worse, and certainly with less profit.

I race for my family, they are poor, and I will do everything possible to ensure they do not live in misery…

Ottavio Bottecchia
La Gazzetta dello Sport – June 1923

THE HISTORY
1894-1927

On August 1, 1894, in San Martino di Colle Umberto, the great Ottavio Bottecchia was born, a true phenomenon who, in just a few years, accomplished heroic feats, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cycling. He was the first Italian to win the Tour de France in 1924, wearing the yellow jersey from the first to the last stage, and the following year, in 1925, he won the Tour again.

But his story also includes heroic deeds that earned him the Bronze Medal for Military Valor, his repeated escapes from Austrian captivity, and his hard work as a cart driver and bricklayer to support his large family. A man of toil, sacrifice, and acceptance of destiny without complaints or regrets.

Many events in the region celebrate the memory of the great cyclist, enhancing his legend and keeping alive the achievements he accomplished.

BOTESCIÀ WINS AGAIN

From July 4 to 6, 2025, Versailles became the world’s miniature center by hosting the World Model Expo, the largest international event dedicated to miniatures and artistic models. Held every four years, this exceptional competition brings together the world’s finest artists, sculptors, painters, and collectors for three days.
Thanks to the collaboration with PRO LOCO, several Tuscan artists exhibited a work dedicated to OTTAVIO BOTTECCHIA, accompanied by a new multilingual brochure.
Nearly 5,000 works of various sizes and subjects were entered, and among them was “Botescià,” which depicts, with great attention to detail, Bottecchia riding his bike during one of his epic feats. This work won the silver medal!