The birth of a myth
Italy, 1906. We're on the banks of the Brenta, in the town of Bassano di Grappa in the heart of Veneto, between the Dolomites and the Adriatic Sea. Here, a merchant by the name of Pietro Dal Molin is gradually building up a reputation for his bikes, whose name has become synonymous with victory and is now the stuff of legend: Wilier.
The "steel horses" that came out of his workshop gradually gained a reputation for quality craftsmanship. Although the company prospered, it was not until the end of the Great War that Dal Molin's son Mario took over,
to see a significant increase in production, the bicycle having meanwhile become one of the most popular means of travel.
The brand's growing popularity continued throughout the twentieth century, although the Second World War temporarily halted the Italian manufacturer's expansion.
The rise
In 1945, Mario supplied his bikes to a professional team that included the outstanding Trieste racer Giordano Cottur. The city of Trieste soon became associated with the company, marking the birth of bikes bearing the Wilier Triestina halberd. The team first distinguished itself in the Giro with a number of successes, winning the 1948 edition with the young and talented Fiorenzo Magni.
With over 300 employees and production reaching 200 units a day, the company established itself as one of the most prestigious in the country. Also in 1948, after several victories in South America, the brand decided to expand internationally. It also added to its list of victories, including several stage wins in the Grande Boucle and 3 Tours of Flanders.
La Renaissance
Competing with the development of motorized two-wheelers, the company was forced to cease operations in 1952, only to be reborn 17 years later by the Gastaldello brothers of Rossano Veneto. Today, the Gastaldello brothers distribute the company's prestigious bicycles worldwide, and sponsor numerous teams across a wide range of disciplines.
A century of history
This presence at the highest level constantly motivates Wilier to improve its technologies while developing new ones. This high level of commitment has forged an impressive track record that continues to grow. Here are a few epic facts:
- ● Alpe d'Huez record in the 1997 Tour de France by the charismatic Marco Pantani
- ● Triple success for Davide Rebellin at the Classiques Ardennaises 2004
- ● Tour of Flanders 2007 and World Championship 2008 successes for Alessandro Ballan
- ● Damiano Cunego wins 2 successive Giro di Lombardia (2007, 2008) and a Gold Race
- ● Best sprinter jersey at the 2010 Tour de France for Alessandro Petacchi
- ● Michele Scarponi wins the Giro 2011
