The birth of a legend
Italy, 1906. We are on the banks of the Brenta, in the town of Bassano del Grappa situated in the heart of Veneto, between the Dolomites and the Adriatic Sea. There, a merchant by the name of Pietro Dal Molin gradually forges a reputation thanks to his bicycles bearing a name synonymous with victory and which has since become legend: Wilier.
The "steel horses" coming out of his workshop are progressively recognised for their quality of craftsmanship. And while the business prospers, it would nevertheless be necessary to wait for the end of the Great War and the arrival of Dal Molin's son, Mario,
to see a significant increase in production, the bicycle having in the meantime become one of the most popular means of transport.
And the brand will accompany this growing popularity throughout the 20th century, with the Second World War nevertheless temporarily halting the rise of the Italian manufacturer.
The rise
In 1945, Mario supplied his bicycles to a professional team which included the distinguished Trentino rider Giordano Cottur. The city of Trieste was then quickly associated with the company, marking the birth of bicycles bearing the Wilier Triestina halberd. The team first distinguished itself at the Giro through several victories, and won the 1948 edition with the young and talented Fiorenzo Magni.
With now more than 300 employees and production reaching 200 units per day, the firm establishes itself as one of the most reputed and prestigious in the country. Also in 1948, following several victories in South America, the brand chose to expand internationally. It would also add to its palmares, including several stage victories at the Tour de France and 3 Tours of Flanders.
The Renaissance
Facing competition from the development of motorised two-wheelers, the company was forced to cease its activity in 1952 before being reborn 17 years later thanks to the Gastaldello brothers from Rossano Veneto. These individuals today distribute the prestigious bicycles worldwide and sponsor numerous teams across various disciplines.
A century of history
This presence at the highest level constantly motivates Wilier to improve its technologies while developing new ones. This very high standard of excellence has forged an impressive palmares that continues to grow, of which here are some epic highlights:
- ● Alpe d'Huez record at the 1997 Tour de France by the charismatic Marco Pantani
- ● Triple success for Davide Rebellin in the 2004 Ardennes Classics
- ● Victory at the 2007 Tour of Flanders and the 2008 World Championship for Alessandro Ballan
- ● Damiano Cunego successively wins 2 Tours of Lombardy (2007, 2008) and a Gold Race
- ● Best sprinter's jersey at the 2010 Tour de France for Alessandro Petacchi
- ● Michele Scarponi wins the 2011 Giro
