“Made in Italy, just like us”: Selle Italia acquires Vittoria cycling shoes
Selle Italia has acquired Vittoria cycling shoes – joining Selle San Marco and idmatch as part of the Asolo, Italy-set Selle Italia group.
Biella, Italy-based Vittoria has been developing and manufacturing cycling shoes for almost 50 years. Founded in the Seventies by Celestino Vercelli, who decided to establish Vittoria at the end of his professional cycling career, over the years the company has become a household name among athletes due to the quality of its cycling shoes, a key player in the Tour de France and other major cycling competitions alike.
Giuseppe Bigolin, President of Selle Italia, said: “As we did in 2016 with Selle San Marco, we are gearing up to expand our range of action with a company that has always believed in technological development, in style and in the Made in Italy brand. Just like us.”
“The Italian cycling economic fabric has grown thanks to companies which, based on the vision of its founder, have worked towards the continuous technological development of the product and a stylistic hallmark typical of the Made in Italy brand and this story founded on values and hard work is a shared trait of our companies: As a brand, Vittoria has been able to conquer a significant share of the cycling shoes industry.”
Since its incorporation in 1976, Vittoria has reached the realm of international racing competition alongside names that have been at the top of modern cycling, including Stephen Roche who clinched a historic treble in 1987: Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and the World Championship. However, it was in Marco Pantani that the two companies’ paths crossed. The Italian cyclist nicknamed “The Pirate” won major trophies in the ’90s wearing Vittoria shoes and pedalling on Selle Italia.
Riccardo Bigolin, representing Selle Italia’s second generation, added: “This was not just a question of seizing a market opportunity. As a matter of fact, we listened to our heart, because we believe that the development of new technologies deeply rooted in our Italian tradition, can be the game changer in the future, also integrating it with the scientific approach of idmatch. We aim at taking up the challenge of tomorrow’s market, working on the synergy between our companies, where the Made in Italy brand remains the key to success.”
The Vittoria brand shoe collection ranges from road cycling to triathlon, from mountain bike to gravel cycling, as well as a line dedicated to lovers of neo-vintage.
PICTURED TOP (left-to-right): The Bigolin Family: Roberta Boratto, Giuseppe Bigolin, and Riccardo Bigolin
