Tour de Suisse Leader’s Jersey, Giuseppe Fezzardi 1963 Winner

$1,480.00

This striking yellow wool 1963 Tour de Suisse leader’s jersey belonged to race winner Giuseppe Fezzardi. It features a structured collar and a 1/4-zip front; the TdS emblem on the chest is rendered in beautiful black chain stitching, with two large front chest pockets and three traditional rear pockets.

First run in 1933, the Tour de Suisse established itself as one of the most important stage races on the European calendar, often described as the “fourth Grand Tour.” Positioned in June, it has long served as a key proving ground ahead of the Tour de France, with a demanding route that blends long valley stages, high Alpine climbs, and decisive time trials. Its winners’ list reflects that status, featuring many of the sport’s leading champions, and its parcours has consistently rewarded riders capable of excelling across varied terrain.

The 1963 edition followed that tradition, unfolding over seven stages, including a split third stage and a key individual time trial. The early part of the race saw shifting leadership, with Italian and Swiss riders trading stage victories as the route moved into more demanding terrain. The decisive moment came during the split third stage into Lugano, where Giuseppe Fezzardi took control of the general classification. He then consolidated his position in the subsequent time trial and held his advantage through the remaining stages.

Behind him, Swiss riders ensured a strong home presence, with Rolf Maurer and Attilio Moresi riding consistently to secure second and third overall. Stage victories were spread across a diverse group of riders, reflecting the varied nature of the course, and by the final stage, the general classification had effectively been decided, with Fezzardi securing what would become the most significant victory of his career.

The jersey was acquired directly from the Augusto Gotti family and was part of the collection in the legendary Bar Augusto in Villa d’Alme, Italy. Bar Augusto was a key host to professional and amateur cycling teams from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Includes the original label and postal card used at Bar Augusto.

Size: 2

Chest: 32 inches / 82 cm  (16 inches / 41 cm measured armpit to armpit)

Length: 26 in / 66  cm

Maker: Tricots Albla, Made in France, Wool

Please Note: This jersey hung on the wall at Bar Augusto for many years and has “Bar Patina” from exposure to smoke, dust, etc. This jersey also has many small holes.

Each jersey is one of a kind. Please examine the photos carefully to determine the condition.

This item is listed on multiple platforms, and availability is subject to prior sale elsewhere.

In stock

Description

Bar Augusto

Bar Augusto, located in Alme (Bergamo), Italy, was renowned for its support of cycling teams and its world-class bicycle racing collection that focused on trophies and race-worn jerseys. A family-owned business, the bar and its attached inn flourished in the 1970s and 1980s. Augusto Gotti, the enterprise’s face, welcomed amateur national teams to stay at Bar Augusto while the riders trained and raced in the region. Many Western and Eastern Bloc national teams embraced the Gotti family’s welcoming spirit and were among the most ardent supporters.

Bar Augusto 1966
Augusto Gotti (Center) with Edy Schütz (Left), Luxembourg National Champion and winner of the 1966 Tour of Luxembourg,  and an unknown third person pictured in the interior of the famous watering hole.

Augusto was a devoted cycling fan and astute collector of jerseys. Active and retired professional and amateur riders gave the bar hundreds of jerseys, all hung with pride on the walls of the storied bar. The jersey collection read like a venerable who’s who of the cycling world from the 1950s through the 1980s. Coppi, Gimondi, Motta, Merckx, Anquetil, Van Looy, Altig, and hundreds more professional jerseys hung alongside the best of the best Eastern Bloc riders. Given its incredible diversity, depth, and breadth, it would be challenging, if not impossible, to build the same collection today.

With time, Augusto decided to retire, close the bar, and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life in his autumn years. A year or so before Augusto passed away, and with the help of former Polish and US National Team Coach Eddie Borysewicz, we were honored to acquire the Gotti Collection. Augusto’s and our collection combined beautifully, and between the two, there were only two overlapping items: an Eddy Merckx maillot jaune and a Bernard Hinault Renault team jersey. To this day, our collection is what is thanks in no small measure to a quaint bar and inn tucked into a picturesque valley in Northern Italy.

By Brett Horton, Jan 2021

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Each jersey is one of a kind; please look carefully at the photos to determine the condition.

Additional information

Weight 2 lbs

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