Ferretti is an Italian cycling team that started in 1969. The team was recognizable by its blue cycling jerseys. Like many tastemakers, this cycling team owes its origins to Italian cuisine. The main sponsor of the cycling team from Capannoli was the 'Ferretti kitchen company'.
In their first year, the team won six races. Half of them were in the name of the Flemish cyclist Albert Van Vlierberghe. This Fleming won the 5th stage of the Tour of Italy that year. After Ferretti stopped in 1972, Albert Van Vlierberghe continued to ride for well-known names such as Molteni and Flandria.
SWEDISH RACING BROTHERS PETTERSSON
In 1970 Ferretti got a Swedish touch. The Swedish Pettersson brothers were added to the team. Above, the Pettersson brothers are showing their Ferretti cycling jersey. From left to right: Erik, Gösta, Sture and Tomas. The most successful of the brothers, Gösta, is best known among true cycling fans. Gösta Pettersson won together with his brothers a silver medal for Sweden in the 100 km team time trial at the Olympic Games in 1968. In 1970 Gösta finished 6th in the Tour of Italy. The following year Gösta competed in the Tour of Italy again. As the cyclist of the century Eddy Merckx did not participate, Gösta had a better chance of winning. In the 18th stage Gösta took over the pink leader's jersey and crossed the finish line in Milan in 1971.
At the end of their career, 3 of the 4 brothers decided to change their surname. The reason was that the surname 'Pettersson' was very common in Sweden. And everybody in Sweden with a very common surname, was allowed to change it. Erik, Sture and Tomas chose a new surname, namely Fåglum. Only Gösta - no longer on speaking terms with his brothers - continued to carry the name 'Pettersson'. The Swedish brothers won a total of 13 races as Ferretti pros, of which Gösta won 9 and Thomas 4.
FERRETTI’S BABY BLUE BIKE
In Speedbicycles - a virtual museum of racing bikes - two replicas of the team bikes can be admired. In the team colours and assembled with Campagnolo.
