Olympic gold medallist Elia Viviani (28) and Italian Triple Road Champion Elena Cecchini (25) have visited Vittoria and its factory in Thailand following an invitation from the Italian tyre specialist.
Earlier this year, Vittoria’s manufacturing company Lion Tyres Thailand opened its state-of-the-art bicycle tyre/wheel test centre at the rubber compound factory and R&D complex, at Rayong Industrial Estate in Thailand. After the company’s innovation with graphene, for improved rolling resistance, and a unique extruder, capable of producing 4 different compounds (4C) for bicycle tyre treads, Vittoria adds that it is now able to ‘test its innovative products with scientific precision to ensure perfection under any circumstances’.
Elia Viviani is one of the most accomplished sprinters in the pro cycling peloton, having claimed an impressive 38 victories since turning pro in 2010 at the age of 21. One of his biggest successes to date was when he powered to victory on the second stage of the Giro d’Italia in front of his home fans in 2015. The Italian has also held the points jersey for 13 stages in his home Grand Tour, and has competed at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espan?a. As well as being a talented road rider, he has an admirable record on the track and has claimed four European titles and two World Championships medals for his native Italy. Viviani’s most notable success is winning the Men’s Omnium event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Three time Italian National Road Champion, Elena Cecchini rides for Canyon SRAM Racing in the women’s pro peloton. She has five pro wins under her belt including the 2016 Thüringen Rundfahrt and Trophée D’Or Féminin in 2012.
Dealer shop visit
Elia Viviani and Elena Cecchini were first welcomed for some refreshments at Vittoria’s APAC office in Bangkok. Shortly after, the riders visited Cycling Projects, an authorized Vittoria dealer store, in order to have a meet and greet with fans.
Factory tour
With Khun Penparn, Managing Director of Lion Tyres Thailand (LTT), as well as Giovanni Mazzola, Vittoria Group CEO and Glenn Lee (CCO APAC) of Vittoria, the riders were given access to the intricate process of tyre manufacturing.
Vittoria Industries is an international group that acquired the premium tubular tyres producer Vittoria Spa in 1990. Today, Vittoria Industries is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of bicycle tyres with an annual production of approximately 7 million tyres and 900,000 high performance tubulars and cotton tyres.
Vittoria’s worldwide commercial operations are shared among three distinct regions: Vittoria SpA is responsible for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America (EMEA & LATAM). Vittoria Industries North America is responsible for North America. Vittoria Asia Pacific is responsible for Asia-Pacific region. The group holding company, Vittoria Industries, carries out manufacturing and R&D at its fully owned Lion Tyres Thailand factory in Bangkok.
