CAVARZERE, Italy (BRAIN) — The Bottecchia bicycle company and local media are reporting that a large fire destroyed part of Bottecchia's production headquarters here on Sunday. On social media, the company said no employees were hurt and the extent of damage is still unknown.
"On Sunday, September 25, we experienced one of the worst pages of our history. What happened at our headquarters in Cavarzere is an unprecedented event," the company said on its Facebook page. "We are already reorganizing to start again as soon as possible. We know a lot of you are waiting for deliveries. We ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We will do our best to keep you updated on the restart timings as soon as possible.
"As cycling teaches us, sometimes we fall, but we need to find the strength and courage to get back on the saddle and start again."
The company is named for Ottavio Bottecchia, who was the first Italian to win the Tour de France, in 1924. According to Italian media, the company was sold to Fantic Motor in July. Fantic also owns the F. Moser bike brand.
