The trophies - 27
ITEM N° 228
PANIZZA Wladimiro « Miro » (I) (05.06.1945 – 21.06.2002)
Award presented by ‘Gli Sportivi Vapriesi’ on 26 October 1979
Born on 5 June 1945 in Fagnano Olona, Lombardy, Wladimiro Panizza was an Italian professional cyclist from 1967 to 1985. A strong climber, courageous and very consistent, he is affectionately nicknamed ‘Miro’.
During his long career, he competed in the Giro d’Italia eighteen times and finished sixteen editions, including nine in the top ten. In 1980, at the age of 35, he wore the pink jersey for six days and finished second in the general classification behind Bernard Hinault.
His list of honours includes two stages of the Giro d’Italia, one stage of the Tour de France – won in 1976 after the climb up the Aubisque – as well as Milan–Turin, the Tour of Romagna and the Tour of Friuli. He also distinguished himself in cyclo-cross, a discipline in which he became Italian champion.
The item on display is an award presented to Wladimiro Panizza by ‘Gli Sportivi Vapriesi’ on 26 October 1979. It pays tribute to his career, his dedication to cycling and the many achievements he has made since turning professional.
Presented in an elegant dark case, the award consists of a circular gilded medallion surrounded by a silver laurel wreath. This traditional design symbolises honour, recognition and sporting success.
A metal plaque at the bottom bears the name of Wladimiro Panizza and the date of the award ceremony. Photographs of the rider in action, notably wearing the pink jersey of the Giro d’Italia, place this artefact in its historical context.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this award preserves the memory of a popular, tenacious and combative rider who became one of the defining figures of Italian cycling in his era.
ITEM N° 231
PAOLINI Enrico (I)
(26.03.1945 – 06.05.2025)
The trophy he received for his third place at the 1971 Camaiore Grand Prix
Born on 26 March 1945 in Pesaro, in the Marche region, Enrico Paolini was an Italian cyclist who turned professional between 1969 and 1979. Fast, consistent and effective in small-group finishes, he was one of the finest Italian riders of the 1970s.
A three-time Italian road champion in 1973, 1974 and 1977, he also won seven stages of the Giro d’Italia. His list of victories includes, notably, Milan–Turin, the Tour of Emilia, the Coppa Bernocchi, the Tour of Veneto and the Tre Valli Varese.
On 16 June 1971, Enrico Paolini competed in the Camaiore Grand Prix riding for the SCIC team. Over a 223-kilometre course, he finished third behind Eddy Merckx and Felice Gimondi. Two years earlier, in 1969, he had won this very same race.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Enrico Paolini for his third place in the 1971 Camaiore Grand Prix. It takes the form of a large silver-coloured metal cup, featuring two elegantly crafted handles. The bowl, decorated with vertical relief motifs, rests on a slender stem and an imposing black circular plinth. A metal plaque commemorates the race and the result achieved by the Italian cyclist.
The photograph showing Enrico Paolini holding this very cup is a valuable document of provenance. It establishes a direct link between the trophy, its original owner and his place on the podium.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy bears witness to the career of a talented Italian cyclist, a three-time national champion and a remarkable stage winner.
ITEM N° 233
PAUWELS Eddy (B)
(02.05.1935 – 06.03.2017)
His winner’s trophy from the 1960 Three Days of Antwerp
Born on 2 May 1935 in Bornem, in the province of Antwerp, Eddy Pauwels was a Belgian cyclist who turned professional in 1958 and retired in 1966. A hard-working and attacking rider, he excelled particularly in stage races.
He competed in seven Tours de France, won four stages and wore the yellow jersey on several occasions, in 1959 and 1963. In 1962, he also received the Tour’s Fierce Competitiveness Award.
From 18 to 20 June 1960, Eddy Pauwels competed in the sixth and final edition of the Three Days of Antwerp whilst riding for the Dr. Mann–Dossche Sport team. He won the general classification ahead of the German Rolf Wolfshohl and his compatriot Louis Troonbeeckx. This victory was one of the major highlights of his career. It highlighted his consistency and his ability to defend a lead during a multi-stage race.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Eddy Pauwels for his victory in the 1960 Three Days of Antwerp. It takes the original form of a large, dark shield with rounded edges, supported by two metal bases. Its central section is adorned with a gilded relief depicting a cyclist receiving a crown from the hands of a female figure. A commemorative plaque at the base bears the rider’s name and marks his first place in the general classification.
The photograph of Eddy Pauwels in the thick of the race places the object in its sporting context and evokes the Belgian champion’s combative style.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy commemorates Eddy Pauwels’ victory in the 1960 Three Days of Antwerp and a career marked by his achievements in the Tour de France.
