Visit to Musee du Velo, Switzerland, 2021

In the village of Chippis, in the Swiss Alps near Sion, Switzerland, is a private museum dedicated to bicycles. It is primarily dedicated to racing bicycles, but there are a good many other items as well, spanning over 140 years. The collection has been assembled and maintained by one man, Marc-Andre Elsig. Marc worked as a team mechanic for many years, and was often given team bicycles after a season finished. Thus, he came to be in possession of bicycles actually raced by Hinault, Fabian Cancellara, Jan Ullrich, and Tyler Hamilton, to name but a few. The collection includes 3,000 tricots (not all on display), some worn and autographed by famous riders. Marc spent an hour and a half, kindly showing me the treasures he has assembled, explaining the significance of each item: there are engineering marvels, historic racing machines, many of which are unique or the only known surviving examples of short production-runs, period costumes (for example, a military uniform of the Swiss cycle corps to go with the Swiss military bicycle, a postman's uniform to go with the post bicycle).

Hetchins is represented by an Experto Crede from 1957, in original livery. There is also a Baines Gate.

This is quite simply the most impressive private collection this Editor has ever seen, bar none, and even tops many national, professionally funded/grant-funded museums. Marc was so friendly and informative, giving me free run of the place for as long as I wanted, and even offering to loan me a bike for L'Eroica. Highly recommended for any cycling enthusiast passing through the Swiss Alps. Apply to the owner for entry:

Click here for Musee du Velo web site.

Below are some photographic highlights from Marco's collection. Mouse-over for captions.

Wallis, Switzerland

converted farm house

wine cellar

no, not the museum--this is just storage

chock-a-block

mostly in original condition

slingshot design -- old and new

prototype w/ full Dura Ace

Masi steyr

Jan Ullrich's Team Telekom Pinarello

needs no introduction

Hinault's time trial bike

Pederson track bike, 26-inch wheels, possibly the only surviving one of 10 originals

full-chrome Colnago w/Campag 50th Anniversary

Ferarroli w/gold-plated Campag 50th Anniv.

1957 Experto Crede, original livery

Huret Suicide Shifter

one of the most important collections of historic bicycles in Europe

| Introduction | Editorial | The Hetchins Register |

| Restoration | Frame Identification (Serial Numbers) | The Various Models | Rare Models |

| Catalogs | Production History | Racing Heritage | Harry, Jack,& Alf | Special Features |

| Frame Components | Transfers | Lug Designs | Gallery |

| For Sale Used | New Production | Other Marques | Copycats |

| Contacts & Links | What's New | toc |