Ceremonial handover of the bicycle belonging to Rogov cyclist Rudi Valenčič at the State Museum Depots in Pivka

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, on Slovenian Culture Day, a ceremony was held at the State Museum Depots in Pivka to hand over Rudi Valenčič's bicycle to the Museum of Recent and Contemporary History of Slovenia. The event marked the exceptional sporting career of one of Slovenia's most successful cyclists and his contribution to the development of cycling in Slovenia.

Rudi Valenčič, known as the Eagle of Pivka, began his competitive career in 1960 with the Rog Ljubljana Cycling Club. Between 1961 and 1971, he was a member of the Yugoslav national team and was considered the best Slovenian cyclist during that period. During his career, he achieved 163 victories in one-day races at home and abroad, winning the Tour of Yugoslavia several times, as well as other important races in individual Yugoslav republics. In 1963, he celebrated a stage victory in the prestigious Tour de l'Avenir race and became the republican champion in road cycling three times.

The bicycle that Valenčič donated to the museum is of particular value – it was the bicycle he rode in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. From now on , it will be part of the museum collection and on display at the State Museum Depots in Pivka, where it will bear witness to the rich history of Slovenian cycling.

© Photo: Sašo Kovačič, Museum of Recent and Contemporary History of Slovenia.