Gösta Petterson was born on the 23th November 1940 in Alingsås Municipality, Sweden. He is best known for his Giro d’Italia overall victory in 1971.
Before turned pro in 1970, Gösta Petterson had a successful amateur career, winning silver and bronze medals at the 164 and 1968 Olympics. He earned victories both at road an track races. He used to race with his three brothers: Erik, Sture and Tomas.
In his first professional year, Petterson finished 3rd at the Tour de France and 6th at the Giro d’Italia. He won the Tour de Romandie, Coppa Sabatini and Trofeo Baracchi that year.
He won the Giro d’Italia in 1971 and finished 6th place again in 1972. He loved to ride the Italian Grand Tour more than the other two (he never raced Vuelta a Espana), he attended the race between 1970 and 1974 and his wors placement was 13th (in 1973).
His last big succes was the victory at Tour de Suisse in 1974.
Gösta Petteron’s professional teams
1970–1972 Ferretti
1973 Scic
1974 Magniflex