After the death of Federico Martín Bahamontes, the first Spaniard to win a Tour de France, the Spanish people have come together to say goodbye to a cycling legend. The world of sports, is of course, from where the reactions to the death of the nicknamed 'El Águila de Toledo' have come the most.
Spanish cycling is the one who cries the closest for his departure. The recently retired Alejandro Valverde remembered Martín Bahamontes as one of the best climbers in history, a title that he backs up having been six times mountain champion in the French round.
The Royal Spanish Cycling Federation said goodbye with a forceful "A pioneer, a unique cyclist. DEP", and the Higher Sports Council described him as "An unforgettable athlete. A legend", in addition to the Spanish Olympic Committee that reminded the myth of sport.
Also from the official accounts of the main Spanish cycling circuits they have joined the tribute of those who once dazzled in their competitions. The Vuelta a Burgos, as well as the Volta a Catalunya and La Vuelta a España have been part of the races that have said goodbye to him today.
But it has not only been cycling that has mourned the departure of Martín Bahamontes, football has also joined the farewell messages. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona sent their condolences to him, as did his city club, CD Toledo, of which he was an honorary member since 1954.
In addition, figures outside of the sport have expressed their grief over the death of the cyclist. Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain, has said that "His legacy of him will endure on the roads and in our hearts." And he also honored Carlos Velásquez, the Mayor of Toledo, with an emotional farewell to the city's legend of his.
Also from outside the Spanish borders they have remembered the cyclist who left a mark on world sport. The French newspaper L'Equipe has paid tribute to the man from Toledo with the headline "A legendary climber" in one of several notes that they have dedicated in farewell to the Spaniard.
