MADRID, 8 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Spanish cycling expressed its sadness on Wednesday at the death at the age of 87 of ex-cyclist Julio Jiménez from Avila, considered one of the best climbers in the international peloton in the 1960s.
“From the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation we deeply regret the loss of Julio Jiménez, one of the great legends of Spanish cycling. Your legacy is indelible. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace,” the RFEC said in its profile. ‘Twitter’ official.
The Movistar Team also remembered the figure of the ‘Watchmaker of Ávila’, as Jiménez was known. “Many generations have walked the path that people like you have opened. Honor and gratitude to Julio Jiménez, history of Spanish cycling. See you always. RIP,” he said.
For his part, the veteran Murcian cyclist of the ‘telephone’ team, Alejandro Valverde, recalled that Jiménez was “one of the best climbers in history and a myth within the Spanish peloton.” “I hug family and friends. DEP Julio Jiménez,” he lamented.
The former sports director Manolo Saiz also assured that the former cyclist from Avila was “a great person who endeared himself to everyone.” “All the support to family and friends,” he stressed.
“A great friend and a cycling great, Julito Jiménez ‘the watchmaker from Ávila’, has passed away. Much loved by everyone for his simplicity.
He showed me his cycling and introduced me to his colleagues at various gatherings of former historic cyclists in France. RIP friend!”, stressed former cyclist Eduardo Chozas.