The Spanish cycling world is once again in mourning just a few days after the death of Federico Martín Bahamontes due to the departure of another true legend, Guillermo Timoner Obrador, who has passed away at the age of 97;
Timoner, also known as the "King of Medio Fondo", left an indelible mark on the world of cycling. Born in Felanitx on March 24, 1926, he became the first Spaniard to win any cycling World Championship title. His love for the sport and his unwavering dedication led him to win six world track championships behind the stayer bike in 1955, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964 and 1965, in addition to securing silver in 1956 and 1958.
Guillem Timoner not only excelled on the international scene, but also reaped numerous successes at the national level. With a staggering record of 24 Spanish championships, his name will resonate in the annals of Spanish cycling for generations. Winner of prestigious competitions such as the Grand Prix of Nations seven times, the Criterium of Asos twice, and titles in the Gran Premi de Mallorca, de Europa, de Amberes and the Ciutat de Palma, his legacy is a timeless testament to his exceptional skill on two wheels.
His retirement in 1968 from professional cycling marked the end of an era, but his influence on the sport did not end there. Timoner became a track cycling coach from 1971 to 1978, sharing his wisdom and experience with new generations of cyclists and contributing to the continued growth of the sport he loved so much.
The community of Felanitx, where Timoner was born and raised, will never forget its illustrious son. His name adorns a street in the village and the local sports centre, and he was honoured with the title of "illustrious son" in 1960. In addition, in the sanctuary of Sant Salvador, his six rainbow jerseys, symbols of his victories as world champion, are exhibited as authentic jewels in a museum that he himself donated in gratitude to the Virgin of Puig.
The words he uttered in an interview, "I, as my main legacy, leave a name for the history of cycling", resonate more strongly than ever. The flame of Guillermo Timoner Obrador may have been extinguished, but his name and legacy will continue to shine brightly in the world of cycling and in the hearts of all lovers of the sport.
