The Sanctuary of Leintz Gatzaga hosted an emotional tribute to the protagonists of the 1960 journey that proclaimed the Virgin of Dorleta as the patron saint of cyclists. Ángel Serrano (91), José Luis Serrano (84), and José Luis Sáenz de Olazagoitia (84) reunited for an event filled with memories and emotion.
The adventure, described as a "blessed madness," began on July 28, 1960. Ángel Serrano (25), his brother José Luis (18), and José Luis Sáenz de Olazagoitia (19) from Gasteiz departed from the Dorleta Sanctuary with the mission to request authorization from Pope John XXIII to declare the Virgin the patron saint of cyclists. They covered 1,846 kilometers in nine days, with stages exceeding 200 kilometers, riding bicycles weighing over 20 kilograms empty.
“"It's a very emotional moment."
After 65 years apart "due to life's circumstances," the trio shared a warm embrace, carrying the names of Dorleta and Leintz Gatzaga to Rome through pedal power and faith. Emilio Quiles, former director of the La Brasileña team, referred to the expedition as "miraculous."
The tribute, organized by the club Dorletako Ama Txirrindulari Elkartea and the Leintz Gatzaga City Council, was attended by about thirty family members. Olazagoitia, who still cycles today, noted: "At 84, you can't ask for more." Ángel Serrano, the eldest and the expedition's official mechanic, celebrated his 91st birthday at the event, expressing his surprise at the reception.
The journey culminated in Rome on August 5, 1960. Three days later, they received a special audience from Pope John XXIII at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, who blessed the proclamation of the Virgin of Dorleta as the patron saint of cyclists.
They recalled details of the trip, such as the weight of their saddlebags, which Ángel Serrano estimated at "psychologically, a ton and a half." They had to sleep in a church porch one night and, on another occasion, buy new ties to enter the Vatican, as they lacked formal attire. The key to reaching the pontiff was the mediation of Monseñor Laboa, who provided crucial contacts and information.
