Imanol Arriortua, a cyclist from Biscay with visual impairments, reached the podium in Zurich with his pilot Francisco Garcia (Murcia, 1992), securing both a silver and a bronze medal at the World Para-cycling Championships.

Last autumn, Mikel Aristi, a rider from Bergara who previously competed with teams like Delko Marseille Provence KTM and Euskaltel-Euskadi, received an unexpected proposal from Arriortua to form a tandem partnership. Aristi, having retired from professional cycling, admitted to being in "shock" but accepted the offer.

Arriortua was seeking a pilot from the Basque Country to train together and foster a closer relationship. Aristi, now an employee at Ulma, has limited days off, requiring him to adjust his training schedule. Nevertheless, he continues to participate in triathlons and other races, viewing this new partnership as "a new experience."

The duo began training together, though a challenging winter has limited their progress. "We still need to accumulate more kilometers on the tandem," Aristi stated, humorously comparing the ride to "driving a truck" and highlighting the bike's stability and speed. He emphasized the crucial role of the rear rider's assistance in tight corners and direction changes, valuing Imanol's extensive experience in such maneuvers.

In early May, the pair competed in a World Cup event in Italy. They performed well in the time trial, although they acknowledge the need for further improvements in aerodynamics, biomechanics, and equipment. In the road race, they encountered difficulties due to rain and slippery roads, resulting in a crash and a subsequent puncture, ultimately finishing tenth.

Looking ahead, Imanol Arriortua has his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Mikel Aristi, however, prefers a step-by-step approach, focusing on the upcoming World Championships in France and ensuring the endeavor remains compatible with his work commitments.