The three veteran cyclists who in 1960 set off from the Sanctuary of Aránzazu and rode to the Vatican experienced an emotional day today at the sanctuary. The Bilbao brothers Jose Luis and Angel Serrano and Jose Luis Saenz from Gasteiz, after more than six decades without seeing each other, have reunited to commemorate their feat and receive the tribute organized by their families and the Association of Our Lady of Aránzazu.
After being welcomed, during the event held inside the sanctuary, representatives of the Association of Our Lady of Aránzazu recalled the 3,200-kilometer journey undertaken in August 1960. Subsequently, they received commemorative gifts from Dorleta Elkorobarrutia, the mayor of Leintz Gatzaga, who thanked them for helping to make the Sanctuary of Aránzazu a reference point for cycling.
The protagonists reminisced about their youthful adventure. Jose Luis Serrano, who was 19 at the time, explained that the initiative originated from his connections with French cyclists and his involvement in cycle touring. Angel Serrano, on the other hand, detailed the storm they encountered in the Pyrenees and their journey towards the Mediterranean, crossing the French Riviera to reach Rome. Jose Luis Saenz also recalled that they had the opportunity to do some sightseeing in Rome and that they covered approximately 200 kilometers daily with the bicycles of that era.
The most emotional moment of the tribute was the reunion of the three protagonists, who had not seen each other since their return from the Vatican. Angel Serrano, who turns 91 today, expressed his great joy at seeing Saenz again, and Saenz described the day as "unbelievable" and "one of the greatest honors." Jose Luis Serrano, for his part, thanked the organizers, emphasizing how moving the event had been.
After the ceremony, the honorees visited the Sanctuary of Aránzazu, where they had the opportunity to see the historical cycling jerseys in its museum. Following a family photo, they shared a lunch at the local community center.
