This Friday, Legazpi will host the 92nd edition of the Santikutz Classic, one of the most prestigious races on the cycling calendar and a qualifying event for the Spanish Cup. The best amateur cyclists in the peloton will compete for the txapela and the winner's trophy.
As in previous years, the trophies have been created by an artist from Legazpi. These awards boast a cycling pedigree and have traveled more kilometers than the cyclists themselves: the artist is studying in Altea, an Alicante town where many cycling teams often hold their winter training camps, and the trophies have covered the more than 700 kilometers separating Altea from Legazpi.
As always, the trophies will be very special, with each one being a unique work of art designed for the cyclist who will receive it. The winner's trophy features a cyclist in a yellow jersey raising their arms, while the best climber's trophy depicts a cyclist in a white jersey with red polka dots.
“"They didn't take me seriously because I am a woman. I felt like they were testing me."
The artist has crafted heavy trophies, symbolizing that victory in the Santikutz Classic is a significant achievement. She used marble, metal, wood, and oil paint. In previous years, she had the assistance of a carpenter from Legazpi for assembly, but this year she had to manage on her own. She reported difficulties with companies when trying to purchase materials and tools.
This was not the only challenge. The trophies needed to be transported from Altea to Legazpi, and for this, the artist received help from residents of Legazpi who frequently travel to Benidorm. The trophies are now in Legazpi, awaiting the cyclists.
