Chihuahua.- Jesús Antonio López, better known as El Rayo, became a legend of Chihuahuan cycling after his career at the national level that positioned the state in the crosshairs of cycling despite the difficulties that practicing this discipline presented decades ago. Therefore, in honor of the athlete, who continues to work in his bicycle workshop, the third edition of the classic cycling competition will be held in tribute.
El Rayo dedicated his life to cycling and left the tracks only in 2016, he pointed out that his career began in the 50’s by participating in La Vuelta México, a 15-day bicycle tour in which runners from all over the world participated.
“Colonel García Balseca started with the Vuelta México and in each state of the Republic he sponsored a team. At that time there were about 100 runners, the colonel brought European trainers and a Frenchman came to Chihuahua. This is how cycling became known in Chihuahua and in 1960 there were four complete sports pages of pure cycling ”, he expressed.
He pointed out that his example as a cyclist was Porfirio “El Indio” Remigio, who ran up to 180 or 220 kilometers a day for 15 days. Who was also a legend of cycling in Mexico, so El Rayo at 13 or 14 years old left the capital to Cárdenas for training and already in 1963 represented Chihuahua at the national level, even taking bronze medals, despite the fact that they competed with road bikes, while the professionals used track bikes.
After his participation, he also became a manager and coach of children’s and youth teams, which also led him to compete in cycling in countries like Colombia.
Currently El Rayo still dedicates his life to bicycles in the workshop that bears his name located on Díaz Ordaz boulevard. He also reported that the 3rd Antonio Rayo López Classic will take place, a competition with the endorsement of the Chihuahua Cyclists Union and the Veteran Cyclists League, who call for participation after the call was opened until June 11. .
In this event there will be six categories with prizes from 3 thousand pesos. For more information you can contact the phones 614-415-6934 and 614-510 1537.
