In the heart of Toledo, a city rich in history and culture, stands a sculpture that pays tribute to one of the most iconic figures of Spanish cycling: Federico Martín Bahamontes. Known as “El Águila de Toledo”, the cyclist Bahamontes not only left his mark on the European roads, but also in the hearts of the people of Toledo. This sculpture not only celebrates his sporting achievements, but also reflects the deep respect and admiration his hometown has for him.
The Bahamontes Cyclist Sculpture
The original sculpture of Bahamontes is part of the “Julio Pascual” Sculpture Award, which the Soliss Foundation organizes to honor illustrious people from Toledo. In the second edition of the award, they decided to pay tribute to Bahamontes, and the sculptor Javier Molina Gil created the winning work.
The sculpture was installed on the Cuesta de las Armas, near the Miradero de Toledo, a place chosen by the cyclist himself. The work, cast in bronze using the “lost wax” process, represents Bahamontes in a moment of maximum effort, capturing the essence of his climbing style.
The near life-size sculpture is approximately 6’3″, slightly taller than Bahamontes’ actual height in 1959. The bike is a detailed reproduction of the one he used to win the Tour of France. In addition, the sculpture’s ramp features a die-cut double-headed eagle, which projects its silhouette onto the ground when the sun shines on it, in a nod to the cyclist’s nickname.
The process of creating this sculpture was meticulous and detailed. First, the sculptor modeled the work in clay in his studio in Valencia. Then, the bronze casting was made, a traditional method that guarantees the durability and detail of the final piece. The choice of bronze not only adds a majestic and solemn appearance, but also ensures that the sculpture will stand the test of time and the inclemency of the weather.
Restoration of the Work
Unfortunately, last December 8, the sculpture suffered serious damage due to acts of vandalism. This incident not only physically damaged the work, but also affected the mood of the people of Toledo, who see Bahamontes as a symbol of local pride.
We carry out the restoration of the sculpture in our foundry, where we carry out a meticulous work to return it to its original splendor. During the process, we decided to place the sculpture on a base of approximately one meter high to make future vandalism more difficult. We carefully implemented this protective measure to ensure that the sculpture remains intact and continues to be a point of reference and admiration for locals and visitors.
The restoration of the sculpture was not an easy task. It required the expertise of experts in art conservation and casting techniques. The first step was to assess the damage and plan the repair, ensuring that every detail of the sculpture was accurately restored.
The damaged areas were cleaned and welded, using restoration techniques that maintained the integrity and original appearance of the work. This process not only restored the beauty of the sculpture, but also reinforced its structure to prevent future damage.
Installation and Inauguration of a Legacy
Today, July 9, coinciding with Bahamontes’ 96th birthday, the restored sculpture was reinstalled and reopened in an emotional ceremony. This event not only celebrates Bahamontes’ legacy as a cyclist, but also his lasting impact on the Toledo community.
Although Bahamontes passed away on August 8 last year, his spirit and achievements continue to inspire generations. The reopening ceremony brought together numerous admirers, family members and local dignitaries who shared stories and memories of the cyclist. The new installation of the sculpture, now more protected, symbolizes resilience and determination, qualities that cyclist Bahamontes personified throughout his career.
The sculpture of Bahamontes in Toledo’s Miradero is much more than a physical tribute; it is a symbol of overcoming and success. For the people of Toledo, it represents the ability to reach great heights, both literally and metaphorically, just as “The Eagle of Toledo” did.
The restoration and installation of the sculpture of cyclist Bahamontes in Toledo is a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of a man who overcame obstacles and achieved greatness. On his 96th birthday, the city of Toledo not only celebrates Bahamontes’ life and achievements, but also the legacy he has left behind.
The sculpture, located in Toledo’s Miradero, will continue to inspire future cyclists and admirers, keeping the memory of “The Eagle of Toledo” alive. The reinauguration of the sculpture has also served as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of protecting and valuing public art, which not only beautifies our cities but also keeps alive the memory of those who have left an indelible mark on our history.
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