Two and a half weeks after the peloton’s big romantic of the sport lost his life in a tragic accident, the family of Xavier Tondo has celebrated the Catalan’s memory with warmth and affection.
His father Ramon Tondo Güell has issued a communication to his Movistar team and others, using the moment to say thanks to all who have sought to either remember his son or to comfort those closest to him.
The Spaniard was extremely devoted to cycling, enjoying the sport with the passion of a junior rider. He took a number of big victories including a stage of the 2010 Paris-Nice plus the overall classification of this year’s Vuelta a Castilla y Leon, but also loved cycling for its own sake.
He impressed many with his warmth and humility, and it was a huge shock to many when he lost his life on May 23rd in that domestic accident.
His passing has been something surreal, especially to his family. His father’s words are both poignant and also a fitting tribute to someone who will be remembered with affection by so many.
To all the institutions, agencies and public and private entities and to all people, especially colleagues and friends.
We thank you wholeheartedly for your company right now in these moments so devastating to us all.
I also thank all displays of affection and respect for both Xavier and all of us, his family, who have had the joy of seeing him be born, growing up, working hard and being a champion.
Xavi loved life, friends, family and…the bicycle (his big passion). He did all that with those eyes of a mischievous boy, with his boundless enthusiasm and with his characteristic smile.
Let the memory of his smile stay with us, his strength push us and his light to show us the way.
To all, THANK YOU.