Spanish cycling is experiencing an extraordinary moment thanks to Francisco Mancebo, who, at 48 years old, has rewritten the history of the sport on two wheels. With a victory that defies all expectations, Mancebo not only won the first stage of the Tour du Sahel in Mauritania but also became the oldest cyclist to triumph in a race on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar.

His victory last Wednesday in the stage between Bourjeimatt and Akjoujt represents more than just a sporting achievement—it is a testament to resilience, passion, and a competitive spirit that seems to defy the limits of age. At 48 years and 319 days old, Mancebo surpassed the previous record set by Óscar Sevilla, reaffirming that talent and determination have no expiration date.

THE PERSISTENCE OF A CHAMPION

Mancebo’s journey is a story of resilience and transformation. After a brilliant stint with teams like Banesto, where he reached podiums in grand tours such as the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, his career was interrupted by the 2006 doping scandal. However, far from giving up, the cyclist from Navaluenga has continued to compete with various international teams, from the United States to the United Arab Emirates.

His victory in the Tour du Sahel is not only a personal achievement but also a powerful message to the cycling world: age is just a number when fueled by passion and determination. Now racing with the Al-Raed Saudi Club, Mancebo proved that his competitive spirit remains intact, outperforming significantly younger cyclists and writing a new chapter in his already legendary sporting career.