Sergio Mantecón: A Mountain Biking Journey Through Injury, Triumph, and Persistence

The senior athlete’s journey is often paved with setbacks that become the fuel for a comeback. Physical and mental wounds mark the road, yet some athletes find a way through while others drift away. Sergio Mantecón, a professional who resonates with every fan of Spanish mountain biking, found his turning point on a trip to Navarra with his father. The Cantabrian rider, who later found a home in Valencia, recalls how that trip sharpened his focus and reignited his passion for the sport. The environment he stepped into has a long, storied history, and his career mirrors that heritage with a record that speaks for itself. The team he joined not only celebrated five Spanish championships in two styles but also earned a top five finish in World Cups, along with numerous other milestones. Looking back, Mantecón notes a time when coverage was sparser and the crowd was smaller, a period when the group that trained on Sunday mornings felt like the odd ones out. Still, the momentum never really slowed, and the descent continued to be a testament to persistence and love for the ride.