“I don’t have words to explain how I feel” | Relief

A lot of time has passed since the day of death Jose Maria Jimenez, one of the greatest legends in the history of Spanish cycling, and his legacy still resonates in the hearts of the majority of his fans, those who vibrated with his movements on the handlebars in the 90s. The rise, fall and disappearance of Chava. are part of one of the most exciting areas of the nation’s sporting elite. There was a lot of silence, a lot of unknowns, and also a lot of respect that came with his legacy.

Now, in 2024, 20 years after his loss, Movistar Plus+ will premiere with Relevo Chava. Urban Cyclist”, a thorough and extensive documentary about his figure, with unpublished testimonies about his life, exploits and most difficult moments. Among them there are a document that has never seen the light of day before. In the last moments of his life, when he was going through very delicate moments, “Chava” dreamed of a comeback, realizing all the love that the fans gave him and, to some extent, eager to return it to them on the bike. In fact, what motivated Jose the most were his people. He wrote a letter to all of them, which he never had a chance to show. What you will read below is his transcription, which is now in the hands of his wife Azucena, a truly special soul who agreed to teach it for the first time:

Thank you, friends and dear subscribers, I have no words to explain how I feel with all your support. I am writing these letters to convey to you the state of my health, both physical and emotional.

Physical: low due to treatment for depression, which was very severe due to my lifestyle (over-impulsive person).

Mood: the most normal in my state with ups and downs. Either very good or very bad, because I am like I said before. Conclusion: the desire to have good health, to do what my blood carries (I was born a cyclist and will die with this blood).

Keep believing that this is temporary because I have a lot of faith and confidence right now.

I say goodbye with a hello, a hug and forgiveness, but I need to go out of my way to kiss my wife (Aza) and family.

For the real ones, Chavistas

More information about the documentary

Producer: Relevo, “Chava. The People’s Cyclist premieres on Movistar Plus+ this Thursday at 10pm ET. Over the course of 51 minutes, it reveals the athlete’s personality through the testimony of those who knew Jimenez best. The documentary includes testimony from Azucena herself for the first time since Chava’s death, as well as exclusive statements from the cyclist’s former colleagues such as David Navas, Santi Blanco and Escartin; journalists Javier Ares and Alfredo Relaño; and Movistar Team CEO Eusebio Unzue, who accompanied Xava during his greatest successes with the Banesto team in the 90s.