When it comes to myths in OCM, you need to have Elias Márquez in your list. He was born in the capital Montevideo, he began his career as professional cyclist back in Season 5, with Euskadi. But pretty soon he was unemployeed and then Team Weeny appeared, the manager thought his conditions in the downhills would match with his team, but he was wrong... in a good way.
After Marquez trained whole Season 6, adapting to the difficult Division 1, in such different terrains and races (Astana GP, Aalborg TT, or climbing races), Elias developed not only his downhill skills, but also climbing, sprinting and against the clock. The began of Season 7 was very promising, with a 6th place in Essex Tour, then he prepared his legs to race in Russia, and won Perm Tour being the most regular cyclist. His team could sign up for Germany Tour and Elias won the GC with his classical downhill skills, complemen...
Read moreWhen it comes to myths in OCM, you need to have Elias Márquez in your list. He was born in the capital Montevideo, he began his career as professional cyclist back in Season 5, with Euskadi. But pretty soon he was unemployeed and then Team Weeny appeared, the manager thought his conditions in the downhills would match with his team, but he was wrong... in a good way.
After Marquez trained whole Season 6, adapting to the difficult Division 1, in such different terrains and races (Astana GP, Aalborg TT, or climbing races), Elias developed not only his downhill skills, but also climbing, sprinting and against the clock. The began of Season 7 was very promising, with a 6th place in Essex Tour, then he prepared his legs to race in Russia, and won Perm Tour being the most regular cyclist. His team could sign up for Germany Tour and Elias won the GC with his classical downhill skills, complemented by his performance in the time trials, he knew how to resist the attacks of his rivals during stage 8, after suffering a crisis on the bike. He ended 5th in the OCM Tour, and was one of the best cyclist of season.
With his name in the select list of ''Tour Sharks'', at Season 8 he focused all his efforts to conquer his second Germany Tour. With super legs in stage 7, Elias secured enough gap to win his second yellow jersey, his parents joined him in the final stage and they embraced their son after he crossed the finish line. ''They are the most important people for me, I became cyclist to help them, and somehow, give in return the love they gave me. I want them to be proud of me,'' Elias said really happy and all tears.
Season 9 was witness of the first cyclist winning Germany Tour three times in a row, and also the warrior spirit Elias had, resisting several attacks in the climbs and approaching his downhill abilities. OCM honored him after his success and created the Elias Marquez Invitational, a race in Uruguay in honor of Elias. He won his race in the second edition (Season 10), which resulted in his last victory in the OCM. Elias Márquez retired at the end of Season 13, 9 seasons as professional cyclist, 20 results, 7 victories; 3 Germany Tours.
He returned to Montevideo and raised a family, and every season Elias goes to the Elias Márquez Invitational and participates in the OCM party remembering his career.
Uruguay