Loulé Chamber issues note of condolence for the death of Vítor Tenazinha

«It is, in fact, a hallmark of cycling in Loulé throughout the country», highlights the Câmara de Loulé

Loulé City Council released this afternoon a note of "deep sorrow for the death of Vítor José Tenazinha Sousa, a member of the community of Loulé who strongly influenced the sports scene not only in the county, but also in the whole country».

In its note, the municipality recalls that Vítor Tenazinha was born on October 25, 1941, in Boliqueime.

From an early age, he showed a propensity for cycling. He was only 17 years old when he signed up as an individual on the circuit for “Popular” held in Boliqueime, which he won.

Given his excellent performance in this competition, he was soon sought after by Louletano, where he began his official career, in 1957, in the “Amateur-Junior” category.

A combative cyclist, Vítor Tenazinha always obtained great ratings and won stages in grand prizes and in the “Volta a Portugal”. He was even part of the Portuguese national team that competed in the “Volta a España” in 1962.

In 1965, the last season in which he represented Louletano, he was selected for the “Volta ao Futuro” (France) and obtained 11th place in the “Volta a Portugal”.

He then passed through Benfica, alongside cyclists such as Peixoto Alves, Francisco Valada, Fernando Mendes, Américo Silva, and established himself at Sporting, parading victoriously with João Roque, Leonel Miranda, Sérgio Easter, Firmino Bernardino and Joaquim Agostinho.

 

 

After his career, he emigrated to the United States, having returned to his homeland to invest in Vilamoura and Quarteira.

In 1994, he was awarded by the Municipality of Loulé with the Municipal Medal of Merit – Bronze Degree.

One of the most notable racers of his time, he left a great mark on his combativeness and also on his class as a cyclist. In the last 15 years, whenever the professional cycling team of Louletano Desportos Clube made its presentation, Vítor Tenazinha was one of the cyclists invited to go to the podium, as an example for the runners who were going to compete in the Volta a Portugal. «It is, in fact, a hallmark of cycling in Loulé throughout the country», emphasizes the Câmara de Loulé.

For this reason, the Municipality says it deeply regrets the loss of this citizen and athlete who marked the life and history of the community and who, therefore, will forever remain in our collective memory.

To friends and family, the Loulé Chamber addresses its deepest condolences.

 

 



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