Colombian Cyclists Reflect on National Struggle and Resilience in New Novel

Ricardo Silva’s novel ‘Alpe d’Huez commemorates the historic victory of Luis Herrera in the 1984 Tour de France, symbolizing the endurance and spirit of the Colombian people. This literary celebration contrasts sharply with his earlier work on national tragedy.

According to writer Ricardo Silva, Colombian cyclists epitomize the daily struggles faced by many in their country. His novel Alpe d’Huez is based on Luis Herrera’s epic victory in a stage of the 1984 Tour de France, the first for Colombia in that race, 40 years ago.

‘Alpe d’Huez’ (published by Alfaguara) is a celebration of “the love we have for this coral-filled place,” says Silva about this novel, which starkly contrasts his earlier book ‘Autogol.’ Written in 2009, ‘Autogol’ was a cathartic piece reflecting the shame and tragedy surrounding the 1994 murder of soccer player Andrés Escobar.

“Cyclists embody our penchant for suffering and enduring torture and redeem us. They are modest, people of few words, much less flashy than football or boxing stars, who are always more extroverted and talkative,” Silva states in an interview with EFE.

Silva (born in Bogotá in 1975) adds that ‘Alpe d’Huez’ is a celebration of a Colombian epic that made him proud as a child. The whole country vibrated with excitement, glued to their televisions or radios, as Herrera triumphed in the 17th stage of the 1984 Tour de France. Herrera’s victory from Grenoble to the legendary Alpine pass ahead of that year’s champion Laurent Fignon was monumental.

Out of the 21 bends leading from Bourg d’Oissans to the summit of Alpe d’Huez, the 12th bears the name of the Colombian who won it on July 16, 1984. The others are named after cyclists who have also made history on that arduous climb.

Lucho Herrera, known as ‘El Jardinerito de Fusagasugá’ or ‘The Son of the Mountains,’ is one of the few cyclists to have been the king of the mountains in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, the latter of which he also won in 1987.

Embodying the Best of Everyday Colombians

Since his earliest memories, Silva has loved cycling, following the ‘escarabajos’ (beetles) through radio broadcasts. He considers Lucho Herrera the best representation of the values and virtues of the Colombian campesino (peasant).

He embodies the best of what you see when you’re born here. The best qualities are courage, resilience, simplicity, discipline with few words, and a genuinely exemplary humility,” expresses Silva.

For Silva, ‘Alpe d’Huez,’ which has recently hit bookstores, celebrates a victory achieved through sacrifice and dedication. In contrast ‘Autogol’ represents the opposite, detailing the events leading to the murder of Andrés Escobar after the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

The life of the elegant defender ended in Medellín on July 2, 1994, when hitmen killed him because of an own goal scored while playing for the Colombian national team in the World Cup in the United States. This scar remains open in the hearts of his compatriots.

Silva believes that the joys and tragedies of sports are inherently literary topics because “they are allegories that do not need to be constructed; they are already made, and their narratives are immediately interpretable.”

“A football match recreates the suspense of life, or a cycling stage recreates the daily via crucis and the effort anybody in the world makes to survive, the effort a body makes not to be sabotaged by its mind,” he explains.

The Euphoria and Ghosts of Cycling

In Alpe d’Huez, Silva narrates an epic and investigates what it feels like during cycling races, the ghosts of defeats, and the euphoria of triumph. Despite the challenge of facing a blank page at the start of writing a book, Silva emphasizes that he felt ‘comfortable and happy’ writing Alpe d’Huez.

“‘Autogol’ and ‘Alpe d’Huez’ are the novels I have perhaps felt happiest writing. I don’t know if it is because of my passion for football and cycling,” he concludes.

The tale of Lucho Herrera’s victory at Alpe d’Huez is a story of athletic achievement and a metaphor for the Colombian experience. It speaks to the perseverance, determination, and quiet strength that define the nation’s people, particularly those from rural backgrounds who face daily hardships with unwavering resolve.

Silva’s exploration of these themes in Alpe d’Huez also touches on broader questions of national identity and cultural pride. Colombian cyclists’ triumphs on the world stage serve as powerful symbols of what the country can achieve despite significant obstacles. These athletes’ successes provide a counter-narrative to Colombia’s often negative international perceptions, showcasing a side of the nation characterized by resilience and excellence.

The contrast between ‘Alpe d’Huez’ and ‘Autogol’ highlights the duality of the Colombian experience—moments of pride and joy juxtaposed with instances of deep sorrow and injustice. Silva’s work captures this complexity, offering a nuanced portrayal of his homeland that resonates with readers both within and outside Colombia.

Silva’s choice to write about cycling, a sport that requires immense physical and mental endurance, underscores his admiration for the tenacity of Colombian athletes. The narrative of ‘Alpe d’Huez’ celebrates Herrera’s historic win and the broader spirit of endurance that defines Colombia’s collective identity.

Celebrating Heritage Through Literature

Silva contributes to preserving and celebrating Colombia’s rich heritage by weaving historical sports achievements into his literary works. His novels serve as cultural artifacts that document and honor the country’s significant moments, fostering a sense of unity and pride among readers.

The broader Latin American context is also essential in understanding Silva’s work’s impact. The region shares a history of struggle and triumph, and the stories of athletes like Herrera resonate across borders. The narrative of overcoming adversity is universal, and Silva’s depiction of Herrera’s journey at Alpe d’Huez inspires people throughout Latin America.

Moreover, the focus on sports as a reflection of societal values is particularly relevant in a region where sports often play a central role in national identity. Silva’s work highlights these cultural touchstones’ importance and ability to unite communities.

Also read: Egan Bernal and Daniel Felipe Martínez Lead Colombia’s Olympic Cycling Team

Ricardo Silva’s ‘Alpe d’Huez’ is more than a celebration of a historic sporting event; it is a tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Colombian people. Through the story of Lucho Herrera’s victory, Silva captures what it means to persevere against all odds, offering a narrative that inspires and unites. As Colombia continues to face challenges, old and new, the stories of its heroes, told through the lens of literature, will remain a source of strength and pride for generations.