Jorge Lorenzo and Toni Elías receive tribute from their fans

The two Spanish motorcycling world champions, Jorge Lorenzo of MotoGP and Toni Elías of Moto2, were welcomed yesterday by their fans at two big celebrations: one in Barcelona, right at the airport, where the Mallorcan rider lives, and the other in Manresa, where Elías’s hometown paid him a great tribute that lasted late into the night.

Lorenzo’s fan club, whose members are known as ‘Spartans’, organized a reception at El Prat airport, where a large crowd of followers gathered at the call of his fans, several motorcycling clubs from Catalonia, and Yamaha itself. On his first day in Spain since winning the championship, Lorenzo said he was delighted with the reception and assured everyone that he is living the happiest days of his life.

Meanwhile, Toni Elías enjoyed an even bigger celebration in his hometown of Manresa, where a hundred motorcycles escorted him into town to the City Hall, where his family and friends such as Crivillé, Tarrés and Farrés welcomed him. He declared that only upon arriving in Manresa did he “truly feel like a world champion.” Elías then returned to the city’s main square where, deeply moved, he continued celebrating the title with his friends and supporters.

But the tribute events will not end here, since Jorge Lorenzo will still have his big celebration this very afternoon and evening in his hometown of Palma de Mallorca, where an Air Europa plane sponsoring him, decorated with his image, will greet him at the airport before he heads into the city, where he will receive the affection of all the people who watched him grow up.

Source | Marca | Marca