Just 30 months on the cycling racing circuit has netted a San Juan Cosala teen enough medals to cover his chest and ignite a dream of one day becoming a professional cyclist.
Already in his short career Luis Francisco Villa Medina, 16, has represented Mexico in the Pan-American Youth Games and won three golds and a silver in the past two editions of the Mexican national olympics.
San Juan Cosala cyclist Luis Francisco Villa Medina, 16, shows off his collection of medals won in national competitions in the past two-and-a-half years.
His raw talent, strength and determination has caught the attention of Spanish cycling coach David Plaza, a former professional road racer and star of the European cycling circuit.
Villa accepted Plaza’s offer to train him in Guadalajara and the teen is now making regular trips into the city in a bid to improve his level.
Villa is quick to acknowledge the support he has received from his family – his father, a keen cyclist himself, taught his son to ride soon after he had learned to walk – as well as local bike shop owner Federico “Rayo” Chavez, whom he says is “always there to help me or to repair my bikes.” Others who have helped push forward Villa’s career are Jocotepec Legal Officer Samuel Campos Perez, Rafaela Hernandez Casillas, Vincenta Mendo Ramos and Yadira Rios Guzman and her husband Gerardo Tolentino Zamora. The latter two are San Juan Cosala educators with a mission to lend a hand to local youngsters. They are dedicated to organizing activities for area kids and hosting fundraisers for special projects, including Villa’s travel expenses to national competitions.
Villa’s parents are proud of their son’s accomplishments, and keen to help him reach the lofty goals within his grasp. But money is always a thorny issue and with three younger children also in the home, it’s often difficult for the family to come up with the bus fare for Villa’s frequent trips into Guadalajara, as well his correct nutrition.
“Some days he doesn’t even have time to eat before he has to take the bus,” laments Villa’s mother. “I know that’s bad for his health when he is working so hard in training, but I don’t have more money to give him for food at school or in Guadalajara.”
Lakeside’s many sports enthusiasts may see this as a good opportunity to assist a young local athlete reach the very top of his sport.
For more information about helping with Villa’s travel expenses and other incidentals, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All funds will go directly to the San Juan Cosala family.