Saúl Vilar: un campeón de España made in Marisquiño

We're back with the OM Stories, those stories that make up Marisquiño and that, during the competition days, it's impossible for us to tell. In this case, the protagonist is Saúl Vilar, who experienced the Vigo festival for the first time at just three years old with his family... and ended up dreaming of flying. "When I grew up a bit, I realized that what I loved the most was BMX. I bought a bike, practiced for a year, and then in 2016 I competed for the first time here. I was 8 years old. I remember it perfectly, it was my first Marisquiño as a rider, I competed in junior and came in third."

That boy who, during his first visits, would stand mesmerized watching the pros from behind the fence has just been crowned Spanish BMX Champion for the first time. And the circle closes, although the journey has only just begun. "I looked at the riders as if they were from another galaxy... and now I'm with them, sharing podiums. That's what makes me the happiest."

He grew up in Vigo and in Marisquiño. And in reality, the two things are more connected than they seem. “Seeing the best here, so close, was what motivated me to take it seriously. I have always liked BMX, but having an event like this in your city changes everything.” Because there is something in that environment that stays with you. In the stands, in the parks, in your skin. “What I liked the most was the environment, the riders who came from outside, the excitement of it all. It amazed me.”

Today, Saúl not only competes at the highest level in Spain. He also competes in the two categories of BMX: Park and Street. “I have always liked both. I have been practicing this way since I was little. Riders like Sergio Layos and Courage Adams have influenced me. I have learned a lot by watching them.”

And although his dreams already push him to look outward —“I would like to compete at a global level, go to United States, get involved with major brands, keep progressing…”— his connection with Marisquiño remains intact: “It is undoubtedly my favorite event at both national and international levels. It has done a lot to motivate people and to train new riders. And it has improved every year.” And so we will continue. Both of us.