Issue date: 04 Aug, 2019
SPORT. LA PURITO CYCLE RACE
In 2019 we revived a series which had not been issued since 2014 in Andorra’s stamps: Sport is a homage to a cycling competition, a sport which is becoming increasingly popular.
Joaquim Rodríguez, “Purito”, was a professional cyclist from 2001 to 2016. During his career he raced in different teams, taking part in over 40 victories and important races including the Tour, Giro, La Vuelta, Lombardy, Flèche Wallonne, Tirreno–Adriatico and Volta a Catalunya. No. 1 UCI World Ranking 2010, 2012 and 2013. [] A long-time resident of Andorra, in 2015 he organised the first La Purito cycle race, covering the same route as the legendary stage of the 2015 Vuelta de España, the toughest in the history of the Spanish race. Joaquim Rodríguez completed the stage, although it was won by Mikel Landa of Álava (Basque Country).
La Purito will hold its 5th edition in 2019, with several routes so it can be taken by as many amateur riders as possible, whatever their age and ability. This special year will be celebrated on Sunday 4 August, starting from Sant Julià de Lòria and ending at Els Cortals d’Encamp. The well-known race of Joaquim “Purito” Rodríguez will be the star of a weekend when Andorra will be bike territory: Saturday 3 August will also see the 3rd La Purito Kids in Encamp and the Bicycle Fair in Sant Julià de Lòria.
The toughest race is the Purito 5.2, 145 kilometres in which the participants must cross the mountain passes of Collada de Beixalís, Coll de Ordino, Alto de la Rabassa, Coll de la Gallina and Alto de la Comella, finally climbing to Cortals de Encamp and the finish line.
Over 2000 people take part in the race each year, and it has become a fixture on the road race calendar. La Purito also inspires many cycling fans, who enjoy the atmosphere, the landscapes and the spectacle.
The stamp also shows the logo of the 2019 edition, a cyclist climbing to a mountain pass with the Andorra mountains in the background.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.