Julio César León

Julio César León ( born February 2, 1925 in Trujillo ) is a former racing cyclist from Venezuela.

Julio César León was the first athlete from Venezuela, who started at the Olympics: He played two cycling disciplines at the Olympic Games 1948 in London. In the 1000 -meter time trial, he was ranked 14 (of 21) in the sprint, he retired in the second round against the Italian Mario Ghella, who later won the gold medal. León in 1948 was also the only starter from Venezuela.

For Leon, the participation in the games was in London an experience in more ways than one: Before he took part in the track competitions in Herne Hill, he had never seen a velodrome. In addition, he looked during his stay in England for the first time in his life watching TV.

Léon also launched at World Championships and took a short time for the Bianchi team in Italy, whose captain was Fausto Coppi. He then returned to Venezuela to study mechanical engineering. He drove on bicycle races and won numerous national titles in 25 years.

2008 Julio César León was invited to the 2008 Olympic Games to Beijing to mark the 60th anniversary of his Olympic start. At the 2012 Olympics in London, he is to travel as a member of the Venezuelan delegation and also take part in the opening ceremony.