Cervera had never experienced such a day. The small Catalan town of 10,000 inhabitants, birthplace of the two Marquez brothers, transformed into the world capital of sport on Saturday. On balconies, on facades, in the streets: everywhere the same two numbers, 93 and 73, printed on flags and posters under a slogan that went viral: "Back 2 Back – Marquez Brothers making history".
A way of formalizing what all of Catalonia already knew: Marc Marquez, 2025 MotoGP world champion, and Alex Marquez, runners-up, have written a unique page in history.
For MarcThis title has a special flavor.
A ninth world title, the first since 2019, after an abysmal fall: four years of suffering, operations, relapses and doubts.
On the large stage set up in the Plaça Major, in front of a crowd from all over Spain, Europe and even Australia, he said aloud what his loved ones had known for a long time:
« During this dark periodYou supported me, and it is thanks to you that we can celebrate together today. »
He then admitted to having lost time, but gained much more:
« I lost three years of my career, but I gained six years of personal maturity.My passion remains intact. »
And, as often happens, he then went on to talk about his brother:
« Alex could be champion next year. He was the only one to finish ahead of me this season.He has everything he needs to succeed »
Alex Marquez, the expected consecration: “after six difficult yearsIt's unique"
Si Marc has come a long way. Alex For him, it was the season of his life. His title of vice-world champion, his first in MotoGP, moved Cervera as much as his brother's exploits.
On stage, with his characteristic emotion, he summed up this fraternal rebirth in a simple sentence:
« After six difficult years, our return to form, both of us, is something that transcends history. It's unique »
Alex was also the impromptu master of ceremonies for the day: singing, dancing, speeches… he set the mood from beginning to end.
A paralyzed city of Cervera… and transfigured by the Marquez brothers
The program began with the traditional official visit to La Paeria, the town hall. The mayor, Jan Pomés, a classmate ofAlexpaid tribute to them:
« We consider ourselves the world capital of sport, and that's thanks to you. This is a glorious day. We are very proud of you »
The Catalan authorities were present, as were the Spanish Minister of Education, Pilar Alegría, came to greet “ Marc's extraordinary ability to return to the top and encourage Alex in his stated objective: to beat his brother.
Injured in the shoulder during the Indonesian GP, Marc He has still not been allowed to get back on a motorcycle. Therefore, he was unable to drive in the traditional procession.
It is Alex who guided his red Panigale through the city, while Marc… stood at the back, legs bent, filming the crowd with a GoPro like an overexcited child.
During an impromptu burnout, he even locked the front wheel to allow his brother to set the rear on fire: roles reversed, but the complicity intact.
The party concluded with a flurry of messages from world sports stars: Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol, Fernando AlonsoAndrés Iniesta, Alexia Putellas. All congratulated the two brothers on their historic season.
Emotion overwhelmed Marc, tears welling in his eyes, before the huge family photo brought to a close four hours of total communion.
The whole team Ducati Corse was present – Gigi Dall'Igna, Davide Tardozzi – as well as the structure Gresini, arrived in Alex's legendary sky-blue VW Bully.
Even the young champions were there: Diogo Moreirachampion Moto2, and Maximo QuilesMoto3 revelation.
On Saturday, Cervera was no longer a city: it was a sanctuary of speed, the world capital of two wheels, the scene of a double sporting renaissance like no other.
Brothers MarquezThe champion and the runner-up have lived their moment of eternity. And everything suggests that the story is not over.
