Memorial and Park Paulo “Speedy” Gonçalves
Paulo "Speedy" Gonçalves is one of the greatest references in Portuguese motorcycling.
A native of the municipality of Esposende, he was born in the parish of Gemeses, on 5 February 1979, and died on 12 January 2020, in Saudi Arabia, after falling during the seventh stage of the 42nd edition of the Dakar Rally.
Paulo Gonçalves has an extensive record in motorsport, winning 23 titles in motocross, supercross and enduro. He was Cross Country Rally World Champion in 2013 and took part in 13 editions of the Dakar Rally, finishing a remarkable second in 2015.
He was honoured with the Sports Merit Medal from Esposende Town Hall in 2003. He was posthumously awarded the Collar of Honour for Sports Merit, the highest national distinction in the sports field, and the Medal of Honour from Esposende Town Hall, the highest municipal award.
Paulo Gonçalves has become an ambassador for Esposende to the world.
The celebration of his passion for competition, friendship, companionship and commitment are reflected in the dynamic image of this sculpture, creating a generational meeting point and a memorial tribute to the hero of the Municipality and the motorised universe. Its conception and construction are the result of the union of end-of-life metal components and mechanical parts, the contribution of all those who travelled with Paulo Gonçalves along the road of life and his world of adventures in the mechanical and racing worlds. The three-dimensionality of the work represents the striking iconography of the rider and his motorbike in full action. The work was created by photojournalist and artist Paulo Maria.
In addition to the memorial, Paulo Goncalves gave his name to the park where the sculpture is located. It is an urban space that has been redeveloped into a Dog Park, a Town Hall and a Collection of Remarkable Trees. It is located opposite National Road 13, classified as the Northern Route, between the Senhora da Saúde and Solidal roundabouts in Esposende.
The athlete, the man, the friend and companion have been lost, but Paulo Gonçalves' legacy will live on forever...
because “Speedy is Forever”!
Geolocalisation: 41°31'50.1"N 8°46'34.0"W
Address: Parque Paulo Gonçalves (Estrada nacional 13)
