Jordi Buch: Overcoming Barriers with Passion in Cycling despite Pseudoachondroplasia

A Cyclist Overcoming Challenges: Jordi Buch and Pseudoachondroplasia

Jordi Buch, a passionate cyclist, defies expectations as he battles with pseudoachondroplasia, a growth disorder. Despite his condition, the 39-year-old cyclist stands at 146cm tall and weighs around 47kg. Pseudoachondroplasia brings with it various effects such as bowed legs, scoliosis, and early osteoarthritis, as well as limitations in growth. However, Buch continues to surpass every test, showcasing his incredible resilience and determination.

The Beginnings of a Cycling Journey

Buch’s love for cycling began as a weekend activity with his father. However, it quickly transformed into something more when he discovered a local race. As he grew older, he realized that impact sports like soccer or tennis posed limitations for him. It was then that he found solace in cycling, a sport that allowed him to fully express himself.

Transforming Cycling into a Way of Life

For Buch, cycling evolved from a spontaneous activity to an essential part of his daily life. He constantly seeks new challenges, with his regular participation in the Titan Desert being a testament to his unwavering spirit. Soon, he will embark on his most extreme challenge yet, the Cape Epic.

“Initially, the Titan Desert wasn’t something that appealed to me. However, after meeting passionate individuals and receiving a scholarship to raise awareness for growth pathologies, I decided to give it a try. It has become a platform to shed light on an important cause, and the results have been rewarding,” Buch explains.

Adapting to the Bike

Given his height, Buch faces unique challenges when it comes to finding the right cycling equipment. He often relies on bikes designed for women, making necessary modifications to suit his needs. For instance, he opts for narrower handlebars. “I started with 27-inch bikes and then transitioned to 29-inch bikes. Typically, I use XS bikes, which are designed for women,” Buch reveals. Once everything is adjusted, he feels fully prepared to maximize his performance on the bike.

The Visibility of Your Case

One crucial factor to consider is the financial cost associated with Jordi’s passion for cycling. Despite the misconception that his visibility comes without any expense, the Catalan athlete clarifies that “everything comes out of my own pocket, and we must also exercise financial restraint.”

Jordi’s results speak for themselves, despite his obvious physical disadvantage. In the first stage of this year’s competition, he finished in an impressive 38th position. Moreover, in the overall classification of 2022, he narrowly missed the Top 50. However, Jordi humbly refuses to see himself as a role model, stating, “I believe it’s important not to idealize anyone. Each person must determine their own limits and avoid pushing themselves too hard. Personally, I perform better on climbs than on flat terrains, which is why the Titan race suits me better.”

Jordi’s primary focus is to serve as an example for others, inspiring them to strive for personal growth. However, in many cases, external support is necessary to raise awareness for his cause, and Jordi is no exception. He expresses a need for more business sponsorships, while also expressing gratitude towards those who have supported his athletic journey, such as the training center in Premià de Mar and the sports brand that provides him with equipment for events like the one he participated in this week in Arabia. With the necessary resources, Jordi is confident that he can achieve even greater heights.

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