The opinion column points out that, despite having a similar population, Manresa and Girona are “worlds apart” in terms of development. Girona has benefited from six favorable factors, including its capital status, proximity to the AP-7 and the Costa Brava, and a powerful local government over a long period.
The author argues that Girona's continued success has begun to generate a “vicious cycle of complacency and sycophancy.” An example of this trend is the case of the old Odeon theater, built in 1857 on the Pujada de Sant Domènec.
After a century closed and turned into a ruin, a local businessman invested in an excellent rehabilitation to rent the space to a high-end bicycle shop. This decision has sparked protests from the Old Town Residents Association, who complain about the excess of cyclists.
In Girona, they are starting to show the spoiled child syndrome. Seen from Manresa, there can only be one response: they don't want rich cyclists? Send them to us! We have red carpets!
The opinion concludes that, while a similar investment would be celebrated in Manresa with the City Medal, it is rejected in Girona. The author urges Manresa to seize this opportunity and attract the high-purchasing power cycling tourism that the capital of Girona seems to be starting to despise.
