"I've always been fascinated by that moment when sports teams present their new season kits. Over time it became a little ritual that I looked forward to every year. It was that excitement that made me want to create things that would solve problems and bring joy."
That's how Jesús García Prieto introduces himself, although most people know him as Txus. He is part of the product development team at Gobik and is originally from Archena, a town in Murcia famous for its hot springs.
He studied Industrial Design and Product Development Engineering in Alcoy, at the Universitat Politècnica de València. There, he became interested in the textile world, driven by the strong tradition of the area in this industry.
"I've always seen myself as a creative person, with a lot of visual memory. That has given me an endless imagination and a desire to design things that improve everyday life."
An unexpected turn to cycling
His path to cycling wasn't straightforward. It all started by helping a friend train for an Ironman, which introduced him to the world of endurance sports. In 2016, after years of playing basketball and running, he bought his first road bike. At the same time, he started following Gobik closely, and even went so far as to apply to work for the company. Although he wasn't initially selected, he didn't lose his enthusiasm:
"I followed Gobik closely from the beginning. When I applied and wasn't chosen, I told myself that it just wasn't the right time."
Two and a half years later, he tried again. One day he got a call from someone named Alberto. Txus had no idea who he was, but he accepted the invitation to visit the company in Yecla. That day he met Alberto and Jose Ramon, the founders of Gobik, who shared their vision for the future and invited him to join the project.
"They wanted to grow, to be the best, and they wanted me to be on that journey," he said. I didn't hesitate, I moved to Yecla."
From technical beginnings to product development
It was 2020, at the height of the pandemic, an uncertain time for everyone. Txus was in Yecla with his partner when the confinements began. But despite the challenges, the rise of cycling in those months brought renewed energy to the industry.
He started in the Technical Office, specifically in the Cutting area.
"The first few months were tough, but thanks to my boss at the time, Ruben, I learned in depth about textiles. I understood how to work with fabrics, how each one behaves and how to handle them correctly."
That experience gave him valuable technical knowledge about the materials and patterns Gobik uses, something his colleagues still admire today.
After three years, he joined the Product Development team, where his technical profile and production acumen made him the perfect bridge between the factory and development:
"Now my job is to help create new products from start to finish, working side by side with professional cyclists and always looking to improve the collection, year after year."
Txus is key in transforming ideas into reality. He solves problems between departments, takes care of every technical and creative detail, and makes sure the products reach the level the brand demands.
"I like to be the one who connects the dots, who supports the team where needed. And I always try to do it with a smile, sharing jokes and good energy."
What's next
His goal is to keep growing with Gobik and continue to design products that people want to wear, enjoy and remember.
"To see someone down the road, wearing something I helped create. That's the best reward."
If you were a Gobik jersey, which one would you be?
CX Solid.
What is always playing on your Spotify?
Of course, Murcian cradle! But also a mix of Spanish alternative music like Viva Suecia, Arde Bogotá, Guitarricadelafuente and some Arctic Monkeys.
Series or movies?
Both. I love sci-fi movies like Star Wars, but I also enjoy anime like One Piece or classics like Mad Men.
Wine or beer?
Beer with friends, wine with my partner.
Tour, Giro or Vuelta?
The Vuelta, always! Because watching it live allows you to be very close to the riders. Although this year I will spend a whole week with friends watching the Tour de France and climbing some of its mythical passes.
