Federico Martín Bahamontes was one of the greatest legends of national cycling. The Toledo was controversial his first race at the Andalusian GP in 1952 And over the course of thirteen years that took a while trajectory on the bike achieved different successes This has helped put Spain on the world cycling map. The Eagle of Toledo was a Pioneer in national cycling and I act as a reference for many of the great later cyclists.
His illustrious career was presented more than 100 victories Several notable successes eventually made him one of the greatest Spanish legends in this sport. There were a total of 120 professional wins. 1955, 1958 and especially 1959 were his most productive years.
1959, a very special year
The best year of Bahamontes’ career. This season the Toledo earned 29 victories. Among the most notable victories are the Spanish Mountaineering Championshipthe ascent of Arrate, Spanish Championship of Regions, two stages of the Tour of Switzerland, one stage of the Vuelta a España And First and foremost the Tour de France. Federico Bahamontes with his Tour de France victory earlier this year He was the first Spanish rider to win the general classification of the gala test.
the king of the mountain
If something catches your eye The Eagle of Toledo was in his Ability to climb the most complicated portsS. Bahamontes was a super climber who outperformed his rivals when the occasion called for it master the toughest ramps on the calendar. In the mountain category won important victoriesget that Mountain Grand Prix once at the Giro d’Italia, twice at the Vuelta a España and six times at the Tour de France. in this test He took first place on mountain tops 53 times, the best overall record for a cyclist in the Tour de France.
At the 100th edition of the Tour de France (2013)Federico Bahamontes received a tribute in which He was officially named the best climber in the history of this competition.
Other Recognitions
Over the years, Federico’s personality grew and his legacy was preserved for future generations. Different organizations and stands wanted to reward his career with different recognitions. In In 2002 he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit by the Higher Sports Council. That same year, he was recognized by the magazine as one of the most outstanding cyclists in history be elected to be part of the inaugural session of the UCI Hall of Fame. Finally, in your honor In 2018 a sculpture was inaugurated in ToledoA act of homage The His city wanted to have a myth of Spanish cycling.
