Cycling is a popular sport in Spain, and the country is home to some of the best cyclists in the world. From Alberto Contador to Alejandro Valverde, Spain has produced a number of world-class riders who have made their mark on the cycling world.
We will take a look at some of the greatest Spanish cyclists of all time and the incredible accomplishments they have achieved. We will also look at some of the up-and-coming riders who have the potential to become future cycling stars.
With so much success on the roads of Spain, it is clear why the country is a cycling powerhouse.
1. Luis Ocaña
Jesús Luis Ocaña Pernía was an iconic Spanish road bicycle racer who made a name for himself in the cycling world for his impressive achievements. Born in 1945, Ocaña began his cycling career at a young age, competing in regional races when he was only sixteen.
He soon began to make a name for himself, and by 1969, he had already won the Vuelta a Murcia and the Tour de Pays Basque. In 1970, Ocaña achieved his first major victory, winning the Vuelta a España with a remarkable performance.
Following this victory, he went on to win several stages in the Tour de France, and in 1973 he became the first Spanish cyclist to win the Tour de France.
This victory was seen as a historic moment in Spanish cycling history, and it further cemented Ocaña’s legacy as a cycling champion. Throughout his career, Ocaña was known for his strong work ethic and determination.
He was known for pushing himself to the limit, and this was reflected in his impressive results. Sadly, his career was cut short in 1975 when he suffered a career-ending crash during the Tour de Romandie.
Despite this, Ocaña’s accomplishments in cycling will never be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest Spanish road cyclists of all time.
2. Federico Bahamontes
Federico Martín Bahamontes was a Spanish professional road racing cyclist born as Alejandro Martín Bahamontes. He achieved great success in his career, with his crowning achievement being the 1959 Tour de France.
This was the first time any cyclist from Spain had won the Tour, making it a monumental moment in history.
In total, he won 11 Grand Tour stages between 1954 and 1965, demonstrating his prowess in the sport over an extended period of time. Bahamontes was renowned for his climbing prowess, which was his greatest strength and helped him to achieve his Tour de France victory.
He had a unique style of climbing which saw him riding with a low and very close to the handlebars position, which earned him the nickname “The Eagle of Toledo”.
His climbing was so impressive that he was the first rider ever to win the King of the Mountains title in the Tour de France three times, in 1959, 1960, and 1963. Despite his success, Bahamontes was a notoriously difficult character, often shunning the media and showing little respect for his teammates.
He was known to throw tantrums when things didn’t go his way and was prone to extreme mood swings, which made him an unpredictable rider.
However, despite his eccentricities, Bahamontes was an undeniable talent and his legacy lives on as one of the greatest Spanish cyclists in history.
3. Joaquim Rodríguez
Joaquim Rodríguez Oliver is a professional Spanish cyclist who has been competing in road bicycle racing since 2001. During his 15-year career, he has raced with several teams including ONCE–Eroski, Saunier Duval–Prodir, Caisse d’Epargne and Team Katusha.
Rodríguez Oliver has gained recognition in the cycling world for his numerous successes, including being the winner of the UCI World Tour in 2012 and the UCI Road World Championships in 2010.
He also had several top-10 finishes in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España. He has also won stages in all three Grand Tours and has been proclaimed the King of the Mountains many times.
Throughout his career, Rodríguez Oliver has been a leader of his teams, demonstrating his strength, skill, and determination on the road. His success has earned him a reputation as one of the best cyclists to have ever competed in road bicycle racing.
4. Óscar Pereiro
Óscar Pereiro Sío is a former professional road bicycle racer from Spain. He is best known for becoming the winner of the 2006 Tour de France, a prestigious cycling race after the original winner Floyd Landis was disqualified for failing a doping test.
This occurred after Landis had claimed victory in the 17th stage of the race. Pereiro had a successful career in professional cycling, having won a stage in the Tour de France and Tour of Spain, as well as multiple one-day races.
Despite his success, he will always be remembered for his unexpected victory in the 2006 Tour de France. After Landis’ disqualification, Pereiro became the first Spaniard to win the race, and the second cyclist from his country to finish on the podium.
This unexpected turn of events had a significant impact on the cycling world, as it showed that doping was not tolerated by the sport’s governing bodies. It was a reminder that sportsmanship and fair play were to be upheld and that all participants should adhere to the rules.
Although Pereiro’s victory was overshadowed by the controversy, it was a win that will always be remembered.
5. Miguel Induráin
Miguel Induráin Larraya is a retired Spanish road racing cyclist who achieved a remarkable feat during his career. He is the fourth cyclist in history to win the Tour de France five times, and the only athlete to accomplish this feat consecutively from 1991 to 1995.
Induráin’s five Tour de France victories are a remarkable achievement, as most cyclists have never won the race even once. During his five consecutive wins, Induráin demonstrated his exceptional skill as a road racer and his natural endurance.
His consistency and dedication to the sport of cycling are still admired today, and he is an inspiration to many athletes.
6. Alejandro Valverde
Alejandro Valverde Belmonte is a professional cyclist from Spain who has had a long and successful career in road bicycle racing. He began competing as a professional in 2002 and continued to do so until 2022.
Valverde is now a member of the Movistar Team Gravel Squad, where he competes in gravel cycling events.
His impressive career in road racing includes four World Championships, seven national championships, and numerous victories in some of the world’s most prestigious races, including the Tour de France. He has also won the Vuelta a España a record four times.
Valverde is one of the most decorated riders in the history of road cycling and his success in gravel cycling has further cemented his legacy in the sport.
7. Alberto Contador
Alberto Contador Velasco is a highly accomplished Spanish former professional cyclist. He has achieved remarkable success in his career, winning the Tour de France twice, the Giro d’Italia twice, and the Vuelta a España three times.
This makes him one of the most successful riders in the history of cycling. Contador’s career began in 2003 when he signed his first professional contract with ONCE-Eroski. He made his Tour de France debut in 2006, finishing in second place.
This was the first of many podium finishes he achieved in his career. His first Tour de France victory came in 2007, with a second victory following in 2009. In addition to his Tour de France victories, Contador also won the Giro d’Italia twice, in 2008 and 2015.
He also won the Vuelta a España three times, in 2008, 2012 and 2014. This makes him the only Spanish rider to win the Tour de France and all three Grand Tours. Contador’s incredible success has made him a cycling legend.
He is an inspiration to aspiring cyclists and a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and hard work. He is also a true champion of the sport, having made an immense contribution to the history of cycling.
8. Pedro Delgado
Pedro Delgado Robledo, better known as Perico, is a retired Spanish professional road bicycle racer. He is a multiple Grand Tour winner, having won the 1988 Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in 1985 and 1989.
He is a relatively short man, standing at 171 centimetres tall, and during his racing career he weighed 64 kilograms. Delgado’s Tour de France victory was a significant moment in his career and in the history of Spanish cycling.
He became the first Spanish rider to win the Tour, breaking the long-standing monopoly of the dominant French teams.
His Vuelta a España victories also made him a popular figure amongst Spanish cycling fans, as he was the first Spaniard to win the race twice. In addition to his three Grand Tour victories, Delgado was also successful in one-day races.
He won the Clásica de San Sebastián in 1985, the Vuelta a Burgos in 1987, and the Vuelta a Mallorca in 1989.
He also came in second place in the Amstel Gold Race in 1986, and achieved a number of top ten finishes in major races such as Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the Tour of Flanders. Delgado’s career was not without controversy, however.
In the 1988 Tour de France, he tested positive for probenecid, a masking agent sometimes used to hide the use of performance-enhancing drugs. He was initially stripped of his Tour de France victory, although the decision was later overturned due to a technicality.
The incident tarnished his reputation, although he was never again tested positive for doping. Regardless of the controversy, Pedro Delgado Robledo is one of the most successful Spanish road cyclists of all time.
His Grand Tour victory and numerous other successes earned him the admiration of his peers and fans alike. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest cyclists of his era.
9. Carlos Sastre
Carlos Sastre Candil is a retired Spanish professional road bicycle racer who is best known for his victory in the 2008 Tour de France. During his career, Sastre consistently achieved impressive results in the Vuelta a España and the Tour de France.
In the Vuelta a España, a multi-stage bicycle race held primarily in Spain, he finished in the top ten in five of his seven starts.
His best performance was in 2008 when he finished second overall. In the Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious road cycling race, Sastre finished in the top ten in six of his nine starts. His best result prior to his 2008 victory was a third-place finish in 2004.
In 2008, he won the Tour de France by a margin of 58 seconds over his closest competitor, making him the first Spanish rider to win the event. Sastre retired from professional cycling in 2011 and now works as a cycling coach.
He is widely remembered as one of the greatest Spanish cyclists of all time, and his victory in the 2008 Tour de France will remain one of his crowning achievements.
10. Jesús Herrada
Jesús Herrada López is an accomplished professional cyclist from Spain. He currently rides for the UCI World Team Cofidis. Jesús’ brother, José Herrada, is also a professional cyclist.
He also competes for Cofidis, making the Herrada brothers one of the few brother duos to both compete in professional cycling. Jesús Herrada López has had a successful career as a cyclist.
He has competed in the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and Giro d’Italia, among other prestigious races. He has also won several stages of the Tour of Spain, and many other races. Jesús’ brother José is also an accomplished cyclist.
He has had much success in his own right, winning multiple races and stages of the Vuelta a España, and other races. José has also competed in the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and Giro d’Italia.Together, the Herrada brothers have made a powerful team.
They have both proven to be competitive and successful and have achieved much success in the world of professional cycling. It is not often that two brothers are able to compete in the same sport at the highest level, and the Herrada brothers are an example of this.
11. Vicente Aparicio
Vicente Aparicio Vila is a name that is well known in the world of cycling. He was a professional cyclist from Spain who had a remarkable career. Vicente had a successful career in road racing, mountain biking, and track racing.
He was also an accomplished mountain climber, becoming the first Spanish cyclist to climb all of the major mountain passes in Spain. Vicente had a very successful career, winning numerous races in the Spanish national championships and the European championships.
He was also a frequent competitor in the Tour de France, where he had several top-ten finishes. His best finish was in 1987 when he placed third overall. Vicente was also known for his ability to climb steep hills and mountains.
He often was the first to reach the top of a mountain or hill. This earned him the nickname “The Ironman”. His ability to climb mountains was one of the reasons he was so successful in mountain biking and road racing. Vicente Aparicio Vila was a true cycling legend in Spain.
His career spanned several decades and he was a staple in the Spanish cycling scene. He was an inspiration to many of the current Spanish cyclists and his legacy will live on for years to come.
12. José Manuel Fuente
José Manuel Fuente Lavandera was a renowned road racing cyclist and climbing specialist. He was a professional cyclist from 1970 to 1976 and was known by the same nickname as his father and grandfather, “El Tarangu”.
This nickname originated from the Asturian language, where it was used to describe a man renowned for his strength and character. Fuente was an exceptional cyclist, having achieved numerous successes during his professional career.
He won the Tour de France twice, in 1974 and 1975, and also won the Vuelta a España three times, in 1972, 1973, and 1975. He was also the Spanish National Road Race Champion in 1974 and 1975.
His climbing prowess was also renowned, having won the prestigious mountain classifications of the Tour de France three times in a row from 1973 to 1975. Fuente was highly respected by his peers for his strength and courage.
He was known for his attacking style and willingness to take risks on the roads. He was also admired for his tenacity and refusal to accept defeat.
His legacy has endured since his retirement in 1976, and he is still remembered by many as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation.
13. Emilio Rodríguez
Emilio Rodríguez Barros was a successful Spanish road bicycle racer from Ponteareas. He achieved great success in cycling and was crowned the King of the Mountains classification at the Vuelta a España for three consecutive years.
His greatest achievement came in 1950 when he won the overall title at the Vuelta a España. This win was a major milestone for Emilio, as it marked the first time a Spanish rider had won the competition.
His success at the Vuelta a España has been remembered and celebrated by cyclists and fans of the sport for decades. It is a testament to Emilio’s dedication and hard work that he was able to reach such a high level of success in the sport.
14. Juan José Cobo
Juan José Cobo Acebo is a retired Spanish professional road racing cyclist. He is most renowned for his victory in the 2011 Vuelta a España while riding for Geox–TMC, which was his first and only major title.
Unfortunately, in July 2019 he was stripped of this title due to the fact that he was found guilty of doping by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Cobo Acebo was known as a climber due to his expertise in hilly terrains, but he was also adept at time trialing.
This combination of skills made Cobo Acebo a formidable rider and allowed him to succeed in the Vuelta a España, where the challenging terrain proved to be a perfect environment for him to showcase his skills.
Despite the fact that Cobo Acebo was eventually disqualified for doping, his achievements should not be overlooked. His victory in the Vuelta a España was an impressive accomplishment, especially considering his limited success in previous years.
In the end, the doping scandal serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining compliant with the UCI’s anti-doping regulations.
15. Jorge Arcas
Jorge Arcas Peña is a professional cyclist who is currently a part of the UCI WorldTeam Movistar Team. This elite team is composed of some of the best cyclists in the world and their presence in the Vuelta a España is a testament to this.
The Vuelta a España is an annual cycling event held in Spain and is considered one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world. Jorge Arcas Peña has been included in the startlist for this year’s event, showing how highly he is regarded.
His inclusion alongside some of the best cyclists in the world is a testament to his talent and skill as a cyclist.
16. Marino Lejarreta
Marino Lejarreta Arrizabalaga is a retired Basque professional road racing cyclist who achieved great success throughout his career.
He is best known for his one-two punch of winning the 1982 Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s three Grand Tour stage races, and becoming the inaugural and record three-time winner of the Clásica de San Sebastián, which is now regarded as one of the most prestigious one-day classic races.
Lejarreta’s Vuelta a España victory was a huge accomplishment, as the race is one of the most difficult and grueling in the world.
It is a long-distance race that covers thousands of kilometers over three weeks, with riders tackling mountain passes, sprints, and other challenging terrain. By winning the race, Lejarreta solidified his place among the ranks of the sport’s elite cyclists.
Lejarreta’s success in the Clásica de San Sebastián was even more impressive. The Clásica is a one-day classic race that challenges riders to cover a large distance in a single day.
It is a race that requires a great deal of endurance and skill, and Lejarreta was able to win it three times, a feat no other cyclist has been able to match.
Marino Lejarreta Arrizabalaga is a true cycling legend, and his accomplishments on the road will be remembered for many years to come.
17. Óscar Freire
Óscar Freire Gómez is a prominent figure in the world of professional road bicycle racing. A native of Spain, Freire has had a remarkably successful career, becoming one of the top sprinters in the sport with three world championships to his name.
This incredible feat has seen him join a select group of elite riders such as Alfredo Binda, Rik Van Steenbergen, Eddy Merckx and Peter Sagan, who have all achieved the same feat.
Whilst Freire’s early career was focused on sprinting, the later years saw him begin to transition into a classics rider.
This saw him take part in more prestigious and longer races in the sport, as well as competing in the spring classics which are some of the most famous races in the world.
Freire’s ability to adapt and evolve his style of riding has allowed him to remain competitive and successful in the sport.
18. Iván Alemany
Iván Alemany is an accomplished former cyclist from Spain. He had a successful career as a professional cyclist, having competed in numerous events throughout his career.
In 1988, Alemany reached the pinnacle of his cycling career when he represented Spain in the road race at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
Although he was unable to win a medal at the event, Alemany was proud to represent his country and was honored to be a part of the Olympic Games. Alemany was a highly respected cyclist during his career, and his participation in the 1988 Olympic Games will always be remembered.
19. Gonzalo Aguiar
Gonzalo Aguiar Martínez is a former professional cyclist from Spain. He had a successful career in cycling, competing in various races across the world. In 1988, he achieved an impressive feat by competing in the road race at the Summer Olympics.
This was a great accomplishment for Gonzalo and a testament to his dedication and hard work. Gonzalo trained for months in preparation for the race, pushing himself to the limit to ensure that he was in peak physical condition.
His commitment and determination eventually paid off, as he was able to compete in the prestigious event. Though he was unable to win a medal, his participation in the race was a significant milestone in his career.
Gonzalo’s participation in the Summer Olympics was a memorable experience for him and one that has undoubtedly helped him to stay motivated throughout his cycling career.
He continues to be an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.
20. Gabriel Aynat
Gabriel Aynat is a former cyclist from Spain who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics. He was one of the first Spanish cyclists to qualify for the Olympic Games and participated in two events during the competition.
Aynat was an experienced cyclist, having competed in a number of competitions in both his native Spain and abroad before the Olympics. He was a member of the Spanish National Cycling Team and had previously competed in the UCI Road World Championships in 1990 and 1991.
At the 1992 Summer Olympics, he competed in the men’s individual road race and the men’s team time trial. Although he did not place in either event, Aynat is still remembered as a pioneer athlete who helped pave the way for Spanish cyclists to compete in the Olympics.
21. Adolfo Alperi
Adolfo Alperi is a Spanish cyclist who has had a successful career in the sport. He is best known for his participation in two Olympic Games, the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA.
At the 1992 Summer Olympics, Alperi competed in the men’s individual road race, where he placed 23rd. In the 1996 Summer Olympics, Alperi competed in the men’s individual time trial, where he placed 26th.
Despite not winning any medals, Alperi’s performances at the Olympics highlight his talent and commitment to cycling. Alperi is a highly respected cyclist in the Spanish cycling community, and his participation in two Olympic Games is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He continues to be an inspiration to cyclists in Spain and around the world, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success, even in the face of failure.
Alperi’s legacy as a cyclist is a reminder that with the right attitude and effort, anyone can achieve their goals and dreams.
22. Roberto Heras
Roberto Heras Hernández is a highly accomplished Spanish professional road bicycle racer. He is best known for his impressive record of winning the Vuelta a España four times, a feat that has yet to be surpassed.
Between the years of 1997 and 2005, Heras consistently placed in the top 5 of the Vuelta every year, with the sole exception of 1998 when he placed 6th.
This remarkable record of success is a testament to Heras’s skill and dedication to the sport, making him one of the most successful Spanish cyclists of all time.
23. Miguel María Lasa
Miguel María Lasa Urquía is a renowned Spanish former road bicycle racer. He was born in Oiartzun, a town in the Basque Country.
Throughout his career, he achieved many remarkable successes, including four stage wins in the Vuelta a España and the Points classification in the 1975 Vuelta a España.
He also finished on the podium of the Vuelta a España four times, making him one of the most successful Spanish cyclists of his era. His accomplishments have been widely recognized, and he is considered a legendary figure in the history of Spanish cycling.
24. Domingo Perurena
Domingo Perurena Telletxea, also known as Txomin Perurena, was a well-known Spanish professional road racing cyclist. He is most famous for his accomplishment of winning the overall mountains classification of the 1974 Tour de France.
This is an impressive feat as cyclists have to compete at an incredibly high level to be successful in this race. In addition to his impressive victory at the 1974 Tour de France, Txomin Perurena also achieved second place at the 1975 Vuelta a España, as well as winning a total of 12 stages in this race.
This remarkable performance demonstrates his tremendous skill as a cyclist and the dedication he put into his training. Txomin Perurena was a highly respected cyclist who achieved success in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.
His dedication to the sport resulted in an impressive array of accomplishments, including winning the overall mountains classification of the 1974 Tour de France and 12 stages in the 1975 Vuelta a España.
He will forever be remembered as one of the most successful riders in Spanish cycling history.
25. David Cabrero
David Cabrero is a professional cyclist from Spain. He is best known for his participation in the 2000 Summer Olympics, where he competed in two events. Cabrero was part of the Spanish team for the men’s road race, in which he finished in 67th place.
He also competed in the men’s individual time trial, where he finished in 39th place. Cabrero’s Olympic performance was impressive and a testament to his skill as a cyclist.
He was able to compete with some of the best cyclists in the world, and his results show that he was not intimidated by the challenge. Cabrero is a respected cyclist in Spain and his performance in the 2000 Olympics has only added to his legacy.
Cabrero has continued to compete in cycling events since the 2000 Olympics. He has competed in numerous races throughout Europe and has been able to maintain a high level of performance.
He is an inspiration to aspiring cyclists in Spain and is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
26. Joane Somarriba
Joane Somarriba Arrola is an accomplished former Spanish cyclist. She had a very successful career, winning the prestigious Grande Boucle, or Tour de France Feminin, three years in a row between 2000 and 2003.
In addition to her impressive feat, Arrola also achieved a time trial victory at the 2003 World Championships which were held in Hamilton, Canada.
This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering that it was her first time competing at the event. Arrola’s success is a testament to her skill and determination as a cyclist. She had the ability to compete at the highest level and make an impact in the sport.
Her three consecutive wins of the Grande Boucle demonstrate her dedication to the sport and her prowess on the bike.
Her time trial victory further solidifies her place as one of the top female cyclists in the world. Arrola’s success has inspired many female cyclists to pursue their dreams and compete on the highest level.
Her accomplishments have set a new standard for female cycling and have opened the door for other female athletes to reach their potential. It is clear that she has left a lasting legacy in the world of cycling and that her success will be remembered for many years to come.
27. Abraham Olano
Abraham Olano Manzano is a former professional road racing cyclist from Spain who was active in the sport from 1992 to 2002.
He is best known for his impressive wins at the World Road Championship in 1995 and the World Time Trial Championship in 1998, becoming the first male cyclist to achieve this feat.
Manzano was an incredibly talented cyclist and was considered one of the best riders in the 1990s. Manzano’s greatest achievement was undoubtedly his 1995 victory at the World Road Championship.
This race is one of the most prestigious events in professional cycling and is held annually. Manzano won the event on a difficult and demanding course, showcasing his incredible physical and mental strength.
His 1998 win at the World Time Trial Championship is also highly impressive, as Manzano became the first male cyclist to win both the World Road Championship and the World Time Trial Championship. Manzano’s success at these events earned him great respect and admiration from the cycling community.
He was considered a master of the sport and his accomplishments are still remembered and celebrated today. Manzano retired from cycling in 2002 and since then has been inducted into the Spanish Cycling Hall of Fame for his remarkable achievements.
28. Roberto Alcaide
Roberto Alcaide García is an inspirational cyclist from Spain who has achieved significant success in Paralympic cycling events despite his physical disability.
He is classified as a C4/LC2 type cyclist, which means he is classified as a cyclist with impaired muscle power and/or impaired passive range of movement.
In 2004, Roberto competed in the Summer Paralympics and was the first racer to finish in the Individual Pursuit track LC2 race. He also finished second in the Combined Road LC2 race. His success in this tournament propelled him to compete in the 2008 Summer Paralympics.
Despite the challenges of his disability, Roberto has shown immense dedication and resilience in achieving his goals. His story serves as an inspirational reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
29. Ivan Alvarez Gutierrez
Iván Álvarez is a professional mountain biker from Spain. He has competed in multiple international events, most notably the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. At the Olympics, he participated in the men’s cross-country mountain biking event.
He was among a number of athletes who competed for the Spanish team at the event, which is the longest and most challenging of all mountain biking disciplines. Iván Álvarez has achieved a great deal of success in the sport of mountain biking.
He has won multiple national championships, as well as a number of international titles. Iván is known for his hard work and determination. He is a passionate athlete who always strives to be at the top of his game. Mountain biking is an incredibly physically demanding sport.
It requires strength, endurance, and technical skill. It is a sport that rewards the most committed and determined athletes. Iván has proven himself to be one of these athletes, as evidenced by his success in the 2004 Olympics.
He is an inspiration to mountain bikers around the world and is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
30. Andoni Aranaga
Andoni Aranaga Azkune is a former professional road bicycle racer from Spain. He was active in the sport between 2004 and 2007, and rode for three teams during that time: Chocolade Jacques–Wincor Nixdorf, Kaiku, and Euskaltel–Euskadi.
Aranaga was particularly successful in 2005 when he won stages in both the Vuelta a Asturias and the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. This provided him with a great boost of confidence, and his career continued to flourish as he continued to take part in races.
He also achieved good results in other races, including the Tour of the Basque Country, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a España. All of these successes cemented his status as a professional cyclist, which he maintained until his retirement in 2007.
31. Joseba Albizu
Joseba Albizu Lizaso was a professional road bicycle racer who had a successful career between 2003 and 2006. He raced for two teams: Mercatone Uno–Scanavino and Euskaltel–Euskadi. In 2003, he achieved his greatest success when he won the Giro del Friuli.
This was a major victory for Albizu, who had worked hard to build his career in the cycling world. Albizu was highly respected by his peers and coaches for his dedication and hard work. He was known for pushing himself to the limits in order to reach his goals.
His dedication paid off, as he was able to achieve success on the biggest stage. Albizu’s win at the Giro del Friuli was a huge accomplishment for the cyclist. Not only did it give him a major win in a major event, but it also provided him with a great deal of recognition.
He was able to use this win to further his career and make a name for himself in the cycling world. Joseba Albizu Lizaso was an inspiring figure in the cycling world. He showed that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
He is a great example of what can be achieved when one puts their mind to it.
32. Igor Antón
Igor Antón Hernández is a Spanish professional road bicycle racer with an impressive career spanning 13 years. He began his career in 2005 as a member of the Euskaltel–Euskadi team, racing for them until 2009. He then moved to the Movistar Team, where he raced until 2017.
In 2018, Igor joined Team Dimension Data, where he competed until his retirement. Throughout his career, Igor achieved a great deal of success, winning multiple stages of the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and Giro d’Italia.
His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Spanish National Team, allowing him to represent his country at the World Championships multiple times.
Igor’s hard work and dedication to the sport of cycling has earned him a spot in the hearts of many fans and cyclists alike. He is an inspiration to many, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
33. Beñat Albizuri
Beñat Albizuri Aransolo is a former professional road bicycle racer from Spain. He was a professional from 2006 to 2008 and represented the team Euskaltel–Euskadi throughout this period.
Before becoming a professional, Beñat was a stagiaire for Euskaltel–Euskadi in the second half of 2005.
During this time, he achieved his best result when he finished second in a stage of the Vuelta a La Rioja. Beñat Albizuri Aransolo was a dedicated athlete with a great deal of talent.
He was passionate about the sport of cycling and competed in the highest levels of professional cycling.
His commitment and determination to succeed paid off as he achieved his best result of second place in a stage of the Vuelta a La Rioja. Beñat has a long history in professional cycling. He first started out as a stagiaire with Euskaltel–Euskadi in the second half of 2005.
This experience was invaluable for him as it helped him gain experience and learn more about the sport.
After his stint as a stagiaire, Beñat went on to become a professional in 2006 and continued to ride for Euskaltel–Euskadi until 2008. Beñat Albizuri Aransolo is a great example of hard work and dedication paying off.
He worked hard to become a professional cyclist and achieved his best result of second place in a stage of the Vuelta a La Rioja. He has since retired from professional cycling, but his legacy will forever remain with the sport.
34. Jaime Alomar
Jaime Alomar Florit was a professional Spanish road racing cyclist throughout the late 1950s and 1960s. During this period, he won a number of prestigious races, such as the 1961 Tour de Picardie, the 1963 Coppa Ugo Agostoni and the third stage of the 1963 Giro d’Italia.
Additionally, Florit also participated in the Tour de France three times, in 1961, 1962 and 1967. As a result of his impressive performances, Florit has gone down in history as one of Spain’s greatest ever road racers.
Throughout his career, Florit demonstrated a natural talent for the sport of road racing. His signature style of riding saw him consistently place high in races, as well as win multiple individual stages.
This was especially evident in the 1961 Tour de Picardie and the 1963 Coppa Ugo Agostoni, where he achieved first place finishes. In addition, Florit was also able to secure a victory on the third stage of the 1963 Giro d’Italia.
Florit’s impressive performances in the aforementioned races, as well as his consistent ability to place high in other events, saw him become one of the most respected cyclists of his time.
His success resulted in him being invited to participate in the Tour de France on three separate occasions, further cementing his reputation as one of Spain’s greatest ever road racers.
In 1968, Florit decided to retire from professional cycling, having achieved a great deal throughout his career.
To this day, he remains one of the most successful Spanish road racers in history, having won a number of prestigious races, as well as having participated in the Tour de France three times.
35. Gorka Arrizabalaga
Gorka Arrizabalaga Aguirre is a name that will forever be remembered in the world of professional cycling. He is a former professional cyclist from the Spanish Basque Country, a region in the north of Spain.
He was born in the city of Bilbao and is one of the most successful Basque cyclists of all time. Gorka began his professional career in the year 1997 when he signed with the Spanish cycling team, Kelme-Costa Blanca.
During his time with the team, he achieved great success, and by the year 2000, he had become one of the most successful riders in the world.
In that year, he won the Tour de France and also became the first Spanish rider to ever win the Vuelta a España. Gorka’s career was not only successful in the cycling world but also in the world of business.
He founded an international company, Velo, in 2001, which is a producer of cycling clothing and accessories.
He also wrote a book about his experiences as a professional cyclist, titled “The Art of Cycling”.Gorka Arrizabalaga Aguirre has been an inspiration to many aspiring cyclists, and his success in both cycling and business has been an example of how to live a successful life.
He is a true testament to the strength of the Basque Country, and will always be remembered as one of its most successful athletes.
36. Igor Astarloa
Igor Astarloa Askasibar is a former professional cyclist from Spain. He competed in the Tour de France several times and was a professional rider for a number of teams throughout his career.
He was also a part of the Basque team, Euskaltel-Euskadi, during its prime, and won several races in the team’s colors. Astarloa won the 2003 World Road Race Championship and was the first Basque cyclist to win a cycling world championship.
He retired from professional cycling in 2009 after an 18-year career and is now a cycling coach and mentor. He also gives lectures on sports and nutrition and is passionate about giving back to the sport.
37. Sergio Domínguez Muñoz
Sergio Domínguez Muñoz is a Spanish former cyclist who was active in the 2009 season. He was selected to ride in the Vuelta a España, one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete the race due to unforeseen circumstances.
His career in cycling came to an end after this event, and he has since gone on to pursue other interests. The Vuelta a España is a grueling three-week race that takes cyclists across Spain.
It is a race that has been running since 1935 and is considered one of the most difficult cycling events in the world. The stages are long and difficult, with riders having to cover over 3,000 kilometers in total.
Each stage is a unique challenge, and riders must be in top physical condition in order to make it through. Sergio Domínguez Muñoz was a promising athlete, and his selection to ride in the Vuelta a España was a testament to his talent.
Unfortunately, his dreams of success were cut short when he failed to finish the race.
It is not known what caused him to abandon the race, but it is likely that the physical demands of the Vuelta a España were too much for him. Sergio Domínguez Muñoz’s career in cycling may have been a brief one, but it was still a remarkable achievement.
He was able to compete at one of the world’s most prestigious cycling events, and his selection to ride in the Vuelta a España was a testament to his skill.
Although he was unable to finish the race, his selection to take part in the event is an accomplishment that will always be remembered.
38. Gonzalo Aja
Gonzalo Aja Barquín was a Spanish professional road bicycle racer who made history in 1974 when he became the first cyclist to ascend both the Col du Tourmalet and Mont Ventoux during the Tour de France.
His remarkable feat earned him a respectable 5th place finish in the overall classification, making him one of the most successful Spanish cyclists of all time. Aja Barquín was born in Spain in 1945 and began his professional cycling career in 1963.
Throughout his career, he was known for his remarkable endurance and strength, which allowed him to climb the most difficult of hills with minimal effort.
He competed in the Tour de France for the first time in 1971, where he achieved a respectable 18th place finish. In 1974, Aja Barquín made history by becoming the first cyclist to ascend both the Col du Tourmalet and the Mont Ventoux during the Tour de France.
The Col du Tourmalet is a mountain pass in the French Pyrenees with an average gradient of 7.5 percent and a maximum elevation of 2,115 meters. The Mont Ventoux is a mountain located in Provence and is known for its treacherous climbs and steep gradients.
Aja Barquín’s remarkable feat of climbing both mountains in a single tour earned him a 5th place finish overall. Gonzalo Aja Barquín was a legendary Spanish cyclist who achieved many accomplishments throughout his career.
His courage and strength during the 1974 Tour de France earned him a place in cycling history and a well-deserved 5th place in the general classification. His achievement will always be remembered as one of the greatest accomplishments of Spanish cycling.
39. Carlos Abellán
Carlos Abellán Ossenbach is a former professional cyclist who competed for Spain. He was born in the city of Valencia in 1966 and began his cycling career at a young age.
He first competed in the under-19 category of the Spanish National Championships in 1984 and later moved up to the elite level.
Abellán Ossenbach achieved great success in his career, including winning the Spanish National Road Championship in 1991 and earning a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
He also competed in several prestigious international races, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España. During his professional career, Abellán Ossenbach raced for several teams, including Kelme-Costa Blanca and Banesto.
After retiring from cycling in 2002, he became a coach and a cycling commentator for Spanish television. He is still actively involved in the sport, as he is a member of the Spanish Cycling Federation and a technical director for the Spanish National Cycling Team.
40. Javier Aramendia
Francisco Javier Aramendia Llorente is a former Spanish professional road bicycle racer. He had a successful career as a professional cyclist between 2008 and 2016, competing for two teams – Euskaltel–Euskadi and Caja Rural–Seguros RGA.
He was known for his strong performance in hilly races and long-distance races. During his career, he achieved several victories and podiums in multiple stages of the Vuelta a España, as well as the Vuelta a Portugal and the Tour de l’Avenir.
He also competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, representing his home country of Spain. Francisco Javier’s successful career as a professional cyclist has inspired many young people to take up the sport.
He continues to be a source of inspiration for cyclists around the world, showing that passion and dedication to the sport can lead to great success.
41. Josu Agirre
Josu Agirre Aseginolaza is an accomplished Spanish athlete who specializes in road bicycle racing. By competing in professional road bicycle racing, he is able to demonstrate his dedication to the sport and his commitment to pushing his limits.
He has been competing at a professional level for many years, and his determination and competitive spirit have earned him a great deal of respect among his peers. He is known for his strong work ethic and passion for cycling.
He has a great understanding of the physical and mental demands associated with cycling and is always willing to push himself further in order to improve his performance.
With his commitment to excellence, he is able to consistently reach the podium in road bicycle racing competitions. Josu Agirre Aseginolaza’s dedication to the sport of road bicycle racing is an inspiration to many.
He is a role model for aspiring cyclists and a source of pride for his country. His achievements are a testament to his dedication and enthusiasm for the sport, and he is sure to be remembered for a long time as a great athlete in the world of road bicycle racing.
42. Daniel Atienza
Daniel Atienza Urendez is a former professional road bicycle racer who hails from Spain. He had a successful career, racing for the UCI ProTeam Cofidis from 2001 to 2005.
During this time, Atienza Urendez was a consistent performer, achieving impressive results in some of the toughest competitions in the sport. He was a regular competitor in the Grand Tours, competing in each of the prestigious events at least once.
His best performance came in 2005, when he finished 15th in the Vuelta a Espana. He was also a regular on the one-day classic circuit, achieving notable results in the likes of Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Fleche Wallonne and Paris-Roubaix.
Atienza Urendez retired from professional racing in 2006, but his legacy lives on as one of the most successful Spanish road cyclists of his era.
43. Lander Aperribai
Lander Aperribai Aranda is a former Spanish professional road bicycle racer. He had a distinguished career in the sport, racing for the Euskaltel–Euskadi team from 2007 to 2008.
During his time with the team, Aranda achieved impressive results, including a number of top-ten placements in some of cycling’s most prestigious events.
He was also part of the Spanish national team in the 2008 Olympic Games, where he helped the country to a thirteenth-place finish. Aside from his racing career, Aranda is also an accomplished cycling coach.
He has coached a number of professional and amateur cyclists, helping them to maximize their potential and achieve their goals.
He has also worked with some of the biggest names in cycling, including Tour de France winner Alberto Contador. Aranda’s commitment to the sport and his dedication to helping others achieve their goals have made him one of the most respected members of the cycling community.
He is a great example of a dedicated athlete and coach, and his accomplishments on and off the bike will continue to be remembered for many years to come.
44. Juan José de los Ángeles
Juan José de los Ángeles Segui was a professional Spanish cyclist who competed in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a two-time winner of the Vuelta a España, the Spanish equivalent of the Tour de France, and he also won several other races.
He is most well-known for his participation in 8 Grand Tours, the most prestigious cycling events in the world. These include the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, and Paris-Roubaix.
Segui was known for his aggressive riding style and his ability to stay in the leading group for long periods of time. He was also renowned for his ability to stay focused and avoid crashes.
He is remembered as one of the greatest Spanish cyclists of all time and his legacy remains strong in the cycling community.
45. Mikel Astarloza
Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau is a former professional road bicycle racer from Spain. He was active in the sport for over a decade, competing professionally from 2002 through 2009, and then again from 2011 to 2013.
During this time, he had a successful career, having been a member of various teams, including Euskaltel-Euskadi, AG2R Prevoyance, and Orbea. Astarloza Chaurreau was a talented competitor, known for his impressive endurance and ability to challenge his opponents on the climbs.
He also had a strong presence in the international cycling scene, having raced in some of the sport’s biggest events, such as the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, Giro d’Italia, and others.
Despite no longer competing, Astarloza Chaurreau remains an important figure in the sport of cycling, having left an indelible mark on the sport.
Conclusion
Spain has some of the greatest cycling players in the world.
From world-class riders such as Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador to up-and-coming stars such as Ion Izagirre and Marc Soler, Spain has a strong selection of elite cyclists that have excelled at the highest levels of the sport.
With the right coaching and support, these riders could become some of the greatest cyclists in the world.
