Cycling: Bahamontes, the climbing legend, has died

Cycling: Bahamontes, the climbing legend, has died

Cycling mourns the passing of Federico Bahamontes, among the greatest climbers of all time and the first Spanish rider to win the Tour de France in 1959.

The Eagle of Toledo, six times a polka-dot jersey in the Tour de France, is gone at the age of 95. Announcing this was the mayor of Toledo in a note: “With deep regret we mourn the loss of Federico Martín Bahamontes, the Eagle of Toledo, a landmark of the sport who carried the name of our city high. The first Spaniard to win the Tour de France is part of the history of the sport in our country, with more than 74 victories behind him.”

“An adopted son of the city of Toledo, admired and loved, Faith has thrilled us with his extraordinary climbs. His bicycle store, in our Plaza de la Magdalena, was a place of pilgrimage for all fans. We will honor his memory with two days of official mourning as a sign of grief and recognition from all of Toledo. Thanks to him we all won the Tour.”

Bahamontes participated three times in the Giro d’Italia, winning a stage in 1958.