Spanish cycling mourns Angel Arroyo: he died after a serious illness

The Spanish cycling community mourns Angel Arroyo, who passed away at the age of 70 due to a serious illness that had forced him to be hospitalized in recent weeks. The champion, originally from El Barraco in the province of Ávila, was one of the great figures of Spanish cycling in the 1980s, and in 1983 he managed to reach the podium at the Tour de France, finishing second behind Laurent Fignon.

One of the best climbers of his generation, Arroyo began his professional career in 1979 with Moliner Vereco before moving to Reynold in 1982. In the 1983 Tour, he finished second and won a stage. He remained among the elite until his retirement in 1989. He later opened a chain of car washes in Ávila and the surrounding area.

During his career, he won two stages at the Tour and two at the Vuelta a España. He was nicknamed “El Gaznata” or “El Salvaje.” The Ávila City Council has declared two days of national mourning, and the funeral chapel will be set up in the Superunda Palace.

Arroyo will be buried in his hometown, El Barraco.