1. Dramatic Victory for José Manuel Fuente (1972)
In 1972, José Manuel Fuente, known as "El Tarangu," delivered one of the most spectacular performances in La Vuelta history. Fuente, a talented climber, took control of the race with an extraordinary solo attack on the mountainous stages, where he managed to gain significant time over his rivals.
Key Moment: On the stage to Pajares, Fuente launched a long-range attack that left his competitors in the dust, solidifying his lead in the general classification. His victory not only crowned him the winner of the 1972 Vuelta but also cemented his status as one of the best climbers of his era.
Legacy: Fuente's fearless style and aggressive tactics during the 1972 Vuelta remain legendary, and his name is synonymous with the race's unpredictable and thrilling nature.
2. The Birth of the Angliru Legend (1999)
The Alto de l'Angliru climb was first introduced in the 1999 edition of La Vuelta and quickly became one of the most iconic and feared climbs in professional cycling. Its extreme gradients and unpredictable weather conditions have created some of the most dramatic moments in the race's history.
Key Moment: In 1999, José Maria Jiménez conquered the Angliru under torrential rain, mastering its brutal slopes to win the stage. Riders struggled with the punishing gradients, and several competitors were forced to dismount and push their bikes up sections of the climb.
Impact: The Angliru's debut was met with both admiration and fear, instantly becoming a staple in La Vuelta. Jiménez's victory is remembered as a testament to his climbing prowess and the sheer difficulty of the Angliru.
3. Sean Kelly’s Last Grand Tour Triumph (1988)
The 1988 edition of La Vuelta witnessed one of the greatest comebacks in cycling history when Irish legend Sean Kelly claimed his only Grand Tour victory. Known as "The King," Kelly was an accomplished rider, but a Grand Tour win had eluded him until this moment.
Key Moment: During the final time trial, Kelly produced a stunning performance to overtake his rival Raymond Dietzen in the general classification by a mere 21 seconds. It was a testament to Kelly's grit, determination, and time-trialling ability.
Legacy: This victory was a crowning achievement in Kelly's illustrious career, making him one of the few riders to win all three types of monuments (Classics, Grand Tour stages, and the overall classification of a Grand Tour).
4. Chris Froome’s Historic Double (2017)
In 2017, Chris Froome made history by becoming the first British rider to win La Vuelta a España. What made this victory even more remarkable was that Froome had already won the Tour de France earlier that year, achieving a rare Grand Tour double.
Key Moment: Froome showcased his all-around skills throughout the race, dominating both in the mountains and in the time trials. His consistency and strength allowed him to defend his lead successfully against fierce competition from Vincenzo Nibali and Alberto Contador.
Impact: Froome's win in La Vuelta solidified his place among cycling's all-time greats, and the double win in 2017 further emphasized his status as one of the best Grand Tour riders of his generation.
5. Fabio Aru’s Stunning Comeback (2015)
The 2015 La Vuelta saw a thrilling showdown between Italian rider Fabio Aru and Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin. Aru, who had been trailing Dumoulin in the general classification, launched a decisive attack in the final mountain stage that would lead to one of the most memorable comebacks in recent Vuelta history.
Key Moment: On Stage 20, Aru attacked on the penultimate climb, and with the help of his Astana teammates, managed to drop Dumoulin. As Dumoulin cracked under the relentless pace, Aru gained enough time to take the red jersey and ultimately win the Vuelta.
Legacy: Aru's victory was seen as a masterclass in teamwork and perseverance, demonstrating the unpredictable and exciting nature of La Vuelta.
6. Primož Roglič’s Redemption (2019)
After a heartbreaking loss in the 2019 Giro d’Italia, Slovenian rider Primož Roglič sought redemption in La Vuelta a España. His campaign for the red jersey was defined by his consistent performance and strong support from his Jumbo-Visma team.
Key Moment: Roglič took control of the race during the individual time trial on Stage 10, where he gained a significant lead over his rivals. From there, he defended the red jersey through the mountains, holding off challenges from Alejandro Valverde and Tadej Pogačar to secure his first Grand Tour victory.
Impact: Roglič's triumph marked a significant moment in his career and established him as one of the sport's elite Grand Tour riders. His 2019 victory also set the stage for his dominance in subsequent editions of La Vuelta.
Conclusion
These memorable moments in La Vuelta a España's history capture the spirit of cycling—courage, resilience, and unpredictability. From legendary climbs and stunning comebacks to historic wins and dramatic battles, La Vuelta continues to provide a stage for extraordinary performances that shape the legacy of the sport. As each edition unfolds, new moments are added to the tapestry of La Vuelta, ensuring its place as one of the most thrilling and cherished races in cycling.