Pedro Delgado

Charla de Pedro Delgado sobre ciclismo - 25065614392 (cropped)

Pédro DELGADO

MaillotAmarilloDelgado88

Jersey yellow

Jersey pink

Jersey yellow

Pedro Delgado (born April 15, 1960, in Segovia, Spain) is a former professional road bicycle racer who is best known for winning the 1988 Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in 1985 and 1989. His career spanned from the early 1980s until the mid-1990s, making him one of the most prominent figures in the world of professional cycling during that era.

Early Life and Career

Pedro Delgado began his cycling career at a young age, showing promise in various junior competitions throughout Spain. His talent and dedication to the sport quickly propelled him into the professional cycling arena.

Professional Career

Delgado's professional career took off in the early 1980s when he joined the Reynolds cycling team. He quickly made a name for himself as a strong climber and a formidable competitor in stage races. His first major victory came in 1985 when he won the Vuelta a España, one of the three Grand Tours in professional cycling, alongside the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.

However, it was his victory in the 1988 Tour de France that cemented his status as a cycling legend. Delgado demonstrated exceptional skill, particularly in the mountain stages, which are crucial in determining the overall leader in such races. His performance in the 1988 Tour de France was marked by strategic brilliance and physical endurance, overcoming challenges from some of the best cyclists of his generation.

In addition to his Grand Tour victories, Delgado also achieved notable successes in other prestigious races and stages throughout his career, further establishing his reputation as one of the sport's greats.

Controversy

Delgado's career was not without controversy. In the 1988 Tour de France, he tested positive for a banned substance, Probenecid, which was not on the Union Cycliste Internationale's banned list at the time but was prohibited by the International Olympic Committee. Delgado claimed that the substance was taken for health reasons, and since it was not on the UCI's banned list, he was not sanctioned, but the incident cast a shadow over his Tour victory.

Retirement and Legacy

Pedro Delgado retired from professional cycling in the mid-1990s, leaving behind a legacy as one of Spain's greatest cyclists. His achievements inspired a generation of cyclists in Spain and around the world. After retiring, Delgado remained active in the cycling community, working as a commentator and participating in various cycling-related activities.

Delgado's impact on the sport of cycling is remembered not only for his victories and the controversy that surrounded his career but also for his passion for the sport and his contribution to its popularity in Spain.

See Also

• List of Tour de France general classification winners
• List of Vuelta a España general classification winners
• Cycling records