Roberto Heras

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Roberto Heras is a former professional road racing cyclist from Spain, renowned for his climbing ability and considered one of the best climbers in the history of cycling. Born on February 1, 1974, in Béjar, Salamanca, Heras turned professional in 1995 and retired in 2005, although his career experienced a brief resurgence in 2007. He is best known for his record-breaking victories in the Vuelta a España, one of the three Grand Tours, which he won four times (2000, 2003, 2004, and 2005). His 2005 victory was initially annulled due to a doping violation, but it was reinstated in 2012 after a lengthy legal battle.

Career

Heras began his professional career with the Kelme team before moving to the prestigious US Postal Service team, where he served as a key domestique for Lance Armstrong during several of Armstrong's Tour de France victories. In 2001, Heras left US Postal to join the Liberty Seguros team as a team leader, where he achieved his greatest successes in the Vuelta a España.

Throughout his career, Heras was known for his exceptional climbing skills, which he showcased in numerous mountain stages of the Grand Tours. His ability to accelerate on steep gradients made him a formidable opponent in the mountains, earning him several stage wins in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.

Controversy

Heras' career was not without controversy. In 2005, he tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned performance-enhancing drug, after the penultimate stage of the Vuelta a España, which he had won. This led to his initial disqualification and a two-year suspension from professional cycling. However, Heras contested the doping charges, arguing that there were irregularities in the handling and testing of his samples. After a protracted legal battle, the Spanish Supreme Court overturned his suspension in 2012, and his 2005 Vuelta a España title was reinstated, making him the record holder for the most wins in the race.

Legacy

Despite the doping controversy, Heras is remembered as one of the greatest climbers and stage racers in cycling history. His achievements in the Vuelta a España, in particular, have cemented his legacy in the sport. Following his retirement, Heras has remained involved in cycling, participating in mountain bike races and other cycling events.

See Also

• Vuelta a España
• Tour de France
• Giro d'Italia
• Cycling records