Vuelta a España

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La Vuelta (Spain) logo

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Le Belge Gustaaf Deloor, vainqueur de son second Tour d'Espagne, en juin 1936

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Vuelta España 1989

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Vuelta a España

The Vuelta a España (Spanish for "Tour of Spain") is an annual multi-stage bicycle race primarily held in Spain, while also occasionally making passes through nearby countries. Inspired by the success of the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, the race was first organized in 1935. The Vuelta is one of the three prestigious Grand Tours in professional road cycling, alongside the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.

History

The Vuelta a España was first held in 1935, organized by the newspaper Informaciones. The inaugural race covered 3,425 km over 14 stages, and was won by Belgian cyclist Gustaaf Deloor. The race was suspended during the Spanish Civil War and World War II, but resumed in 1941. It has been held annually since 1955.

Format

The Vuelta a España typically takes place over three weeks in late August and early September. The race consists of 21 stages, including a mix of flat, hilly, and mountainous terrain, as well as individual and team time trials. The route changes every year, but it always includes challenging climbs in the Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains.

Jerseys

The leader of the general classification wears the red jersey (maillot rojo). Other classifications include:

• The green jersey (maillot verde) for the points classification leader.
• The polka dot jersey (maillot de lunares) for the mountains classification leader.
• The white jersey (maillot blanco) for the best young rider.

Notable Winners

Some of the most notable winners of the Vuelta a España include:

• Roberto Heras, who holds the record with four victories (2000, 2003, 2004, 2005).
• Alberto Contador, a three-time winner (2008, 2012, 2014).
• Chris Froome, who won the race in 2011 and 2017.

Teams and Riders

The Vuelta a España attracts the world's top professional cycling teams and riders. Teams compete for stage wins, overall classification, and other individual and team classifications.

Impact and Legacy

The Vuelta a España is a significant event in the world of professional cycling, contributing to the sport's popularity in Spain and around the world. It has produced many memorable moments and has been a proving ground for some of the greatest cyclists in history.

See Also

• Tour de France
• Giro d'Italia
• Grand Tours (cycling)
• List of Vuelta a España general classification winners