The Best Climber in Tour de France History: Federico Bahamontes

The first ever Spanish Tour de France winner, Federico Bahamontes, has died, aged 95.

The passing of the cycling legend nicknamed “The Eagle from Toledo” was confirmed by the mayor of Toledo on Tuesday.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Federico Martin Bahamontes, the Eagle of Toledo,” writes Carlos Velazquez on Twitter, recently renamed X.

The message also states that Bahamontes set a new standard in cycling and at the same time placed Toledo on the world map.

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Federico Bahamontes during the fifteenth stage of the Tour de France in July 1958. Read more Close

In 1959, Bahamontes became the first Spanish winner of the world’s biggest bicycle race. The victory was taken with a margin of four minutes to French Henry Anglade.

In addition to the overall victory in 1959, strong climber Bahamontes won the climbing jersey in the race no less than six times. Only the French legend Richard Virenque has more triumphs. There were also seven stage victories.

Also in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, Bahamontes secured the climbing jersey one or more times.

In 2013, in connection with his 85th birthday, “The Eagle from Toledo” was named the best climber in Tour de France history. Bahamontes won the vote ahead of the aforementioned Richard Virenque.

A jury chosen by the sports newspaper L’Équipe was behind the selection. Among the members of the jury were the popular French rider Thomas Voeckler and the five-time Tour winner Bernard Hinault.

The award was presented by French President François Hollande.

Following the death of Frenchman Roger Walkowiak in 2017, Bahamontes has been the oldest living Tour de France winner.

After his career, “The Eagle from Toledo” ran a very popular bicycle shop in his hometown of Toledo.