Passing of Federico Bahamontes: “When he attacked, few could keep up,” recalls Bernard Thévenet The Spanish cyclist, victor of the 1959 Tour de France, has passed away at the age of 95. The news of Federico Bahamontes’ demise, a legend in Spanish cycling and sports, on Tuesday, August 8, at the age of 95, has stirred the cycling world. Bahamontes leaves behind a rich legacy, from his overall victory in the 1959 Tour de France to his numerous high-altitude feats. He ignited the dreams of many cyclists who came after him. Bernard Thévenet, the winner of the Tour de France in 1975 and 1977, reflects on both the cyclist and the man that was Bahamontes.
franceinfo: sport: What are your feelings upon learning of Federico Bahamontes’ passing?
Bernard Thévenet: He was someone I admired, admired but didn’t quite align with. I was more of a Jacques Anquetil supporter (smiles). He inspired me; the great climbers always captivate with their launches, the gaps they create, it’s truly spectacular. It inevitably leaves a mark. I got to know him afterward, once he retired and I turned professional, and even after. He was a character, not one to be ignored. He had his share of antics and a sharp tongue! When he wanted to say something, he said it directly! He was an endearing individual, with strong convictions.
If you had to retain only one memory, one image of him, what would it be?
When he took off on a climb, not many could keep up. His surges in the mountain passes, leading for two or three consecutive passes like that. He truly left his mark on cycling history in the 1950s. There are many images because his style was quite repetitive. When he took off, there weren’t many left in the frame.
Bahamontes is often considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest climber in cycling history. Is that a viewpoint you share?
Calling him the greatest is a challenge, as it’s impossible to compare across different eras. But he might very well be the climber who left the biggest mark on cycling history alongside Charly Gaul. They made their moves even when there were contenders like Anquetil facing them. There was fierce competition.
Federico Bahamontes was also known for his longevity, both on the bike and in life. Did that contribute to his uniqueness as well?
There are still riders who live long lives. Ferdi Kübler passed away at around 95 years old, something like that [the winner of the 1950 Tour de France passed away in 2016 at the age of 97]. Antonin Rolland, at 98 years old, is still going strong! From Federico, I remember two things: his ease in the mountains and his straightforwardness.
