Federico Bahamontes: Former Tour de France winner dies aged 95

Former Tour de France winner Federico Bahamontes has died at the age of 95.

Bahamontes became the first Spaniard to win the Tour when he triumphed in 1959.

Nicknamed the Eagle of Toledo, he was regarded as one of the finest climbers in history and was the first rider to win the mountains jersey in all three Grand Tours.

Bahamontes won the Tour de France polka dot jersey six times between 1954 and 1964.

He also came close to a second Tour de France title in 1963.

Bahamontes was in yellow a few days out from Paris but only three seconds separated him from Jacques Anquetil, who was seeking his third successive Tour win.

Anquetil won a sprint against Bahamontes on Stage 17 and the bonus seconds took him into the lead and helped him secure the GC. Bahamontes finished in second place.

Following retirement, Bahamontes ran a bicycle and motorcycle shop in Toledo.

Bahamontes’ death was confirmed by Carlos Velazquez, the mayor of Toldeo.

“With deep regret we mourn the loss of Federico Martin Bahamontes, the Eagle of Toledo, benchmark of the sport that has brought the name of our city to the top,” wrote Velazquez on Twitter.

“The first Spaniard to win the Tour de France is part of the history of the sport in our country, with more than 74 victories behind him.

“Adopted son of the city of Toledo, admired and loved, Fede has moved us with his extraordinary climbs.

“His bicycle shop, in our Plaza de la Magdalena, has been a place of pilgrimage for all fans.

“We will honour his memory with two days of official mourning, as a sign of pain and recognition of all Toledo.

“Thanks to him we all won the Tour. Our deepest condolences to your loved ones.”