Professional Documents
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1985 Vuelta A España
1985 Vuelta A España
Final overall winner Pedro Delgado (shown racing in the 1985 Tour de France)
The Race: This edition of the Vuelta is famous, known to English-speaking fans as "The Stolen
Vuelta". Going into the 18th and penultimate stage, Robert Millar led the GC.
In that infamous hilly 18th stage, Millar flatted. And unknown to Millar, Pedro Delgado
attacked. When Millar rejoined the main group after getting his puncture repaired, no one told
him Delgado had escaped. Millar thought he had the Vuelta won.
It is generally believed the Spanish teams then colluded to keep Millar from catching Delgado.
But also, Millar's director Roland Berland, handled the situation badly and did not make sure
Millar had good team support in the last stage that could affect the GC. Millar was vulnerable to
a well-timed attack.
Delgado gained enough time that stage to take the overall lead by a half-minute over Millar and
win the 1985 Vuelta a España.
Climber's competition:
Points competition:
Team classification:
Note: The North Amercian team Xerox-Philadelphia started, but none of the team finished. Here
are the riders with their back numbers
151. Michel Carter
151. David Cech.
153. John Eustice.
154. Greg Gilmore.
155. André Chappuis (Fra).
156. Claude Michall (Lux).
157. Anthony Mortimer.
158. Peter Moody.
159. Greg Saunders.
160. Rudy Weber (RFA).
Director: Robin Morton
Major Climbs: San Esteban, Padrún, Santo Emiliano, Mirador del Fito, Lagos de Enol.
Eigteenth stage. 11 May 1985. Alcalá de Henarés-Palazuelos de Eresma (Destilerías DYC). 200
Kilómetros.
Nineteenth and final stage. 12 May 1985. Palazuelos de Eresma (Destilerías DYC)-Salamanca.
175 Kilómetros.