Induráin, Miguel

b. 1964, Villava (Navarre)

   Cyclist

   Among the greatest names in professional international cycling, Indurain became amateur champion of Spain in 1983 and turned professional in 1985, winning various Spanish "Tours" in the succeeding years, the Paris-Nice Cycling Classic in 1989 and 1990, and the Tour de France in 1991. In 1994 he held the world record of 53.040 km/hr. By the time he retired in February 1997 he had become one of only three to have won the Tour de France five times (1991– 5), and the only one to have done so consecutively. A member of the Banesto team, he had also won the Giro de Italia twice (1992– 3), a World Championship in 1995 and an Olympic gold medal in 1996.

   Indurain was convinced he could win the Tour de France for the sixth time, but collapsed during the Alps stage on 8 July 1996 and was unable to complete the tour. He was reluctantly persuaded by Banesto to take part in the circuit of Spain (Vuelta a España) for the eighth time in September 1996, but abandoned the race on 20 September with breathing problems. In February 1997 he announced his retirement from professional cycling at the age of 32. Despite the difficulties of his last months as a professional competitor, his reputation as the best ever Spanish sportsman remains intact.

   See also: cycling

   EAMONN RODGERS