Spanish cyclist Roberto Heras took home a record fourth championship from the Vuelta a Espana in 2005.
The mountain specialist had shared three wins with Swiss cyclist Tony Rominger, but gained the fourth victory with a decisive mountain stage where he finally shook Russian Denis Menchov from his back wheel.
Heras, riding for Liberty Seguros, didn't fare so well in the Tour de France, where he finished in 45th place, 1-hour and 38-minutes behind Lance Armstrong. Heras was quoted at Bicycling.com:
“I can't figure it out. I train for it just as seriously, but I just don't have the same strength. I prepare the same way when the Vuelta approaches, and everything falls together. In Spain I'm at ease and mentally I'm stronger than in other races.”
For several years, Heras was the mountain specialist on the US Postal Service team. His job at that time was to lead Armstrong over the mountains, which he did successfully. Heras is expected to lead Liberty Seguros in the Giro d'Italia, the first Grand Tour of 2006.
Another highlight of the Vuelta was Italian cyclist Alessandro Petacchi's final sprint win. It marked his 5th stage victory during the 3-week Vuelta.
American Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) finished 8th overall. Full results for the Vuelta bicycle race are available at CyclingNews.
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