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Djamolidine AbdujaparovSoviet and Uzbek professional road cyclist. Honored Master of Sports of Russia (2007). Ethnic Crimean Tatar
Date of Birth: 28.02.1964
Country:  Uzbekistan |
Content:
- Dzhabrail Abdoujaparov: The Tashkent Terminator
- The Tour de France and the Green Jersey
- Final Tour and Retirement
- A Cycling Legend
Dzhabrail Abdoujaparov: The Tashkent Terminator
Dzhabrail Abdoujaparov, a Soviet and Uzbek professional road cyclist, achieved prominence as a sprinter. Known as the "Tashkent Terminator" for his aggressive and often reckless finishing style, he was a product of the Soviet sports system. As his country gained independence, Abdoujaparov faced initial challenges, including Uzbekistan's non-acceptance into the UCI. Nevertheless, he eventually joined a Western European professional team, becoming one of the world's top sprinters.
The Tour de France and the Green Jersey
Abdoujaparov's fame soared during his battle for the green jersey (the sprinter's jersey) in the Tour de France in the early 1990s. In 1991, despite a dramatic crash during the final stage on the Champs-Élysées, he secured the jersey. Although he had enough points, he was required to finish the stage unassisted. With the help of his teammates, he remounted his bike and slowly pedaled the remaining distance, escorted by medical personnel.
Final Tour and Retirement
In 1996, in his final full Tour, Abdoujaparov made a rare breakaway in the mountains, resulting in his last stage victory. However, his performance declined afterwards. In 1997, he failed a doping test during the Tour de France, revealing the use of asthma medication, Clenbuterol. He then retired from cycling, leaving behind a legacy as one of the five cyclists to win the points classification in all three Grand Tours.
A Cycling Legend
Along with Eddy Merckx, Laurent Jalabert, Alessandro Petacchi, and Mark Cavendish, Dzhabrail Abdoujaparov remains one of the most successful sprinters in cycling history. His aggressive style, relentless determination, and dramatic Tour de France victories have cemented his place as a cycling legend.
