Miguel Indurain Spanish cyclist Date of Birth: 06.07.1964 Country: Spain

Miguel Indurain: Biography of a Cycling Legend

Miguel Ángel Indurain Larraya, also known as "Big Mig", is a former professional Spanish cyclist who made history in the Tour de France. Born on July 16, 1964, in the village of Villava, near Pamplona, Indurain grew up with a passion for cycling. At the age of 10, he received his first bicycle as a birthday present, but unfortunately, it was stolen a year later. Determined to continue cycling, Indurain worked with his father in the fields to earn money for a new bike.

Indurain's athletic talents extended beyond cycling. By the age of 14, he had explored various sports such as running, basketball, javelin throwing, and football. In 1978, at the age of 14, Indurain joined the local cycling club "CC Villavés" and participated in his first race. His debut was successful, finishing second in a race for non-licensed riders. This early success fueled his passion for cycling, and he started racing every week.

As a young cyclist, Indurain idolized French cyclist Bernard Hinault. In 1984, Indurain competed in the Los Angeles Olympic Games and turned professional the same year. Just one week after turning professional, Indurain won his first race, the Tour de l'Avenir. In 1985, he made his first appearance in the Tour de France but had to withdraw after the fourth stage. However, this setback did not deter him, and for the next 11 years, Indurain never missed a single Tour de France.

In 1991, Indurain achieved a remarkable feat by winning his first Tour de France, surpassing everyone's expectations. Despite his size and weight (1.88 meters tall and 80 kilograms), many considered him too big and heavy for long-distance races. However, Indurain proved them wrong by steadily securing his place as the leader and ultimately winning the race. His dominance continued in 1992, as he triumphed not only in the Tour de France but also in the Giro d'Italia.

The following year, Indurain managed to defend his titles in both the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia. Some critics questioned the ease of his victories, suggesting that he did not push himself to his full potential. In 1994, Indurain won his fourth consecutive Tour de France and set a new world record by covering 53.04 kilometers in an hour. However, he faced disappointment in the Giro d'Italia, where he was defeated by Evgeni Berzin and Marco Pantani.

In 1995, Indurain redeemed himself by winning his fifth Tour de France. Unfortunately, his quest for a sixth victory in 1996 was plagued by misfortune. A poor start and a bronchitis illness forced him to withdraw from the race prematurely. On January 1, 1997, Miguel Indurain officially announced his retirement from professional cycling.

Today, Indurain resides near Pamplona with his wife and three children, actively promoting and popularizing the sport in his native Navarra. His incredible achievements, including five consecutive Tour de France victories, have secured his place as one of the greatest cyclists in history.