Anniversary of José Manuel Fuente’s Death: Rebel Who Challenged Merckx

Thirty years after his passing, legendary cyclist José Manuel Fuente is remembered for his aggressive riding style and the iconic victories that saw him take on the great Eddy Merckx. After joining the KAS team in 1971, Fuente secured stage wins in the Tour and Giro, multiple Vuelta titles, and four mountain classification triumphs.

He died in 1996 at age 50, leaving a legacy of fearless attacks and a no‑plan‑B approach. His story continues to inspire new generations of cyclists.