|
Stages:
|
23 |
Kms:
|
3.797 |
|
Riders:
|
48 |
|
|
Kms/hour:
|
27,679 |
|
Retired:
|
19 |
The proceeding of the race in this sixth edition
was very similar to the previous edition during the first stages, since a
breakaway in those first days almost gave the triumph to a modest rider such
as Manuel Costa, who, in the sixth day of the race, lead by 22 and 24 minutes
on the two favorites riders, Langarica and Berrendero. However, Langarica´s
quality and his excellent physical form allowed him to reduce, though with
a great effort, that advantage and arrive in Madrid as absolute leader of
the race.
The foreign participation was not very significant this time either. Six Dutch
riders, five from Portugal and other five from Switzerland made up the foreign
group, who, in any moment, threatened the possibilities of the remarkable
Spanish stars of the moment. The unexpected winner in the previous edition,
Delio Rodriguez, could not repeat his triumph and had to make do with the
fifth position, more than 45 minutes below Langarica. Nevertheless, he achieved
five new stages troughout the race and therefore, he increased his number
of partial victories to thirty-one.
In spite of the advantage that Costa had respect the rest of riders, the enthusiasts´
attention was concentrated on the fight between Langarica and Berrendero,
who were reducing distances day by day.
Finally, Costa could not resist the preassure and Langarica took the leadership
after the stage which covered the way between Reinosa and Gijón. The possibility
of an unexpected surprised vanished completely and Dalmacio Langarica was
the winner after 3.797 kilometres. Julián Berrendero, Jan Lambrichts, Manuel
Costa and Delio Rodriguez, scorted Langarica to the podium in the first five
positions in the Individual Overall Standings.
As regards the Climbers Overall Standings, Emilio Rodriguez had an advantage
respect Dalmacio Langarica and 25 respect Julián Berrendero, who had been
the winner in the two previous editions.
