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Bernardo Ruiz: The Vuelta's Accidental Pioneer

Bernardo Ruiz survived Franco's Spain to win the 1948 Vuelta a España. At 95, the oldest living Grand Tour winner still smokes, sings and tells his story.

By Alasdair Fotheringham

Photography by Timm Kolln

Bernardo RuizGrand ToursLa VueltaRacingVuelta a Espana

23 OCTOBER 2020 | UPDATED 11.38 PM BST

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Rouleur Issue 144 — The Tour Issue
In printIssue 144

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The Tour Issue

Le Tour de France: a race defined by colour, passion and history, whose drama and romance continue to shape the identity of cycling’s greatest stage.