7th Vuelta a Espana 1947

Belgian Flatlander Time Trials to Victory

Europe was gradually recovering from the WW2 but Spain remained politically isolated. In an effort to discard the political perceptions in Spain, the 1947 Vuelta a Espana sought out and warmly welcomed the elite cycling stars of Europe.

The first major test in 1947 came on Stage 11 from San Sebastian to Bilbao. Climber Julian Berrendero attacked the peloton on the climb of the Puerto de Urkiola, but was unable to shed the pack. The decisive breakaway did not escape until late on the stage while climbing the Puerto de Sollube. Martin Mancisidor led Pedro Font, Felix Adriano, and talented Manuel Costa over the summit and into the finish in Bilboa. Adriano (Ita) won the breakaway sprint in front of Costa and Mancisidor. The General Classification tightened as the breakaway gained two minutes on overall leader Delio Rodriguez and significantly eight minutes on Belgian Edouard Van Dyck.

The following day on Stage 12 from Bilbao to Santander, Manuel Costa again aggressively attacked and formed a breakaway group that finished over 8 minutes in front of the race leader. After the finish in Santender, penalties were assigned to the leaders. Rodriguez, having lost 8 minutes on the stage, was penalized an additional 10 minutes for hanging onto a vehicle. Costa was penalized 2 minute time for an illegal bike change. When the General Classification times were calculated Costa's total managed was enough to take the race lead.

The hard mountains behind them the race headed to the flatter terrain with the 2 crucial time trial stages. The first “race of truth” came on stage 16b from Luarca to Ribadeo. Powerful Belgian Edouard Van Dyck made up 2'06” of his 2'21” deficit to Costa in the GC. The race had 8 stages to go and the excitement was building.

The ultimate showdown came on the Stage 22 individual time trial. Again the Belgian powered his way to the stage win, gaining over 4 minutes on the race leader Costa. This margin proved to be enough for the race lead.

Edouard Van Dyck rode into the finish at Madrid 's Metropolitan Stadium two stages later for the grand Vuelta a Espana victory. The huge crown of 50,000 people show great respect for the valiant effort of Spanish hero Manuel Costa and offered him a resounding ovation.

Edouard Van Dyck (Bel)

SPECIAL NOTE: Delio Rodriguez added to his record number of stage wins with 7 more stages. His brother Emilio Rodriguez won the climbing classification for the second time.

VaE 1946

VaE 1948

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