Bizkaiko Bira was a multi-day road cycling race held annually in Biscay, Spain. It was regarded as one of the most prestigious amateur races in the world. Many winners became professional after winning the race including Erik Dekker, Roberto Heras, Igor González de Galdeano and Julián Gorospe.

Bizkaiko Bira
Race details
RegionBiscay, Spain
English nameTour of Biscay
DisciplineRoad
TypeStage race
History
First edition1981 (1981)
Editions29
Final edition2009
First winner Julián Gorospe (ESP)
Most wins Hans Knauer (GER)
Final winner Fabricio Ferrari (URU)

The race started in 1981 and lasted until 2009. The organizer was the Amorebieta Txirrindulari Elkartea (Cyclist Association of Amorebieta). They also organize the Klasika Primavera cyclist race. In 2005 due to economical problems, they refused to organize the race and Iñaki Barrenetxea Giraldez, a former professional rider took over for the next years. The race was supported by El Correo local newspaper, BBK. In 2010 the race was permanently canceled.[1]

The first winner was the local cyclist Julián Gorospe.

Major results

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Year Winner
1981   Julián Gorospe
1982   Enrique Aja
1983   Manuel Jorge Domínguez
1984   Hans Knauer
1985   Herminio Díaz Zabala
1986   José María Palacín
1987   Enrique Alonso
1988   Louis de Koning
1989   Barney Saint Georges
1990   Roberto Laiseka
1991   Heinrich Trumheller
1992   Erik Dekker
1993   Igor González de Galdeano
1994   Juan Carlos Domínguez
1995   Roberto Heras
1996   José Luis Urdiain
1997   Ernesto Manchón
1998   Paul Bertino
1999   Rubén Oarbeaskoa
2000   Patxi Ugarte
2001   Juan Fuentes
2002   Mikel Elgezabal
2003   José Ángel Gómez Marchante
2004   David Pérez
2005   Diego Gallego
2006   David Martín
2007   Alberto Fernández
2008   Marcos García
2009   Fabricio Ferrari

References

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  1. ^ "Ciclismo.- Suspendida la 'Bizkaiko Bira' 2010 por falta de patrocinio". Europa Press. 2010-06-07. Retrieved 2022-04-18.