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Down to the wire: Heras wins his third Vuelta as Perez turns in strong TT

Published: Sep. 26, 2004
Photo: AFP

There was never really any doubt about the outcome of the 2004 Vuelta a España.

At least not in the mind of Roberto Heras, who had a 43-second head-start going into Sunday’s 28.2km final time trial through the mean streets of Madrid.

Heras forfeited 13 seconds to the surging Santi Pérez (Phonak) but rode with calculated confidence to claim his record-tying third Vuelta crown in five years. He won the 2000 Vuelta as a member of the Kelme squad, joined U.S. Postal and then lost the 2002 Vuelta in the final time trial to Aitor Gonzalez, came back and won as a Postal rider in 2003 and then joined Liberty-Seguros for his successful defense this season.

Perez impressed many at this Vuelta
Perez impressed many at this Vuelta
Photo: AFP

“I started the day confident but you never really know until it’s over,” Heras said after finishing fourth behind stage-winner Pérez. “It’s satisfying to win this Vuelta. After the problems I had earlier this season, it’s good to win. To win three Vueltas is very satisfying.”

Pérez faced the unlikely task of taking nearly two seconds per kilometer if he hoped to erase the gap and grab the overall victory. The young Asturiano rode with class over the slightly rolling course to win his third stage and give Liberty Seguros manager Manolo Saiz some indigestion.

“I said from the first days of the race it would be very difficult to beat Heras, who is the best climber in cycling today,” said Pérez, who finished second overall at 30 seconds back. “To be here is a dream and the Vuelta is something I can look forward to next year.”

Rounding out the podium was Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears), who scored his first podium of his career. Mancebo easily held off Alejandro Valverde (Valenciana-Kelme), who finished the Vuelta fourth overall after crashing hard in the second week.

“It’s the most beautiful day of my career,” said Mancebo, second on the day at seven seconds slower. “I had some doubts about this race because of my injury to my hand. This podium gives me confidence for the future.”

Heras did what he needed to do
Heras did what he needed to do
Photo: Graham Watson

Valenciana-Kelme David Blanco set an early fast time that stood good enough for fifth. Victor Hugo Peña stopped the clock for seventh on the day in what’s likely his last race with U.S. Postal Service. Carlos Sastre (CSC) rode a fine time trial at third at eight seconds slower to bounce into sixth overall ahead of the cooked Isidro Nozal (Liberty Seguros).

Zabel kept his points jersey
Zabel kept his points jersey
Photo: Graham Watson

Colombian Félix Cárdenas (Cafes Baque) took his second climber’s jersey and Erik Zabel (T-Mobile) held off Valverde to win the point’s jersey. Heras also won the combined classification to go along with his overall title while Valenciana-Kelme won the team classification.

Postal delivered
U.S. Postal Service enjoyed a nice Vuelta - its final grand tour in that venerable team kit - despite coming to the race without a clear contender for the overall title.

The Posties won the opening team time trial and passed the leader’s jersey among Floyd Landis, Manuel Beltrán, Max Van Heeswijk and Benoit Joachim. The boys in blue scored another stage victory after a long solo attack by Dave Zabriskie. Beltrán finished highest at 13th while Tony Cruz was the lone American finisher and was active in several breakaways.

Final overall standings
1. Roberto Heras (Sp), Liberty Seguros, 77:42:46
2. Santiago Perez (Sp), Phonak, at 0:30
3. Francisco Mancebo (Sp), Illes Balears-Banesto, 2:13
4. Alejandro Valverde (Sp), Kelme, 3:30
5. Carlos Garcia Quesada (Sp), Kelme, 7:44
6. Carlos Sastre (Sp), CSC, 8:11
7. Isidro Nozal (Sp), Liberty Seguros, 8:32
8. Angel Gomez (Sp), Paternina, 13:08
9. Luis Perez (Sp), Cofidis, 13:24
10. David Blanco (Sp), Kelme, 15:15
Fullresults

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