Federico Bahamontes made his Tour de France debut in 1954, a race that would mark the beginning of his legacy as one of the greatest climbers in cycling history. His selection for the Spanish team that year was made by Julián Berrendero, the team's director and a former King of the Mountains in the 1936 Tour de France. Berrendero had already decided to include Bahamontes in the lineup the previous summer, recognizing the young Spaniard's immense talent in the mountains.
For Bahamontes, the real race began once the peloton hit the Pyrenees. It was during the 12th stage, a brutal day of climbing that included legendary ascents like the Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, and Col de Peyresourde, that he truly showcased his ability. Bahamontes crossed the finish line alongside strong riders like Jean Malléjac and Gilbert Bauvin, who narrowly won the stage, just one second ahead of Bahamontes. Bauvin’s victory also earned him the yellow jersey,
but Bahamontes had already begun his quiet dominance in the mountains.
Bahamontes had been active in the mountains from an earlier stage, including the day that took the riders over the Col d'Aubisque. He accumulated enough points to take the lead in the King of the Mountains (KOM) competition, a jersey that would become synonymous with his career.
One of the most memorable moments of Bahamontes' 1954 Tour occurred on the 17th stage in the Alps, where his eccentric personality and quirky behavior added to his growing legend
Despite the setbacks, Bahamontes continued to gather KOM points as the race progressed through the Alps. His definitive move came on Stage 19, which included the climbs of Col du Galibier, Col de Marocaz, Les Prés, and Col de Plainpalais. Bahamontes launched an attack that would secure his hold on the King of the Mountains jersey. His climbing ability was so superior that he had essentially clinched the jersey by this stage, earning him his first polka-dot jersey, a title he would win six times over the course of his career.
Bahamontes finished his first Tour de France in 25th place in the general classification, an impressive result considering the many challenges he faced during the race. However, it was his performance in the mountains and his unmistakable style that left a lasting impression on fans, riders, and the media. His daring attacks and quirky demeanor on the Col de Romeyère and other key stages made him one of the standout riders of the race, even if he was still developing into the dominant climber he would later become.
His 1954 Tour marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career that would see him become a legend of the sport, particularly in the high mountains where his talent was unmatched.
