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.
After cresting the top of the Col de Romeyère, Bahamontes was faced with a battered wheel and didn’t feel safe descending without a proper fix. He was forced to wait for his team car, which was slow to arrive. As he waited, surrounded by a crowd of French cycling fans, many of whom were not exactly friendly to the young Spanish climber, Bahamontes noticed two ice cream vendors nearby. Unbothered by the tension of the race, and perhaps out of frustration for losing so much time, he grabbed an ice cream and stood licking it on the summit while his rivals sped downhill.
This incident became one of the most famous stories in Tour de France history.
To the French press, it was portrayed as a symbol of arrogance: how could a rider take time for ice cream in the middle of the Tour de France? But for Bahamontes, it was an expression of frustration, as he knew his race was slipping away due to mechanical issues beyond his control. The truth was far from arrogant; it was more a display of his unconventional personality and fiery temperament.
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.
