Francisco Mancebo has ridden his final race as a professional. The 49-year-old Spaniard, who finished fourth in the 2005 Tour de France, said goodbye on Monday at the Tour of Kyushu (2.1). He has had a 28-year-long career.
Mancebo made his pro debut in 1998 (!) with Banesto. The Spaniard – well known for his very angular climbing style – grew into a successful stage racer in the subsequent seasons. His definitive breakthrough came in 2000 with a ninth place in the overall classification of the Tour de France. After three weeks of racing, Mancebo also took home the white jersey for best young rider.
In 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, Mancebo also finished in the top ten of the Tour de France. In 2005, he was even fourth. Mancebo stood on the podium of a Grand Tour only once. In 2004, he was third in the Vuelta a España. In the 2005 Vuelta, he won a stage to Ordino-Arcalis and finished fourth in the overall standings.
Francisco Mancebo won the white jersey in the 2000 Tour - photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
Continental teams after Operación Puerto
Mancebo decided in the winter of 2005 to move to AG2R Prévoyance, but had to leave after half a year when his name was linked to Operación Puerto, the doping scandal involving sports doctor Eufemiano Fuentes. Mancebo never got another chance at the top level and embarked on an exotic journey through various continental teams.
The climber raced for Rock Racing, Skydive Dubai, and – since 2019 – the Japanese Matrix Powertag. Especially in Asia, he managed to achieve several podium places and sometimes even victories well into his forties. This year, he was even successful on African soil. In January, he won the opening stage of the Tour of Sahel (2.2). In his very last race, the Tour of Kyushu (2.1), Mancebo finished thirtieth in the overall classification.
Francisco Mancebo Perez| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 |
