Francisco Mancebo's cycling career doesn't seem to be over yet. The now 49-year-old Spaniard, who placed fourth in the 2005 Tour de France, only last month appeared to bid farewell at the Tour de Kyushu (2.1). At least, that’s how it seemed. However, the former top climber has now signed with a continental team, according to Marca.
The Spanish sports newspaper refers to the Pingtan International Tourism Island Cycling Team. This is a Chinese squad, competing with a continental license. After reports of his (alleged) retirement surfaced, Mancebo spoke out on social media. “I have said nothing yet about my retirement. What has appeared in some media is not official,” he wrote on Instagram.
Despite being at an advanced age in cycling terms, Mancebo is not yet planning to stop. He made his professional debut in 1998 with Banesto. The Spaniard – known for his very angular climbing style – grew into a successful stage racer in the following seasons.
His definitive breakthrough came in 2000 with a ninth place in the Tour de France general classification. After three weeks of racing, Mancebo also took home the white jersey as the best young rider.
Mancebo (far left), Zabel, Armstrong, and Botero in the final stage of the 2000 Tour – photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
In 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, Mancebo also finished in the top ten of the Tour de France. In 2005, he even finished fourth. Mancebo stood on the podium of a Grand Tour only once. In 2004, he placed third in the Vuelta a España. In the 2005 Vuelta, he won a stage to Ordino-Arcalis and finished fourth overall.
Wandering after Operación Puerto
Mancebo decided to move to AG2R Prévoyance in the winter of 2005 but had to leave after just six months when his name was linked to Operación Puerto, the doping scandal involving team doctor Eufemiano Fuentes. After that, Mancebo never got another chance at the highest level, so he embarked on an exotic journey among various continental teams.
The climber raced for teams including Rock Racing, Skydive Dubai, and – since 2019 – the Japanese Matrix Powertag. Especially in Asia, he managed to achieve numerous podium places and sometimes even victories as a (much) older rider. This year he was even successful on African soil, winning the opening stage of the Tour of Sahel (2.2) in January.
