Delio Rodriguez

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Delio Rodriguez (born April 19, 1916 – January 14, 1994) was a Spanish professional road racing cyclist and sprinter. Despite winning 12 stages at the 1941 Vuelta and 8 stages at the 1942 Vuelta, Rodriguez failed to make the top five places in the overall standings. Due to World War II, the event was not held in 1943 and 1944, but Rodriguez wanted to win the 1945 event, which he did by going on an early breakaway and winning stage 2 by over a half-hour. In the end, Delio won the event by over 30 minutes, captured six stages and the points classification, too. At the 1947 Veulta, he finished on the podium in third, won his second points title and finished with eight stage wins.

Rodriguez is the all-time record holder for stage wins at the Vuelta a España with 39 stage wins conducted over 5 events.

[edit] Major achievements

1941

• 12 stages, Vuelta a España

1942

• 8 stages, Vuelta a España

1945

• 1st Overall, 1st Points, and 6 stages, Vuelta a España

1946

• 5th Overall and 5 stages, Vuelta a España

1947

• 3rd Overall, 1st Points, and 8 stages, Vuelta a España

Preceded by Julian Berrendero (1941)

Winner of the Vuelta a España 1945

Succeeded by Dalmacio Langarica (1946)