What Is 1987 Tour of the Basque Country

Overview

The 1987 Tour of the Basque Country, officially known as the Vuelta Ciclista al País Vasco, was the 27th edition of this prestigious stage race. Held from April 6 to April 11, it attracted top professional cyclists competing across six challenging stages in Spain’s mountainous Basque region.

This edition was notable for its competitive time trials and steep climbs, typical of the race’s demanding terrain. Sean Kelly emerged as the overall winner, showcasing his all-around abilities in both climbing and time trialing.

• Stage 1 started in Irun and covered 180 km, finishing in Eibar, with Belgian rider Eddy Planckaert taking the stage win.
• Stage 2 spanned 185 km from Eibar to Vitoria, won by Italian sprinter Guido Bontempi in a bunch finish.
• Stage 3 was a 170 km route from Vitoria to Burgos, where Robert Millar claimed victory with a late breakaway.
• Stage 4 featured a tough 195 km course from Burgos back to the Basque Country, won by Jean-Jacques Henry.
• Stage 5 was a mountainous 183 km leg from Amorebieta to Zarautz, setting up Kelly’s decisive lead before the final time trial.

How It Works

The Tour of the Basque Country is a multi-stage cycling race held annually in Spain’s Basque Autonomous Community, combining time trials, flat stages, and high-mountain routes. The 1987 edition followed this format, testing riders’ endurance and tactical skills over six days.

• General Classification: Calculated by cumulative stage times; Sean Kelly won with 20h 48' 48', beating second-place finisher by 1 minute 12 seconds.
• Time Trials: The final stage was a 39.5 km individual time trial from Vitoria to Zalduondo, crucial for final rankings.
• Team Strategy: The Kas–Liberto team supported Kelly with strong pacing and protection from rivals throughout the race.
• Mountains Classification: Points awarded for summit finishes; Robert Millar led this category after Stage 3.
• Stage Wins: Five different riders won stages, indicating a highly competitive field without dominant sprinters.
• Route Design: The 1987 course covered 872 km, including steep climbs like the Urkiola and La Rhune.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1987 Tour of the Basque Country with editions from 1985 and 1990:

The 1987 race maintained consistency in format with previous years, keeping six stages and similar distances. However, it marked Kelly’s first of two consecutive victories, highlighting his dominance during this period. Unlike 1990, which added a stage, the 1987 edition stayed true to the traditional six-stage structure.

Why It Matters

The 1987 Tour of the Basque Country was a pivotal moment in Sean Kelly’s career and a showcase of European stage racing excellence. Its challenging route and high-caliber competition made it a key preparatory race for the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.

• Historical Significance: Kelly became the first Irishman to win the race, elevating his international cycling profile.
• Tactical Depth: The inclusion of a long final time trial emphasized the importance of individual effort in stage racing.
• Regional Identity: The race highlighted the Basque Country’s cultural pride and passion for cycling.
• Competitive Field: Riders from 9 countries participated, including top names from France, Italy, and Belgium.
• Media Coverage: The race received extensive TV and print coverage in Spain and Ireland due to Kelly’s victory.
• Legacy: The 1987 edition is remembered for its close general classification and dramatic final stage.

Today, the Tour of the Basque Country remains a key fixture in the UCI World Tour, with the 1987 race standing out as a classic example of endurance and strategy in professional cycling.