Local press reported that Julio Jimenez, a former Spanish cyclist, was killed in a car accident on Wednesday morning.
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Jimenez was travelling with others in a car when it collided with a wall of stone on Tuesday. Various media reported. He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.
Jimenez, also known as "watchmaker in Avila", was a great climber throughout the history of cycling.
Between 1959 and 1969, he was a professional cyclist who won 23 stages. These included five in the Tour de France, the legendary Puy de Dome stage in 1964, four in Italy, and three in Spain. .
He had won the polka dots jersey for the best climber at the Grande Boucle three times in a row (1965-66, 1967) and finished second in Tour de France 1967, just three minutes ahead of Roger Pingeon.
He was also Vuelta’s best climber for three consecutive years (1963, 1964 and 1965). He led the race at the Giro 1966 for 11 days, before finishing fourth overall.
"One of the greatest climbers in history, and a legend within the Spanish peloton. Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you. Rest in Peace Julio Jimenez," reacted Alejandro Valverde, a Spanish cyclist, on Twitter.
"Many generations follow the same path as you. An honorable mention to Julio Jimenez who is part the history of Spanish cycling", shared the Spanish formation Movistar via its social media networks.
