Fabio Parra facts for kids
Parra during the 1989 Vuelta a España
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| Personal information | |||
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| Born | November 22, 1959 Sogamoso, Colombia |
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| Team information | |||
| Current team | Retired | ||
| Discipline | Road | ||
| Role | Rider | ||
| Rider type | Climbing specialist | ||
| Major wins | |||
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Fabio Enrique Parra Pinto (born November 22, 1959, in Sogamoso, Boyacá) is a famous retired Colombian road racing cyclist. He was known for his strong climbing skills. Fabio Parra achieved great success in major cycling events around the world.
He started his cycling journey as an amateur in Colombia. In 1979, he won the Novatos award. This award was for new riders in the Vuelta a Colombia race. He also finished 14th overall in that race. In 1981, he won the entire Vuelta a Colombia. He also competed for Colombia in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
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Becoming a Professional Cyclist
Fabio Parra became a professional cyclist in 1985. He joined the first Colombian cycling team, Café de Colombia. He raced professionally from 1985 to 1992. During this time, he won stages in two of the biggest races: the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.
Fabio Parra was successful at the same time as another great Colombian cyclist, Luis Herrera. While Herrera was known for winning mountain stages, Parra was often competing for the overall win in races.
Fabio's Big Achievements
One of Fabio Parra's greatest achievements was finishing third in the 1988 Tour de France. This was the highest place for a South American cyclist for 25 years. Later, his countryman Nairo Quintana finished second in the 2013 Tour de France.
The year after his Tour de France success, Fabio Parra finished second in the 1989 Vuelta a España. He was only 35 seconds behind the winner, Pedro Delgado. He also won the Young rider classification in the 1985 Tour de France. This award goes to the best young rider in the race.
Family of Cyclists
Fabio Parra has two younger brothers who also became professional cyclists. His brother Humberto Parra Pinto rode for the Kelme team. His other brother, Iván Parra, won two stages in the 2005 Giro d'Italia. This shows that cycling talent runs in their family!
Racing Highlights
Fabio Parra had many impressive results throughout his career. Here are some of his major wins and top finishes:
- In 1981, he won the overall title of the Vuelta a Colombia.
- In 1985, he won a stage in the Tour de France and finished 8th overall. He also won the Young Rider classification.
- In 1987, he won the overall title of the Clásico RCN and two stages. He also finished 6th overall in the Tour de France.
- In 1988, he finished 3rd overall in the Tour de France and won a stage. He also won a stage in the Vuelta a España.
- In 1989, he finished 2nd overall in both the Vuelta a España and the Vuelta a Colombia.
- In 1991, he won another stage in the Vuelta a España.
- In 1992, he won the overall title of the Vuelta a Colombia again.
Fabio Parra was a consistent rider, often finishing in the top positions in major races. His career showed the world the strength of Colombian cyclists.
See also
In Spanish: Fabio Parra para niños
