Cyclist Card #6 Luis "Lucho" Herrera

Luis "Lucho" Herrera

Luis Alberto "Lucho" Herrera (also known as "el jardinerito" - the little gardener) was born May 4, 1961 in Fusagasugá, Colombia.

Herrera’s professional career started in 1981 when he signed with the Valyain team. With a pro-team, he was able to enter the Clasico RCN. Herrera showed his talent and won a stage. It was his first major victory. Next year he signed with the Freskola team and wan the Clasico RCN. 

Year 1984 was a breakthrough season for Herrera. He won “The Double” at home in columbia. He beat Fignon, Simon, Lemond, Madiot and Millar at The Clasico RCN, and he won his first Vuelta a Colombia.

In 1984, Varta (a German battery company), sponsored an all Colombian amateur team to participate in the Tour, as they did the previous year. This time Herrera was the team leader and he entered the Tour de France one goal in mind: to win a stage.  What happened? Herrera celebrated Colombia's first stage victory in the Tour de France, at a top the legendary Alpe d'Huez!

Herrera’s professional cycling career was a great success. He won the "King of the Mountains" in all three Grand Tours. Needless to say, “Lucho” is one of the greatest climbers of all time. 

Major accomplishments

Tour de France

-        1984: 27th overall, 1st, stage 17

-        1985: 7th overall (1985), 1st, stage 11 and stage 14, King of the Mountains (polka dot jersey)

-        1986: 22nd overall

-        1987: 5th overall, King of the Mountains (polka dot jersey)

-        1988: 6th overall

-        1989: 19th overall

Giro d'Italia

-        1989: King of the Mountains (maglia verde)

-        3 stages 

Vuelta a España

-        1987: 1st overall , King of the Mountains (green jersey)

-        1991: King of the Mountains (green jersey)

-        2 stages