Bizkaiko Bira

Bizkaiko Bira was a multi-day road cycling race held annually in Biscay, Spain. It was regarded as one of the most prestigious amateur races in the world. Many winners became professional after winning the race including Erik Dekker, Roberto Heras, Igor González de Galdeano and Julián Gorospe.

Bizkaiko Bira

Race details
Region	Biscay, Spain
English name	Tour of Biscay
Discipline	Road
Type	Stage race
History
First edition	1981 (1981)
Editions	29
Final edition	2009
First winner	Julián Gorospe (ESP)
Most wins	Hans Knauer (GER)
Final winner	Fabricio Ferrari (URU)

The race started in 1981 and lasted until 2009. The organizer was the Amorebieta Txirrindulari Elkartea (Cyclist Association of Amorebieta). They also organize the Klasika Primavera cyclist race. In 2005 due to economical problems, they refused to organize the race and Iñaki Barrenetxea Giraldez, a former professional rider took over for the next years. The race was supported by El Correo local newspaper, BBK. In 2010 the race was permananetly canceled.[1]

The first winner was the local cyclist Julián Gorospe. Hans Knauer won the race two consecutive years, 1983 and 1984.