Luis Herrera was born on 4 May 1961 in Fusagasugá, Colombia. He was the first Colombian to win a Tour de France stage.
The victory on the top of Alpe d’Huez in 1984 was Herrera’s first notable triumph, he achieved it as an amateur rider. Although amateurs were time to time part of the peloton of the Tour de France, especially in the early years, this was the first time, that this type of rider managed to win a stage.
Luis Herrera turned professional in 1985. As his first victory already has indicated, he was an excellent climber and became the second rider (after Federico Bahamontes) to win the King of the Mountains competitions of all three Grand Tours (Tour 1985 and 1987, Vuelta 1987 and 1991, Giro 1989).
His biggest success was the Vuelta a Espana overall victory in 1987.
His professional teams:
1985-1990 Café de Colombia
1991-1992 Ryalco Postobon
He retired from racing in 1992.