Winnig Vuelta a Espana with the smallest winning margin in the history of the race, French rider Éric Caritoux delivered a surprise victory in 1984.
Vuelta a Espana always has provided much more opportunitiy to success for lesser known riders, especially in the era, when it was a spring race. (Vuelta a Espana moved to autumn in the calendar only in 1995). Caritoux was one those surprise winners having no other noteworthy victories during their careers.
In 1984, the 12th stage proved to be pivotal, when Caritoux finished second on the Lagos de Covadonga and jumped to the leading position in the general classification. He managed to keep his first place till the end of the race.
Smallest winning margins in the Vuelta history
1984 CARITOUX Éric - FERNÁNDEZ Alberto 6"
1974 FUENTE José Manuel - AGOSTINHO Joaquim 11"
2011 COBO Juan José - FROOME Chris 13"
1956 CONTERNO Angelo - LOROÑO Jesús 13"
1975 TAMAMES Augustín - PERURENA Domingo 14"
1982 LEJARRETA Marino - POLLENTIER Michel 18"
2020 ROGLIČ Primož - CARAPAZ Richard 24"
2003 HERAS Roberto - NOZAL Isidro 26"
1993 ROMINGER Tony - ZÜLLE Alex 29"
2004 HERAS Roberto - PÉREZ Santiago 30"
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