It’s the changing of the guard for Spain as this 2013 Tour de France sees Joaquim Rodriguez rise to the podium to take third place. He’s been a professional cyclist since 2001. His nickname is “Purito” which in Spanish means “little cigar,” a name given to him when he was out on a ride with teammates who were kicking it up a notch on a hill climb. Rodriguez just coasted by, making a gesture as if he were smoking, a reference that the climb was easy.
His competitive nature took him to ride with Team Katusha and with whom he won the 2013 Tour de France.
He will be racing in the Vuelta a Espana at the end of August 2013.