Nelson Oliveira finishes 24 Grand Tours without ever abandoning

Portuguese rider Nelson Oliveira, 37, from Anadia, became the first cyclist in history to complete 24 consecutive Grand Tours without a single abandonment. The record‑setting achievement comprises ten editions of the Tour de France, ten Vueltas a España and four Giro d'Italia, totaling 504 stages over 24 three‑week races. He finished the 2026 Tour de France in 65th place, surpassing Sylwester Szmyd's previous record for most uninterrupted Grand Tours.

Oliveira, who rides for the Movistar Team, said the feat results from steady teamwork, injury management and personal resilience, recalling past falls, a fractured rib and other challenges that never forced him to quit. He expressed hope of reaching 30 Grand Tours but acknowledged the difficulty given his age and career length of 17 years as a professional.