Lucero's biggest career victory

By Kirsten Robbins in San Luis Argentina

There was a flurry of emotions upon the completion of the Tour of San Luis when thousands of fans came to watch Alfredo 'El Flaco' Lucero crowned as the winner of the 'biggest race in Argentina.' According to Lucero, a San Luis native, this marked the biggest victory in his career.

"I want to dedicate this to my family and the people of San Luis, who supported to me during this race," Lucero said. "It is an incredible dreamed. The guys in the Argentinean national team did an enormous amount of work so that I could win and that is something that I am never going to forget."

Lucero finished 52 seconds ahead of his teammate Jorge Giacinti and more than one minute ahead of Colombian José Serpa (Diquigiovanni). He took the leader's jersey after the stage three time trial and maintained his lead through to the seventh and final stage.

His team showed relentless support at the front of the peloton, holding the field together for the finish of each stage. "I counted on the aid of my teammate Giacinti," said Lucero. "The key was to go day to day and not to lose hope."