José Azevedo


José Bento Azevedo Carvalho is a Portuguese retired road racing cyclist, and most recently, general manager of UCI WorldTeam. During his racing career, Azevedo rode for between 2001 and 2003 and for between 2004 and 2006.

Career

Born in Vila do Conde, Azevedo's principal career successes were fifth overall at the 2001 Giro d'Italia, sixth overall at the 2002 Tour de France and fifth overall at the 2004 Tour de France. He also made a second place in the Germany Tour, just behind Michael Rogers. He won the queen-stage of the German competition.
Until 2005 he was a renowned domestique; his primary role was to serve as Lance Armstrong's lieutenant in mountain stages, specifically stages in the Pyrenees Mountains. Lance Armstrong described him as the best lieutenant he has ever had. Nicknamed "The Ace", he moved to US Postal from Team ONCE in 2004.
In 2006 Azevedo wore the #1 background during the Tour de France and he claimed the highest finish in the general classification amongst his Discovery Channel teammates. Azevedo finished 18th overall, 37 minutes and 11 seconds behind race winner Óscar Pereiro, following the disqualification of apparent winner Floyd Landis.
To be able to spend more time with his family, Azevedo opted for a home team. He became the leader of the Benfica cycling team and aimed to win the Tour of Portugal. Azevedo finished his career at the end of the Tour of Portugal 2008.

Career achievements

Major results

;2001 - ONCE-Eroski
;2002 - ONCE-Eroski
;2003 - ONCE-Eroski
;2004 - US Postal
;2005
;2006
;2007

Grand Tour general classification results timeline

Grand Tour200120022003200420052006
Giro d'Italia5
Tour de France62653017
Vuelta a España34