Hansen rides into record books with 13th consecutive Grand Tour finish

Adam Hansen has successfully ridden 13 Grand Tours in a row - earning a place in the annals of the sport.

Adam Hansen has completed his 12th consecutive grand tour (Sirotti) Source: Sirotti

Hansen overhauled the previous joint record holder, Bernardo Ruiz, by safely completing the 2015 Vuelta a Espana today. Hansen started his road to the record at the end of 2011 when he completed that year's Vuelta, then went on to complete the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta in 2012, 2013, 2014 and this year.

His bid to beat Ruiz's record was nearly derailed this July, however, when he was involved in a major crash ealry in the Tour de France. He struggled on despite the injuries sustained in the crash, however, and was able to complete the race.

“This performance is definitely special and unique," said Hansen.

"After each Grand Tour more and more people started talking about the record. It didn’t become an obsession for me, but of course I’m proud that I could break the record.”

Hansen said the highlights of his quest were his stage wins in the 2013 Giro and the 2014 Vuelta. He also revealed that he keeps a memento from each race - his race number, a jersey and the road book

What's next for the Queenslander? More Grand Tours, it seems.

"I'll continue racing all the Grand Tours until I fall off my bike!" he said. "I hope I can still win a stage at the Tour as well."