# Rein Taaramäe

> Estonian road bicycle racer (born 1987)

**Wikidata**: [Q352105](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q352105)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rein_Taaramäe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rein-taaramae

## Summary
Rein Taaramäe is an Estonian professional road bicycle racer born on April 24, 1987. He is best known for competing in major cycling events such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, and for being one of the most prominent Estonian cyclists in the international peloton. His career highlights include a stage victory at the 2021 Vuelta a España.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 24, 1987  
- **Nationality**: Estonia  
- **Education**: Educated at institution Q130244367 (specific name not provided)  
- **Known for**: Professional road cycling career spanning multiple WorldTour teams  
- **Employer(s)**: Cofidis (2010–2011), Astana Pro Team (2015), Katusha-Alpecin (2016–2017), Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux (2021–2024)  
- **Field(s)**: Road bicycle racing  

## Contributions
- **2010–2011**: Rode for Cofidis, contributing to the team’s performance in European races.  
- **2015**: Competed with Astana Pro Team, supporting the squad in stage races.  
- **2016–2017**: Member of Katusha-Alpecin, participating in WorldTour events.  
- **2021**: Achieved a stage victory at the Vuelta a España while riding for Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux.  
- **2024**: Continued racing with Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux, maintaining a presence in elite cycling.  

## FAQs
**What teams has Rein Taaramäe ridden for?**  
Taaramäe has competed for Cofidis (2010–2011), Astana Pro Team (2015), Katusha-Alpecin (2016–2017), and Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux (2021–2024).  

**What is his most notable achievement?**  
His standout result is a stage win at the 2021 Vuelta a España, a rare feat for Estonian cyclists in Grand Tours.  

**Where is he from?**  
He was born and raised in Estonia, representing the country in international competitions.  

**What is his role in the peloton?**  
Taaramäe primarily serves as a domestique and stage race specialist, supporting team leaders while targeting breakaway opportunities.  

## Why They Matter
Rein Taaramäe is a key figure in Estonian cycling, raising the profile of the sport in his home country through participation in prestigious events like the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. His longevity at the WorldTour level and stage victory in the Vuelta a España have inspired younger Estonian riders and demonstrated the nation’s potential in elite cycling. Without his career, Estonia’s representation in top-tier cycling would be significantly diminished.  

## Notable For  
- **Stage win at the 2021 Vuelta a España**: A landmark victory for Estonian cycling.  
- **Grand Tour participation**: Competed in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España.  
- **WorldTour team affiliations**: Ridden for Astana, Katusha-Alpecin, and Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux.  
- **Domestique role**: Supported prominent team leaders in stage races.  

## Body  
### Early Life and Education  
Rein Taaramäe was born on April 24, 1987, in Estonia. He pursued education at an institution identified as Q130244367 (specific name unavailable) before transitioning to a professional cycling career.  

### Career Overview  
Taaramäe began his professional career in 2010 with Cofidis, competing in European races and gaining experience in the peloton. He moved to Astana Pro Team in 2015, contributing to the squad’s stage race efforts. A stint with Katusha-Alpecin followed from 2016 to 2017, during which he supported the team in WorldTour events.  

### Breakthrough and Achievements  
His career highlight came in 2021 with Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux, where he secured a stage victory at the Vuelta a España. This achievement marked one of the most significant results for an Estonian cyclist in Grand Tours. Taaramäe continued racing with the team through 2024, maintaining a consistent presence in elite cycling.  

### Physical Attributes  
- **Height**: 184 cm  
- **Weight**: 66 kg  

### International Representation  
Throughout his career, Taaramäe has represented Estonia in international competitions, contributing to the nation’s cycling reputation. His participation in Grand Tours has helped elevate Estonia’s profile in the sport.  

### Legacy  
While primarily a domestique, Taaramäe’s ability to perform in breakaways and support team leaders has made him a respected figure in the peloton. His 2021 Vuelta stage win remains a defining moment, inspiring future generations of Estonian cyclists.  

### Technical Identifiers  
- **Wikidata ID**: Q140614  
- **Cycling Archives ID**: 229527  
- **Pro Cycling Stats ID**: 1940170  
- **Instagram**: @taaramaerein  

### Global Influence  
Taaramäe’s career has transcended national boundaries, showcasing Estonian talent in a sport dominated by traditional cycling nations. His work ethic and strategic riding style have influenced teammates and adversaries alike, solidifying his role as an ambassador for Estonian cycling.

## References

1. Biographical lexicon of Estonian sport
2. CQ Ranking
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013