Cycling is known to be a sporting activity that has captured the minds of people across the globe for over a century. This sport offers a diverse range of challenges and competition for riders of all abilities, from the grueling climbs of the Tour de France to the fast-paced action of velodrome racing.
Top 7 Most Successful Cyclists
Over the last couple of years, various riders have emerged to be quite successful when it comes to cycling, as they have pushed beyond the boundaries of what was previously thought possible and served as an inspiration to future generations to follow in their path. In this article, we will be discussing some of the most successful among them.
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Eddy Merckx
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Chris Froome
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Lance Armstrong
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Miguel Indurain
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Fausto Coppi
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Gino Bartali
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Marianne Vos
Eddy Merckx is considered to be the most successful among our list, as he has a total of eleven grand tours and nineteen monuments, which include 5 the Giro, 5 TDF, and 3 Vuelta a Espana titles. Also, he has claimed various world championships, spring classics, and one-hour records. He was commonly referred to as “The Cannibal”, due to his dominance in the sport. Considering the fact that his record and achievements remained unparalleled, his legacy is one to be remembered, making him the greatest cyclist of all time.
Chris Froome is an expert rider who is from Kenya but represents Great Britain in cycling competitions. He has a record of winning the Tour d’ France a total of 4 times, the Vuelta a Espana twice, and the Giro once. Apart from all this, he has also won several prestigious races, such as the Criterium du Dauphine, Tour de Romandie, Tour of Oman, and lots more. In 2012, while participating in the time trial in London, he won 2 Olympic bronze medals.
Lance Armstrong is well known in this sporting activity as he has won the TDF title 7 consecutive times between 1999 and 2005, making him among the most successful cyclists in history. However, a doping scandal derailed his career, and in 2012, he was ousted from all his titles and banned from competitive cycling. He eventually acknowledged using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career, and his doping was the subject of various legal disputes and debates. He was “dirty”, as were many bikers in his era, but he will be remembered for both what he did while riding his bike and how he did it. He exuded assurance and dominance in the pack, with his teammates, and with the public.
Miguel Indurain is a racer who is well known for his 5 consecutive wins in the TDF between 1991 and 1995. Aside from this, he won the Giro d’Italia race twice as well as a gold medal in the time trial at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Miguel was famous for his amazing endurance and time-trailing abilities, making him a top cyclist of his time.
Coppie is a five-time winner of the Giro de Italia as well as a two-time winner of the Tour de France from the 1940s to the 1950s. Fausto was popular for his climbing abilities, his attacking style, and his rivalry with Gino Bartali, another top Italian cyclist. Not only was he a world champion in both road and track cycling, but Coppi also broke numerous records during his career. He is still venerated in the Italian cycling community and regarded as one of the all-time greats.
Bartali has a track record of winning the Tour d’ France twice, in 1938 and 1948. He has also won the Giro three times and been the world champion twice. Bartali used his riding training as a disguise to provide forged paperwork to Jewish families during the Second World War, assisting Jews to flee persecution in Italy. Additionally, he protected a Jewish family from Nazi persecution by hiding them in his home. Bartali is still viewed as a symbol of resistance against fascism and discrimination due to his bravery and valour displayed throughout the war, which won him tremendous acclaim and admiration in Italy and throughout the world.
Dutch road and track cyclist Marianne Vos has won multiple world championships over the course of her career in a variety of competitions. Vos is renowned for her all-around prowess, adaptability across several cycling categories, tactical racing approach, and sprinting prowess. She has also triumphed in a number of notable competitions, including the La Flèche Wallonne Féminine. Vos continues to be a prominent female rider and an inspiration to aspiring young bikers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of cycling has been shaped by many remarkable athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Through their grit, determination, and exceptional skills, they have inspired generations of riders and fans alike, and their legacies will continue to be celebrated for years to come.