The 10 greatest cyclists of all time

Cycling is a sport that has been around for well over a century, and over that time, many incredible cyclists have come and gone. From road racing to track events and mountain biking, the sport has produced some of the most iconic athletes in history. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 greatest cyclists of all time.

 

1: Eddy Merckx

Eddy Merckx is widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time. The Belgian rider won a total of 525 races during his career, including five Tour de France victories and five Giro d’Italia wins. He also won the Vuelta a Espana once and was a three-time world champion. Merckx’s dominance on the bike earned him the nickname “The Cannibal” and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in history.

 

2: Lance Armstrong

Despite the doping controversy that surrounds him, Lance Armstrong remains one of the most successful cyclists in history. The American won the Tour de France a record-breaking seven times between 1999 and 2005 and was known for his incredible endurance and strategic racing style. While his reputation has been tarnished by allegations of doping, Armstrong’s achievements on the bike cannot be denied.

 

3: Miguel Indurain

Miguel Indurain is one of only five riders to have won the Tour de France five times in a row. The Spanish cyclist was known for his impressive time-trialing ability and his ability to maintain a high level of performance over long distances. Indurain also won two Giro d’Italia titles and was a two-time world champion.

 

4: Fausto Coppi

Fausto Coppi was a dominant force in cycling in the 1940s and 1950s. The Italian rider won the Tour de France twice and the Giro d’Italia five times, as well as numerous other races. Coppi was known for his ability to climb mountains and his tactical racing style, and he remains a legend of the sport to this day.

 

5: Bernard Hinault

Bernard Hinault won the Tour de France five times and the Giro d’Italia three times during his career. The French cyclist was known for his aggression on the bike and his ability to win in all types of terrain. Hinault’s fierce competitiveness earned him the nickname “The Badger,” and he is considered one of the greatest cyclists in history.

 

6: Greg LeMond

Greg LeMond was the first American to win the Tour de France, and he did so three times in his career. The Minnesota native was known for his aerodynamic riding style and his ability to recover quickly from injuries. LeMond also won two world championships and numerous other races during his career.

 

7: Jacques Anquetil

Jacques Anquetil was the first rider to win the Tour de France five times, and he did so between 1957 and 1964. The French cyclist was known for his time-trialing ability and his calm demeanor on the bike. Anquetil also won the Giro d’Italia twice and was a three-time world champion.

 

8: Beryl Burton

Beryl Burton was a dominant force in women’s cycling in the 1960s and 1970s. The British cyclist won seven world championships and numerous national titles during her career. Burton was known for her incredible endurance and her ability to set records that stood for decades.

 

9: Marianne Vos

Marianne Vos is one of the most successful female cyclists in history. The Dutch rider has won numerous world championships and Olympic medals, as well as numerous other races. Vos is known for her versatility as a rider, with victories in road races, track events, and cyclo-cross competitions. She is a true legend of the sport and continues to compete at the highest level today.

 

10:Mario Cipollini

Mario Cipollini was one of the most flamboyant and successful sprinters in cycling history. The Italian rider won 42 stages of the Giro d’Italia, as well as 12 stages of the Tour de France and numerous other races. Cipollini was known for his unique style, including his iconic skinsuits and his extravagant victory celebrations.

 

Conclusion

These 10 cyclists are just a few examples of the many incredible athletes who have contributed to the history of cycling. Each of them achieved incredible success during their careers, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of cyclists. From Merckx’s dominance to Vos’s versatility, and Cipollini’s flamboyance, these riders have left an indelible mark on the sport of cycling, and their achievements will be celebrated for many years to come.

References:

“Eddy Merckx – The Greatest Cyclist of All Time.” Cycling Today

“Lance Armstrong – Career Achievements.” Cycling Weekly

“Miguel Indurain – The Spanish Cyclist Who Won Five Tours de France.” The Guardian

“Fausto Coppi – The Legend of Italian Cycling.” Cycling Weekly

“Bernard Hinault – Career Achievements.” Cycling Weekly

“Greg LeMond – The First American to Win the Tour de France.” BBC Sport

“Beryl Burton – The Greatest Female Cyclist You’ve Never Heard Of.” The Guardian

“Marianne Vos – The Greatest Female Cyclist of All Time?” Cycling Weekly