Cycling competitions are not as popular among the general public as, say, football. In this regard, it is more difficult for a cyclist to win the love of fans and the recognition of the crowd. Despite all this, many people have left their mark on the history of cycling and received honor and respect from spectators and rivals. Let’s find out more about the most successful and popular cyclists.
The Most Famous Cyclist of Our Time
We couldn’t start our top cyclists without mentioning a name that is familiar to almost everyone. Without a doubt, one of the most recognizable and popular competitors in the world of cycling is Lance Armstrong. Lance was born in 1971 in Dallas. At the age of 12, he began triathlon, where he showed the greatest success in cycling. Focusing on cycling, Lance quickly made progress. Already at the age of 22, Armstrong became the world champion in road cycling, becoming the youngest holder of this title. During his career, Lance set an unbeaten record – he came first to the finish line of the most prestigious Tour de France 7 times. In addition to his athletic success, Lance also showed courage in the fight against severe cancer. Lance became the founder of a foundation that helps people who suffer from this disease.
The Most Successful Cyclist from Spain
In 1982, the future cycling champion Alberto Contador was born in Pinto, Spain. This athlete is famous for the fact that he won several races in the most prestigious and popular cycling races in the world. He was the first cyclist to finish the Tour de France twice in 2007 and 2009, was the best rider in the Vuelta a España three times, and was the Giro d’Italia champion twice.
This track record is truly amazing and worthy of respect. For his penetrating power and energy, his compatriots nicknamed Alberto “El Pistoletto”.
This athlete also, in addition to sports victories, desperately fought for his life. In 2004, during a competition in Austria, the contestant lost consciousness. Doctors found a clot in his brain. The athlete urgently had to undergo surgery and undergo a course of rehabilitation. Already in 2005, the athlete again took part in the Tour Down Under championship and won it, leaving illness and rivals behind.
The Strongest Cyclist of Modern Times in One-day Races
It’s about the Belgian athlete Philippe Gilbert. He was born in 1982 in a family of cyclists, which predetermined the fate of Philip. Already in 2003, he won his first tournament. During his brilliant career, he managed to win the world title in the group race and become a three-time Belgian road cycling champion. At the moment, he is considered the most productive and successful cyclist in one-day road races. He received the title of the best athlete of the year in Belgium for three years in a row in 2009, 2010, and 2011. He won the Tour de France in 2011, won the Giro d’Italia twice in 2009 and 2015, and won the Vuelta a España three times in 2010, 2012, and 2013.
Like the two previous cyclists, Philip had to overcome the disease in order to return to the big sport. In 2007, the athlete was diagnosed with skin cancer. Despite such a diagnosis, the athlete already in 2008 took part in tournaments and won victories.
Don’t Miss the Next Cycling Star!
Every cycling race in the world provides opportunities for new contestants to prove themselves. Do not miss the most prestigious and popular competitions, because who knows, maybe today a new star will rise in the sky of cycling.