Who is the most famous cyclist in the world?
aintst.paul asked:
I’m pretty sure the answer is not Lance Armstrong, but maybe you can make the case that he is. I would be interested to hear about famous cyclists from the past as well as up-and-comers.
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Lance Armstrong probably is the most famous, but he is not necessarily the greatest ever. That would probably be Eddie Mercx. iknowball
Iknowball has a good answer!
Armstrong has a large publicity machine – Something most other cyclists aren’t bothered about!
EDIT: I was beginning to think that Lance Armstrong was the only cyclist to have ever lived!!! – Great to see other Merckx fans coming out of the woodwork!
. onlyme Mr G
First name that comes in mind is that of Lance Armstrong even though I was/ am big fan of his I think the greatest is Eddie Merckx because he has competed in all the races and won all the major tours and more than one jersey in all 4 grand tours. I think the only race he didn’t win is a small race in Belgium and its the same race that his son won (his only win)
Here are some of his records… I hope I didn’t forget any
Most career victories by a professional cyclist: 525.
Most victories in one season: 54.
Most stage victories in the Tour de France: 34.
Most stage victories in one Tour de France: 8, in 1970 and 1974 (shared with Charles Pelissier in 1930 and Freddy Maertens in 1976).
Most days with the yellow jersey in the Tour de France: 96.
The only cyclist to have won the yellow, green and red polka-dotted jersey in the same Tour de France (1969).
Most victories in the Classic cycle races: 28.
Most victories in one single Classic cycle race: 7 (in Milan-Sanremo). Tommy
Well I’ll run two names past you that should at least raise an honourable mention. Probably not the most well known though
The first guy is one of Australia’s favourite sons Sir Hubert Opperman. After having his race bike sabotaged and an hours delay he went on to win the 1928 Bol D’or on a non-race bike (borrowed from his interpreter). He was also voted sportsman of the year by FRENCH newspapers that year.
In 1936 he smashed the Brisbane to Sydney record (around 1000km 600 miles). On what would rate as pretty crappy roads he finished in just over 47 hrs lowering the previous best mark by some 45 hrs. Throughout his career he attained over 100 distance and speed records
The second guy Graeme O’Bree (The flying Scotsman)
Basically an unknown until in 1993 when he came out and broke the World 1 hour distance record. The fact that he developed his own bike and riding position is lost on many people. He was also individual pursuit world champion in 1993 and 1995.
Probably would have heard more about him if the U.C.I. hadn’t banned his bike and riding positions. It is a pretty good mark of distinction if the U.C.I. ban you.
The efforts of Miguel Indurain, Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil and Lance Armstrong have got to be considered at least as terrific.
If I’ve got to narrow it down to just one, as the most famous, then it has got to be Lance. More people on this planet know his name, than any other cyclist. (I’m not going to argue he is the best though.)
**********************Edit******************************
I thought I might have another crack at this.
George Bush is more famous than Lance. They have been seen riding together so I suppose that makes George a cyclist. So stretching the envelope a bit; George Bush is a famous “cyclist”. (though not famous for cycling) Glenn B
i thinks it goes by country. it deppends on where you ask the questions. USA obviously lance, spain: miguel “pepa” for doper indurain, france: berbard hinault, colombia: lucho herrera etc.
if you ask me which was the best, i have to say eddie
carlos carlos
Eddie Merckx was the man to beat when I began cycling. At that time he was the highest paid athlete in the world. He was a household name everywhere but the US. If you would compare recognition world wide, not the American marketing machine, you will find Eddie was more famous than Lance. McG
You mean, other than me?
I can’t think of ANY cyclist better known to non-cyclists than Lance.
—–
Edit: You said most famous, rather than best or most important to the sport. I have to say he is the most famous worldwide among ALL people, not just other cyclists.
Best, or most important, I’m not quite as certain, but he’s certainly on the short list and favored. silverbullet
Lance Armstrong is the most high-profile cyclist. Keep in mind that a lot of people only know of cycling because of Lance.
It’s kind of a broad question. Most true cycling fans probably think of Eddy Merckx first and foremost, as he was truly the greatest ever.
An Italian might tell you it’s Mario Chippolini or the late Marco Pantani. Or even the late, great Fausto Coppi.
A German might tell you it’s Jan Ullrich.
An Aussie might say Cadel Evans.
A mountain biker might tell you it’s John Tomac, Brian Lopes, Tinker Juarez, or Ned Overend. Or even Juli Furtado.
However, whether you like it or not, most people are going to think of Lance Armstrong when asked to name a cyclist, if only because he’s the only one they know about. kalaka
If you ask Lance I’m sure he’d say Mercx. I hear they’re friends! B S
lance armstrong jack k