Cycling is one of the most iconic and beloved sports in the world. Professional cyclists have amazed sports fans for over a century with their incredible strength, endurance, and competitive spirit. In this article, we will look at the greatest cyclists of all time, what it takes to become an Olympic cyclist, and provide tips on how you can get started in competitive cycling.
The 10 Greatest Cyclists of All-Time
Cycling is a sport that requires immense physical and mental strength. Professional cyclists regularly compete in races lasting 5-6 hours over grueling mountainous terrain. The training and preparation required to compete at the highest levels is intense.
The most prestigious and challenging bike race is the Tour de France. Cyclists who can claim victory at the Tour cement their places in history as some of the greatest athletes ever. In addition to major stage races, cyclists also compete in one-day classics like Paris-Roubaix over treacherous cobblestone roads.
The Olympics represents the pinnacle of international cycling competition. Here we look at what it takes to reach the Olympic level in cycling and profile the 10 greatest cyclists of all time.
The 10 Greatest Cyclists in History
Throughout cycling’s rich history, many riders have shown dominance through their palmares of major victories. Here are 10 cyclists who have proven themselves as the greatest of all time:
1. Eddy Merckx
- Nicknamed “The Cannibal” for his insatiable hunger for victory
- Won a record 5 Tour de France titles between 1969-1974
- Claimed 525 career victories, including 11 Grand Tour stages in a single Tour
- Displayed an attacking style that blew apart the peloton
Belgian rider Eddy Merckx demonstrated sustained success and versatility that established him as the most accomplished rider ever. His five Tour victories and 525 career wins make him a legend.
2. Jacques Anquetil
- Graceful French rider won 4 Tour de France titles between 1957-1964
- Claimed 2 Giro d’Italia titles with smart tactical riding
- Became first to win Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana in one year (1963)
- Won Grand Prix des Nations time trial at 19 years old
Jacques Anquetil captivated fans worldwide with his elegant riding style and tactical brilliance. His landmark victories and panache make him one of cycling’s most popular figures.
3. Bernard Hinault
- Nicknamed “The Badger” for their tenacious riding style
- Won 5 Tour de France titles from 1978-1985, a record at the time
- Excelled racing in mountains, time trials, and cobbled classics
- Demonstrated ability to persevere through tough weather conditions
Bernard Hinault earned a reputation as one of cycling’s toughest competitors. He claimed victory at prestigious one-day races and stage races alike due to his versatile skills.
4. Fausto Coppi
- Dominated professional cycling in the 1940s-1950s
- Won Giro d’Italia 5 times and Tour de France twice
- Set world hour record (45.871 km) in 1942 on bike
- Achieved solo 254 km mountain stage win at 1949 Giro d’Italia
Italian legend Fausto Coppi earned distinction as the greatest pre-war cyclist. His long list of victories and records, including epic solo breakaways, cemented his legacy.
5. Miguel Indurain
- Won 5 consecutive Tours de France from 1991-1995, a record
- Won Giro d’Italia & Tour in 1992, demonstrating versatility
- Dominated long-time trials with sustained power output
- Claimed 2 road cycling World Championships (1995, 1996)
Spaniard Miguel Indurain established himself as an all-time great with his unprecedented 5 straight Tour titles in the 1990s. His time-trialing ability and endurance gave him a huge advantage.
6. Bernard Hinault
- Nicknamed “The Badger” for their tenacious riding style
- Excelled racing in mountains, time trials, and cobbled classics
- Demonstrated ability to persevere through tough weather conditions
Bernard Hinault earned a reputation as one of cycling’s toughest competitors. He claimed victory at prestigious one-day races and stage races alike due to his versatile skills.
7. Sean Kelly
- Excelled at challenging one-day classics, winning 9 Monuments
- Won Milan-San Remo 4 times and Paris-Roubaix twice
- Showcased versatility by claiming points classification at Tour de France 4 times
- Made decisive solo attacks to win unpredictable classics
Irishman Sean Kelly demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout his career. His classic victories and smart tactics make him one of the best one-day racers ever.
8. Jan Ullrich
- Won Tour de France in 1997 at just 23 years old
- Engaged in epic rivalry with Lance Armstrong
- Claimed victory at Olympics and Tour de Suisse
- Possessed explosive climbing ability
German rider Jan Ullrich made his mark in the sport’s biggest races at a young age. His rivalry with Armstrong captivated cycling fans.
9. Felice Gimondi
- Won Tour de France in 1965 at age 22 in his first Tour
- Claimed Giro d’Italia in 1967 and 1969 along with 1968 Vuelta
- Excelled in time trials and high mountains
- Versatile skills allowed victories in stage races and classics
Italian Felice Gimondi enjoyed stunning success in his first Tour de France and claimed all three Grand Tours during his prolific career. His skillset made him one of the most complete racers.
10. Mario Cipollini
- Won a record 42 Giro d’Italia stages in career
- Claimed victory in prestigious classics like Milan-San Remo
- Earned fame as the top sprinter of his generation
- Captivated fans as cycling’s greatest showman
Flamboyant Italian sprinter Mario Cipollini dazzled fans with his speed and personality. His consistency in a bunch of sprints and one-day races made him hugely popular.
How to Become an Olympic Cyclist?
Very few cyclists ever get the opportunity to represent their country at the Olympic Games. It requires years of intense training and competition. Here is an overview of how to climb to the Olympic level in cycling:
Start Competing as a Junior
- To gain experience, start competing locally and regionally at a young age
- Race frequently to become familiar with different race formats and strategies
- Focus on time trial events to build strength and endurance
Compete on Your National Circuit
- Join a cycling development program or club team to gain competitive opportunities
- Enter prominent national stage races and time trials
- Seek chances to race internationally in Under-23 events
Continue Development in Continental Circuits
- Turn professional before age 23 and join a Continental team in Europe/Americas
- Target weeklong stage races to expand your skillset
- Gain qualification points for Olympics/World Championships
Achieve Success at Highest Level Events
- Finish well at WorldTour stage races and one-day classics
- Place high at World Championships and Continental Championships
- Meet Olympic qualification standards set by the national federation
Maintain Olympic Form Leading to Games
- Monitor training and recovery to avoid injury before the Olympics
- Fine-tune nutrition and training to peak for your event(s)
- Execute team strategies flawlessly on the biggest Olympic stage
Tips to Get Started in Cycling:
If your ultimate dream is to reach the Olympics, start small and work your way up. Here are helpful tips:
- Buy an entry-level road bike or borrow one to try the sport.
- Begin training on quiet roads to build cycling confidence.
- Enter a local community race to experience a group-riding environment.
- Identify cycling clubs/teams to join and continue your development.
- Follow pro cyclists online for training/nutrition advice.
- Create a structured training plan addressing your weaknesses.
- Adopt healthy eating habits to fuel rides and recovery.
- Stretch thoroughly after rides to increase flexibility.
More Top 10 Lists:
Conclusion:
The 10 cyclists profiled here each made an immense impact on the sport through their victories, rivalries, and record-breaking performances.
Their successes required incredible physical gifts and unwavering mental drive.
While only a select few ever reach the pinnacle of the Olympics, you can experience the thrill of competitive cycling at any level.
With the right training, nutrition, and determination, you will continue improving and achieving your cycling goals.
