October 6, 2009
In all your years racing as an amateur and pro, who were the cyclists with the most “style”? Conversely, who were able to go fast, but just looked awkward on the bike?
George - Japan
Well George,
I could go on and on on this one. I might even be able to come up with enough examples to do a whole book on it. But since we are hot and heavy into the process of editing the one that I am, err, behind on ... I'll give you just a few of my favorites.
I think it is interesting that so many of the world's great riders look strange on their bikes. Conversely, I've know a lot of riders who look amazing, but can hardly get out of their own way.
Let's start with ugly. Michel Pollentier (say Pole-n-teer not Pol-ehn-tee-ay -- no really) was one of the world's goofiest looking dudes on a bike, who could still make the sucker go fast. Though I never rode with or against him, I saw film of him and also watched other riders mimic his odd style.
In one of cycling's early doping scandals Pollentier got busted for providing a sample of another person's urine - a sample that was hidden under his arm.
Let's skip to kind of ugly. Patrick Versluys (say Verr-sluyce not Vair-slice) could also make a bike go pretty fast, especially over the cobblestones. We all called him pé because his hunch-back riding position made us think of grandpa. Pé could always rise to the occasion in Paris-Roubaix. An interesting tidbit of information -- he rode just over 5 BAR in his tires for that race. Give that a try sometime, but I would suggest you do it in a straight line.
One quick tidbit of information regarding Eric Vanderaerden, the winner of the 1987 Paris-Roubaix. Right after he crossed the line, both tires went flat. I was there watching having finished an amateur stage race there earlier in the day.
And finally, let's take a look at picture perfect. Watching Stephen Roche ride made you feel almost like you should just quit. His style was so fluid and seemed effortless. Stephen won the Tour, the Giro and the World Championship road race in 1987 - incredible!
Thanks for the question George - it reminded me of how lucky I was to have been in the peloton with, well, at least 2 of these guys. Oh, and I apologize for all of the goofy music.
Well George,
I could go on and on on this one. I might even be able to come up with enough examples to do a whole book on it. But since we are hot and heavy into the process of editing the one that I am, err, behind on ... I'll give you just a few of my favorites.
I think it is interesting that so many of the world's great riders look strange on their bikes. Conversely, I've know a lot of riders who look amazing, but can hardly get out of their own way.
Let's start with ugly. Michel Pollentier (say Pole-n-teer not Pol-ehn-tee-ay -- no really) was one of the world's goofiest looking dudes on a bike, who could still make the sucker go fast. Though I never rode with or against him, I saw film of him and also watched other riders mimic his odd style.
In one of cycling's early doping scandals Pollentier got busted for providing a sample of another person's urine - a sample that was hidden under his arm.
Let's skip to kind of ugly. Patrick Versluys (say Verr-sluyce not Vair-slice) could also make a bike go pretty fast, especially over the cobblestones. We all called him pé because his hunch-back riding position made us think of grandpa. Pé could always rise to the occasion in Paris-Roubaix. An interesting tidbit of information -- he rode just over 5 BAR in his tires for that race. Give that a try sometime, but I would suggest you do it in a straight line.
One quick tidbit of information regarding Eric Vanderaerden, the winner of the 1987 Paris-Roubaix. Right after he crossed the line, both tires went flat. I was there watching having finished an amateur stage race there earlier in the day.
And finally, let's take a look at picture perfect. Watching Stephen Roche ride made you feel almost like you should just quit. His style was so fluid and seemed effortless. Stephen won the Tour, the Giro and the World Championship road race in 1987 - incredible!
Thanks for the question George - it reminded me of how lucky I was to have been in the peloton with, well, at least 2 of these guys. Oh, and I apologize for all of the goofy music.
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6 Responses to “In all your years racing as an amateur and pro, who were the cyclists with the most “style”? Conversely, who were able to go fast, but just looked awkward on the bike?”
Freddy Maertens ? Not what you would call a beautiful work of art.
The music in the Paris Roubaix video was great. Was that John Tesh’s work?
Whenever the question of “style” comes up, Roche’s name is ALWAYS passed about. You know how most guys will move to the front of a peloton up either side? Roche had no need, straight up the middle, smooth as can be. Why waste effort I guess.
Mr. Roche still has great style, but above all, he is a class act.
I had the privilege of riding and chatting with Mr. Roche during a ride hosted by a certain cycling twitter sensation here in Austin Texas.
Dude was super nice and was having great time riding and chatting with the locals.
Raul Alcala had one of the best positions on the bike I have ever seen.
Perfectly flat back and super smooth.
Raul Alcala had one of the best positions on the bike I have ever seen.
Perfectly flat back and looked ever so comfortable and smooth.
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