Famous cyclists are those who have managed to stand out in the world of cycling for their victories, records, talent and charisma. They are figures that inspire thousands of people around the world to get on a bicycle and enjoy this sport.

Cycling is an activity that not only allows you to enjoy the outdoors and exercise, but also challenges you physically and mentally. Famous cyclists are an example of what can be achieved with effort, dedication and passion for this sport.

Why is it important to know famous cyclists?

Knowing the history and achievements of famous cyclists can bring you many benefits:

• Motivation: Their stories of improvement can inspire you to achieve your own goals, both in cycling and in other areas of your life.
• Knowledge: you will learn about the different modalities of cycling, racing strategies and the evolution of this sport over time.
• Entertainment: you will enjoy the stories and anecdotes of these characters who have marked the history of cycling.

Who are some of the most recognized famous cyclists?

The list of famous cyclists is extensive, but some of the most recognized names worldwide are:

• Eddy Merckx: considered by many to be the best cyclist of all time, he won 5 Tours de France, 5 Giros d'Italia and 1 Vuelta a España.
• Miguel Indurain: the "King of the Grand Tours", won 5 consecutive Tours de France and 2 Giros d'Italia.
• Fausto Coppi: a legendary Italian cyclist who won 2 Tours de France, 5 Giros d'Italia and 2 Tours of Spain.
• Lance Armstrong: won 7 Tours of France in a row, although they were later annulled for doping .
• Chris Froome: one of the most dominant cyclists today, he has won 4 Tours de France, 1 Giro d'Italia and 1 Vuelta a España.

The world of cycling is full of inspiring stories and memorable characters. Meeting famous cyclists will allow you to enjoy the sport even more and discover everything it has to offer. In this Shad Bikes post, we will see much more about this topic, so keep reading.

Famous cyclists by category

The world of cycling is wide and diverse, with different types of races that require different skills and characteristics. Therefore, famous cyclists can be classified into different categories based on their achievements and specialties.

Cyclists famous for Grand Tours

The Grand Tours are the most prestigious cycling races in the world: the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España. The famous cyclists who have won these races are considered the best in the world. Some of the cyclists most famous for their victories in Grand Tours are:

Tour de France

• Eddy Merckx (5 wins), Jacques Anquetil (5 wins), Miguel Indurain (5 wins), Bernard Hinault (5 wins), Chris Froome (4 wins).
• Cyclist with the most victories: Eddy Merckx (5 victories).

Italy spin

• Eddy Merckx (5 wins), Fausto Coppi (5 wins), Alfredo Binda (5 wins), Gino Bartali (3 wins), Miguel Indurain (2 wins).
• Cyclist with the most victories: Alfredo Binda (5 victories).

Back to Spain

• Roberto Heras (4 wins), Tony Rominger (3 wins), Alberto Contador (3 wins), Primoz Roglič (3 wins), Grand Tour winners (3 wins).
• Cyclist with the most victories: Roberto Heras (4 victories).

Cyclists famous for Classics

The classics are single-day races that are usually very demanding and challenging. The famous cyclists who win these races are known for their strength, endurance, and ability to tackle different types of terrain. Some of the cyclists most famous for their victories in classics are:

Monuments

• Milan-San Remo: Eddy Merckx (7 wins), Gino Bartali (4 wins), Francesco Moser (3 wins), Erik Zabel (4 wins), Peter Sagan (3 wins).
• Paris-Roubaix: Roger De Vlaeminck (4 wins), Tom Boonen (4 wins), Fabian Cancellara (3 wins), Johan Museeuw (3 wins), Francesco Moser (3 wins).
• Tour of Flanders: Johan Museeuw (3 wins), Fiorenzo Magni (3 wins), Achiel Buysse (3 wins), Eric Vanderaerden (3 wins), Fabian Cancellara (3 wins).
• Liège-Bastogne-Liège: Eddy Merckx (5 wins), Bernard Hinault (4 wins), Moreno Argentin (4 wins), Joaquim Rodríguez (2 wins), Alejandro Valverde (2 wins).
• Giro de Lombardia: Fausto Coppi (5 wins), Gino Bartali (3 wins), Eddy Merckx (3 wins), Francesco Moser (3 wins), Sean Kelly (3 wins).

Cyclist with the most victories in classics

• Eddy Merckx (44 wins).

Cyclists famous for women's cycling

Women's cycling has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and there are more and more famous cyclists who stand out in this sport. Some of the most famous cyclists in women's cycling are:

• Marianne Vos: She is the cyclist with the most victories in the history of women's cycling, with more than 300 victories in different categories.
• Anna van der Breggen: has won the Women's Tour de France 3 times, in addition to other important victories such as the Women's Giro d'Italia and the World Road Cycling Championships.
• Annemiek van Vleuten: she is one of the most complete cyclists in the women's peloton, with victories in classics such as the Women's Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Women's Giro de Lombardia.
• Elisa Longo Borghini: has won the World Road Cycling Championships 2 times, in addition to other important victories such as the Women's Giro d'Italia and the Women's Vuelta a España.

Famous cyclists by era

Cycling has witnessed a rich history full of legends that have left their mark on this exciting sport. Throughout the ages, famous cyclists have captivated audiences with their exploits, inspiring new generations to get on their bikes and pursue their dreams.

50s-60s

• Fausto Coppi: the "Campionissimo", an exceptional climber who dominated the Grand Tours. He won 5 Giros d'Italia, 2 Tours de France and 2 Tours of Spain.
• Jacques Anquetil: the "Monsieur Chrono", a time trial specialist who dominated the Tour de France in the 1960s. He won 5 Tours de France, 2 Giros d'Italia and 1 Vuelta a España.
• Eddy Merckx: "The Cannibal", considered by many to be the best cyclist of all time. He won 5 Tours of France, 5 Giros d'Italia, 1 Vuelta a España and 33 classics, including 7 Milan-San Remo and 5 Paris-Roubaix.

70s-80s

• Bernard Hinault: "The Roof", a complete cyclist who dominated both the mountains and the time trial. He won 5 Tours of France, 3 Giros d'Italia and 2 Tours of Spain.
• Miguel Indurain: "The King of the Grand Tours", a time trial specialist who dominated the Tour de France in the 1990s. He won 5 Tours de France in a row and 2 Giros d'Italia.
• Laurent Fignon: An elegant and talented French cyclist who won 2 Tours de France and 1 Giro d'Italia. His rivalry with Greg LeMond is one of the most legendary in cycling.

Famous cyclists of today

• Tadej Pogačar: a young Slovenian who has already won 2 Tours de France and 1 Vuelta a España. He is considered one of the best cyclists in the world.
• Jonas Vingegaard: the winner of the 2022 Tour de France, a Dane who surprised the world with his victory. He is a complete cyclist with great potential.
• Wout van Aert: a versatile Belgian cyclist who excels in different terrains. He has won classics such as Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders, as well as stages in the Grand Tours.
• Mathieu van der Poel: a Dutch cyclist known for his explosiveness and talent. He has won classics such as the Amstel Gold Race and the Strade Bianche, as well as stages in the Grand Tours.
• Egan Bernal: a Colombian cyclist who won the 2019 Tour de France at the age of 22. He is expected to be one of the great dominators of cycling in the coming years.

Famous cyclists by country

Cycling is a universal sport practiced all over the world, and each country has its own famous cyclists who have achieved success and inspired new generations.

Spain

• Miguel Indurain: "The King of the Grand Tours", winner of 5 Tours of France and 2 Giros d'Italia.
• Alejandro Valverde: a veteran cyclist who has won numerous classics, including Liège-Bastogne-Liège on 5 occasions.
• Pedro Delgado: winner of the Tour de France in 1988.
• Carlos Sastre: winner of the Tour de France in 2008.
• Enric Mas: a young cyclist who has achieved podiums in the Grand Tours.

Italy

• Fausto Coppi: The "Campionissimo", winner of 5 Giros d'Italia and 2 Tours de France.
• Gino Bartali: a legendary cyclist who won 3 Giros d'Italia and 2 Tours de France.
• Marco Pantani: an exceptional climber who won the Giro d'Italia in 1998 and the Tour de France in 1998.
• Francesco Moser: a classics specialist who won 3 Milan-San Remo and 1 Paris-Roubaix.
• Filippo Ganna: a current time trial specialist cyclist, world champion in 2020 and 2021.

France

• Jacques Anquetil: "El Monsieur Chrono", winner of 5 Tours de France and 2 Giros d'Italia.
• Bernard Hinault: "El Tejado", winner of 5 Tours of France, 3 Giros d'Italia and 2 Tours of Spain.
• Laurent Fignon: winner of 2 Tours de France and 1 Giro d'Italia.
• Julian Alaphilippe: A current cyclist who has won the World Road Championship in 2020 and numerous classics.
• Thibaut Pinot: a current cyclist who has achieved podiums in the Tour de France.

Belgium

• Eddy Merckx: "The Cannibal", considered by many to be the best cyclist of all time. He won 5 Tours of France, 5 Giros d'Italia and 1 Vuelta a España.
• Rik Van Looy: a legendary cyclist who won 6 Tours of Flanders.
• Roger De Vlaeminck: a classics specialist who won 4 Paris-Roubaix.
• Tom Boonen: a current cyclist who has won 4 Paris-Roubaix and 3 Tours of Flanders.
• Wout van Aert: a current versatile cyclist who excels in different terrains.

Netherlands

• Joop Zoetemelk: winner of the Tour de France in 1980.
• Jan Janssen: winner of the Tour de France in 1968.
• Steven Kruijswijk: A current cyclist who has achieved podiums in the Tour de France.
• Mathieu van der Poel: a current cyclist known for his explosiveness and talent.
• Dylan Groenewegen: a current sprint cyclist.

Conclusion: the legacy of famous cyclists

Famous cyclists are more than just athletes. They are heroes who inspire us to push our limits, pursue our dreams and enjoy the beauty of cycling.

Through their stories of effort, sacrifice and improvement, they teach us that anything is possible if we set our mind to it. They motivate us to hit the road and pedal hard, no matter the difficulties that come our way.

Knowing the history of famous cyclists allows us to better understand the evolution of cycling and appreciate the greatness of this sport. It helps us understand the different types of careers, the strategies used and the keys to success.

The next time you see a famous cyclist competing in a race, remember that behind him there is a story of effort, passion and dedication. Let yourself be inspired by their example and get on your bike to enjoy this wonderful sport.

Expert Opinion: Shad Bikes

Famous cyclists are the ones who, with their effort, passion and dedication, inspire thousands of people around the world to get on a bicycle and enjoy this wonderful sport.

Famous cyclists are an example of constant improvement. They show us that, with hard work and sacrifice, anything is possible. Their stories motivate us to pursue our dreams and overcome our own limits.

In addition to their great sporting work, famous cyclists are also important ambassadors of cycling. They promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, and remind us that the bicycle is a means of transportation that allows us to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

Remember that cycling is a sport for everyone. No matter your age, your physical condition or your level of experience, there is always a bike and a route waiting for you.