17 Greatest Cyclists of All Time: Why Merckx Still Tops Pogacar in 2025

"Is Pogačar now the greatest ever?" 🤔

That question exploded across cycling forums when Tadej Pogačar clinched the Triple Crown in 2024—winning the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and World Championships in a single season. Even the legendary Eddy Merckx raised eyebrows when he declared, "It's obvious that he is now above me."

But hold your horses! The debate isn't as clear-cut as it seems.

Sure, Pogačar's 2024 season was absolutely mind-blowing—25 victories including six stage wins each at the Giro and Tour. At just 26 years old, he's rewriting what we thought possible in modern cycling.

Yet when we stack up the career numbers, Merckx's shadow still looms large. His 279 professional victories tower over Pogačar's current 86. Those five Tours de France, five Giri d'Italia, and three World Championships tell a story of sustained dominance that's tough to match.

Ready to settle this debate once and for all? Let's pedal through why Merckx still wears the crown in 2025, plus get to know 15 other legendary riders who've made our beautiful sport what it is today. Clip in and let's roll! 🚴♂️

Eddy Merckx

_{Image Source: Discovering Belgium}

Meet the man who ate victories for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 🍽️

Born in Belgium in 1945, Eddy Merckx didn't just earn his nickname "The Cannibal"—he devoured it, along with pretty much every race on the calendar [5]. No cyclist before or since has dominated the sport so completely.

Eddy Merckx's unmatched palmarès

Take a deep breath before we dive into these numbers—they're actually mind-boggling.

Merckx racked up 525 victories during his eighteen-year career [12]. That's not a typo! He won almost every race he entered (except stubborn Paris-Tours) [12] and maintained a professional win rate of—wait for it—29% across 1,808 races [8].

During his peak years (1969-75), this win percentage shot up to an absurd 35% [12]. That's winning more than one in every three races he entered!

His Grand Tour trophy cabinet? Eleven victories [12]—five Tours de France, five Giros d'Italia, and one Vuelta a España. But here's the kicker: Merckx won all five Monument classics at least twice [12], something no other cyclist has ever done. Those seven Milano-San Remo victories [12] still stand as an untouchable record in any major one-day classic [2].

Eddy Merckx's versatility across disciplines

What truly set Merckx apart wasn't just winning—it was winning everywhere:

• Road racing: Conquered every major one-day race except Paris-Tours [12]
• Stage racing: Crushed competitors in both short and three-week races
• Track cycling: Smashed the hour record in 1972 (49.431 km) [2]
• Multi-terrain: Demolished rivals in time trials, climbing, and sprinting [2]

Perhaps his most jaw-dropping achievement came in the 1969 Tour de France, where he pulled off the unthinkable—winning the general classification, points classification, AND mountains classification simultaneously [2]. No rider has matched this triple crown of Tour classifications since.

Why Eddy Merckx is still the best cyclist ever

In today's world of specialized cyclists, Merckx's achievements look like they're from another planet. In 1974, he achieved cycling's Triple Crown (Giro, Tour, World Championships) [2]—something only matched by one other rider in history.

While today's stars cherry-pick their targets (mountain specialists, time trial specialists, classics specialists), Merckx hunted everything with equal hunger. The result? A staggering 19 Monument victories [2] that dwarf his nearest rival's 11.

Even fifty years later, Merckx's aggressive "attack-until-they-break" racing style, legendary work ethic, and complete dominance across every discipline make him the gold standard against which all cycling greatness is measured [19].

Tadej Pogačar

_{Image Source: Los Angeles Times}

At just 26 years old, this Slovenian sensation has cycling fans worldwide asking: "Are we watching the birth of a new Cannibal?" 🚀

Tadej Pogačar's 2024 season highlights

The 2024 season wasn't just good for Pogačar—it was the stuff of cycling fairy tales. From a mere 58 race days (yes, only 58!), he pulled off an astonishing 25 victories [2], including the historic Triple Crown that had jaws dropping across the cycling world.

His domination spread like wildfire beyond just Grand Tours:

• Six stage wins at both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France [2] (that's a dozen Grand Tour stages in one season!)
• Crushing victories at two Monuments: Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia [2]
• A World Championship win with a ridiculous 100km solo attack [20] (who even does that?)

Remember when "smart racing" meant waiting for the right moment? Pogačar tore up that rulebook with breathtaking long-range attacks—81km solo at Strade Bianche, 35km at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and most outrageously, that 100km World Championship move [2] that left commentators speechless.

His domination wasn't just about winning—it was about crushing souls. The Giro by 9:56 [2] and the Tour by 6:17 [2]? Those aren't winning margins; they're statements.

Pogačar's Grand Tour dominance

Here's a fun fact: Pogačar has never, ever finished a Grand Tour off the podium [2]. Not once! His trophy shelf now includes three Tour de France victories (2020, 2021, 2024) and the 2024 Giro d'Italia [2].

What makes Pogačar special isn't just winning both the Giro and Tour—it's how he became the first rider since Marco Pantani in 1998 [2] to pull off this double. Throughout these two races, his combined lead was over 16 minutes across almost 7,000km [2]. That's like finishing a marathon while your competitors are still looking for their running shoes!

Need more? He spent 39 days wearing either the Giro or Tour leader's jersey [2]—breaking even Merckx's record of 37 leader's jerseys in a single season [2]. Even Merckx's records aren't safe!

Why Pogačar is the greatest cyclist of his generation

While Vingegaard climbs and Evenepoel time trials, Pogačar just... wins. Everywhere. His versatility makes specialists look one-dimensional.

His current collection includes 93 professional wins [2]—with 17 overall classifications, 23 one-day races, and 7 individual time trials [2]. Even more impressive are his eight Monument victories [21], putting him sixth all-time—ahead of specialists like Cancellara and Boonen who built entire careers around these races.

But stats only tell half the story. It's Pogačar's "stupid instinct" [2] racing style that makes fans fall in love. While modern cycling became calculated and power-meter obsessed, Pogačar brings back the "see hill, attack hill" approach of cycling's golden era (1960s-1980s) [2].

Even his rivals can't help but be amazed. Remco Evenepoel summed it up perfectly: Pogačar's 2024 season "may never be repeated, by him, or by anyone in general" [2].

Fausto Coppi

_{Image Source: Pez Cycling News}

If cycling had royalty, this man would wear the crown. 👑

Angelo Fausto Coppi didn't just race bikes in post-World War II Italy—he transformed what people believed was humanly possible on two wheels. They didn't nickname him "Il Campionissimo" (Champion of Champions) for nothing!

Fausto Coppi's legendary status

Between 1940-1954, Coppi rewrote cycling's record books with a fountain pen of pure class. He snatched five Giro d'Italia victories (1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953) [22], putting him in the ultra-exclusive club with only Alfredo Binda and Eddy Merckx [23]. And get this—he became the youngest-ever Giro winner at a baby-faced 20 years old [22]. Some of us were still figuring out laundry at that age!

His trophy cabinet didn't stop at Grand Tours:

• Two Tour de France victories (1949, 1952) [22]
• Five Giro di Lombardia wins—a record when he retired [22]
• Three Milan-San Remo triumphs [22]
• The 1953 World Championship [22]

But Coppi's true masterstroke? Becoming the first cyclist ever to achieve the Giro-Tour double, and then doing it TWICE (1949, 1952) [22]. As if that wasn't enough, in 1942, he set a world hour record of 45.798 km that nobody could touch for 14 years until Jacques Anquetil finally broke it [22].

Coppi's impact on Italian cycling

Coppi vs. Bartali wasn't just a sports rivalry—it split Italy down the middle! The media painted Coppi as the modern, progressive northerner while Bartali represented traditional, religious southern values [19]. Imagine a rivalry so intense it divides an entire country!

Beyond racing, Coppi completely revolutionized how cyclists trained and raced. His teammate Raphaël Geminiani put it perfectly: "Coppi invented cycling... Nothing fundamental has been invented since Coppi" [2]. The interval training we take for granted today? That was Coppi. Strategic team racing? Also Coppi [2].

Why Coppi remains a cycling icon

Here's where Coppi's story turns bittersweet. World War II stole five prime years from his career [2]—years when most cyclists reach their absolute peak. Many experts believe without that interruption, his achievements might have matched or even surpassed Merckx [2]. Let that sink in for a moment.

Tragically, Coppi's flame was extinguished too soon—he died at just 40 years old from misdiagnosed malaria [2]. His early death transformed him from champion to cycling immortal, forever young in cycling's collective memory.

Even today, the Giro honors his legacy with the "Cima Coppi" award for the first rider to reach the race's highest point [22]—a perfect tribute to a man who soared higher than anyone thought possible.

Jacques Anquetil

_{Image Source: Cyclist}

Ever wondered what a human stopwatch would look like on a bicycle? 🕒

Meet Jacques Anquetil—"Monsieur Chrono" himself—the Frenchman who turned time trials into an art form and whose meticulous approach to racing made competitors feel like they were battling a cycling computer rather than a man.

Anquetil's time trial mastery

In the world of time trials, Anquetil wasn't just good—he was in a league entirely his own. He snatched the Grand Prix des Nations (basically the unofficial world time trial championships) an incredible nine times between 1953 and 1966 [1].

His first victory? At just 19 years old, he didn't just win—he obliterated the field by nearly seven minutes despite suffering an early puncture [1]. Most riders would panic after a flat tire. Anquetil? He just rode faster!

What made him so untouchable was his obsessive attention to detail. Before races, he trained religiously behind his coach André Boucher's Derny pacing bike, switching between following and leading to perfect his position [5].

Here's where it gets quirky: Anquetil would actually send himself postcards from different points along time trial routes, creating a mental map of every turn, hill, and potential wind direction [1]. This was GPS race planning before GPS existed!

Jacques Anquetil's Grand Tour record

With eight Grand Tour victories to his name, Anquetil wasn't just a one-trick pony. He collected five Tours de France (1957, 1961-1964), two Giri d'Italia (1960, 1964), and one Vuelta a España (1963) [12]. His 1957 Tour victory made him the youngest post-WWII champion at just 23 [1].

His racing strategy became cycling's equivalent of a chess grandmaster's playbook—gain massive time in time trials, then defend in the mountains like a fortress. Critics initially doubted his climbing abilities (sound familiar, time trial specialists?), but he silenced everyone in 1963 when Tour organizers cut back on time trial kilometers and he responded with an unexpected climbing masterclass [10].

Anquetil's influence on modern racing

Anquetil's impact stretches far beyond his own era. That template of "demolish everyone in time trials, then survive in mountains"? Miguel Indurain basically photocopied it decades later [1].

His flat-backed, toes-pointed-down time trial position became the standard that generations of cyclists studied and copied [12]. This was decades before wind tunnels and aerodynamic testing became standard!

Perhaps most impressive was his high-cadence riding style [1]—a technique that wouldn't become mainstream until the Lance Armstrong era. His team manager described him as having "a jet engine, a distillation plant and a computer" [5], which pretty accurately captures how far ahead of his time Anquetil really was.

As one of only five cyclists to conquer all three Grand Tours [5], Anquetil's place in cycling's pantheon of greats is forever secure. Not bad for a guy who raced primarily to enjoy the finer things in life!

Bernard Hinault

_{Image Source: Canadian Cycling Magazine}

When professional cyclists heard Bernard Hinault was racing, many of them considered calling in sick. 🦡

If Merckx was "The Cannibal" who devoured races, Hinault was "The Badger" who would fight you to the death for them—and sometimes literally fight you!

Bernard Hinault's aggressive racing style

They didn't call him "Le Blaireau" (The Badger) by accident. Hinault chose this nickname himself, admiring how badgers never back down from a fight—even against much larger animals. On the bike, he became the undisputed patron of the peloton, ruling the races with an iron fist and a glare that could melt carbon fiber.

Need proof of his fighting spirit? Just watch the footage from Paris-Nice 1984 when protesters blocked the road. While other riders stopped, Hinault got off his bike and started throwing punches! That single moment perfectly captures why every rider in the peloton thought twice before crossing The Badger.

Throughout his career, if you dared slight Hinault in any way, he wouldn't just beat you—he'd make sure you remembered the lesson. This wasn't just a cyclist; this was cycling's embodiment of "find out what happens when you mess around."

Hinault's Grand Tour victories

Hinault's Grand Tour collection is mind-blowing:

• 10 Grand Tour victories (only Merckx has more with 11)
• 5 Tours de France (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1985)
• 3 Giro d'Italia (1980, 1982, 1985)
• 2 Vuelta a España (1978, 1983)

But here's the truly incredible part—Hinault entered just 13 Grand Tours in his career and won 10 of them! That's a 77% win rate! The three he didn't win? He finished second in two and abandoned just one (while leading, of course).

Even more remarkable: Hinault is the only rider in history to finish in the top two at every Tour de France he completed. Not even Merckx managed that consistency.

Why Hinault is among the greatest cyclists of all time

With 147 professional victories, Hinault wasn't just a Grand Tour specialist—he was a cycling Swiss Army knife. Paris-Roubaix? Won it. Liège-Bastogne-Liège? Conquered in a blizzard so brutal only 29 riders finished. Giro di Lombardia? His. World Championship? Naturally.

His achievement of two Giro-Tour doubles (1982 and 1985) showcased not just talent but superhuman endurance. That final Tour victory in 1985 perfectly captured his essence—fighting through pain, outfoxing rivals, and stubbornly refusing to lose even when his own teammate was threatening his crown.

Here's a sobering thought: Hinault battled persistent knee problems that sidelined him for large chunks of his career. Without those issues? Many experts believe he would have sailed past even Merckx's Grand Tour record.

Retiring at just 32 years old in 1986, Hinault remains—as of 2024—the last French winner of the Tour de France. Nearly four decades later, French cycling still lives in The Badger's shadow, waiting for someone brave enough to fill those enormous cycling shoes.

Miguel Indurain

_{Image Source: Cyclist}

What happens when you combine a diesel engine with a Swiss watch? 🕰️

You get Miguel Indurain—nicknamed "Big Mig" for good reason. At 186 cm tall and 76 kg, this quiet Spaniard looked more like a basketball player than a Tour champion. But between 1991-1996, he revolutionized stage racing with methodical precision that bordered on robotic.

Indurain's Tour de France streak

While others shouted and attacked, Indurain simply... won. He made history as the first cyclist to win five consecutive Tours de France (1991-1995) [1]—a streak nobody has matched before or since.

His reign began almost accidentally in 1991 when Greg LeMond cracked on the Tourmalet and Indurain found himself in yellow [12]. By the following year, "Big Mig" had perfected his devastatingly simple formula: absolutely demolish everyone in time trials, then calmly control things in the mountains [12].

Talk about peak efficiency! In 1993, having already bagged that year's Giro d'Italia [12], Indurain crushed the Tour's 59km time trial at Lac de Madine. Despite suffering an early puncture (the cycling gods testing him, perhaps?), he finished over two minutes ahead of Gianni Bugno [12], rocketing from 27th place straight into the yellow jersey [12]. Game over!

Miguel Indurain's time trial dominance

Indurain was basically a time trial specialist who happened to win Grand Tours. Throughout his five Tour victories, can you guess how many non-time trial stages he won? Just two—mountain finishes at Cauterets (1989) and Luz Ardiden (1990) [12]. Every other victory came against the clock.

His time trial magic wasn't limited to the Tour:

• In 1994, he set a world hour record of 53.040 kilometers [12]
• The next year, he became world time trial champion [12]
• At the 1996 Olympics, he added a gold medal in the individual time trial [5]

When Indurain raced against the clock, everyone else was fighting for second place.

Indurain's legacy in cycling history

The double double. That's Indurain's most mind-blowing achievement—winning both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France in consecutive years (1992 and 1993) [5]. Nobody had done it before. Nobody has done it since [12]. Just let that sink in!

His five Tour victories put him in the ultra-exclusive club alongside Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, and Eddy Merckx [12]. But even in this legendary company, Indurain stands apart—he's the only one who won five in a row [8]. No hiccups, no bad years, just five straight summers of dominance.

After hanging up his wheels in 1997 [12], Indurain didn't disappear. He established the Miguel Indurain Foundation in 1998 to promote sport in his native Navarra [12]—leaving a legacy that extends well beyond his remarkable racing career.

Unlike the fiery personalities who often dominated cycling, Indurain conquered through calm. No drama, no punches thrown, no heated rivalries—just an extraordinarily gifted athlete who turned Grand Tours into a science when others were still treating them as art.

Beryl Burton

_{Image Source: Wikipedia}

"She's just a housewife from Yorkshire."

That's what competitors thought right before Beryl Burton rode them into the ground. 🚴♀️

Often called the "Eddy Merckx of women's cycling," Burton didn't just win races—she redefined what was possible while cooking dinner for her family and never once turning professional!

Beryl Burton's dominance in women's cycling

How dominant was Burton? Try wrapping your head around these numbers:

From the 1950s through the 1980s, she collected 96 national championships [2] like some people collect stamps. She grabbed 72 British national individual time trial titles [2]—that's not a typo!

Most mind-blowing of all, Burton claimed the British Best All-Rounder (BBAR) competition for 25 CONSECUTIVE YEARS from 1959 to 1983 [2]. Twenty-five years! Some professional careers don't even last that long!

When she took her talents worldwide, Burton snatched seven world championship titles—five in track pursuit (1959, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1966) and two in road racing (1960, 1967) [19]. She was so far ahead of her peers that she received British cycling's highest honor, the Bidlake Memorial Prize, a record three times (1959, 1960, 1967) [2].

Beryl Burton's records and achievements

Here's where Burton's story goes from impressive to legendary.

In 1967, she set a 12-hour time trial record of 277.25 miles—not just breaking the women's record but surpassing the men's record by 0.73 miles [2]! Let that sink in for a minute. A housewife from Yorkshire rode farther in 12 hours than any man on the planet.

This superhuman achievement stood unchallenged by any man for two years [2] and remained the women's record for a half-century until 2017 [20]. Fifty years!

Burton was a barrier-breaker in every sense. In 1963, she became the first woman to break the hour barrier for the 25-mile time trial [2]. Then she smashed the two-hour and four-hour barriers for 50-mile and 100-mile distances [2]. In total, she set about 50 new national records [2], with some standing for decades—her 100-mile record lasted 28 years [2].

Why Beryl Burton is a cycling legend

What makes Burton truly unique among cycling legends? While others chased money and fame, she stubbornly remained an amateur throughout her career. Despite offers from sponsors like Raleigh Bicycle Company in 1960 [21], Burton kept her day job and amateur status.

Her journey embodies incredible resilience. As a child, she suffered rheumatic fever that left her partially paralyzed [22]. Doctors warned against strenuous activity. Her response? Become perhaps the most dominant cyclist—male or female—in British history!

My favorite Burton story? During a 12-hour race, she caught and passed the men's champion Mike McNamara. As she rode by, Burton casually offered him a licorice allsort [23]—the perfect blend of competitive fire and Yorkshire charm.

Honored with MBE (1964) and OBE (1968) awards [19], Burton's influence stretches far beyond her racing days. After her death in 1996—while still cycling at age 58 [2]—her legacy continues through memorials, trophies, and induction into both the British Cycling Hall of Fame [2] and alongside Merckx in the Rouleur Hall of Fame [2].

In an era when women were expected to stay home, Beryl Burton was busy proving she could beat anyone—while still making it home in time for dinner.

Chris Hoy

_{Image Source: Olympics.com}

Those 27-inch thunder thighs weren't just for show. 💪

Sir Chris Hoy didn't just ride bikes—he powered them with legs so massive they needed their own zip code. While other track cyclists trained, Hoy transformed himself into a human locomotive that left competitors gasping in his wake.

Chris Hoy's Olympic achievements

The Scotsman's Olympic story started modestly enough with a team sprint silver medal at Sydney 2000 [1], but by Athens 2004, Hoy was ready for gold. Competing in the kilometer time trial [5], he showed ice-cold nerves watching three riders smash the Olympic record before responding with his own sea-level world and Olympic record of 1:00.711 [1].

Beijing 2008, though? That's when Hoy went from star to legend. He became the first British athlete in 100 years to capture three gold medals at a single Olympics [12], absolutely dominating the team sprint, keirin, and individual sprint [5]. Talk about a triple threat!

By London 2012, Hoy had reached peak icon status—carrying the British flag at the opening ceremony [10] before adding two more gold medals in the team sprint and keirin [1]. Imagine winning at home with the weight of an entire nation on your shoulders!

Chris Hoy's track cycling dominance

When the UCI scrapped his specialty kilometer event from the Olympic program, Hoy didn't sulk or retire. Nope! He simply mastered entirely new disciplines—the keirin and individual sprint—at an age when most athletes are eyeing retirement homes [12].

Between 2002 and 2012, Hoy collected an incredible 11 world championship titles [1], starting with golds in the kilometer and team sprint at Copenhagen 2002 [1].

His training? The stuff of nightmares. Hoy regularly squatted 237.5kg—more than 2.5 times his bodyweight [12]—while enduring six-day-a-week regimens that filled his legs with enough lactic acid "to corrode any ordinary man's ambitions" [12]. Most people would have been hospitalized attempting his "light" workouts.

Why Hoy is the greatest track cyclist of all time

When Hoy hung up his cycling shoes in 2013, he'd earned a place in Olympic royalty—Britain's most successful Olympian with six gold and one silver medal [5]. Those seven Olympic medals made him the second most decorated Olympic cyclist ever [5], while his 17 global titles across four disciplines placed him as the second most successful track cyclist in history [5].

What sets Hoy apart wasn't just raw power (though there was plenty of that!)—it was his embrace of British Cycling's "marginal gains" philosophy [12]. He worked extensively with psychologist Steve Peters, turning his mind into a weapon as finely tuned as his body [12].

🏅 The ultimate Hoy achievement? He remains the only cyclist to win Olympic gold medals in more separate events—team sprint (twice), match sprint, keirin (twice) and kilo—than anyone else in history [5]. That's not just collecting medals; that's conquering entire disciplines!

From Scottish schoolboy to Sir Chris Hoy, his journey proves that sometimes the greatest cyclists aren't born—they're built, one grueling squat at a time.

Marianne Vos

_{Image Source: UCI}

What if Eddy Merckx was born a woman? 🌈

Meet Marianne Vos—the Dutch phenomenon they call "the Merckx of women's cycling," who doesn't just win races, she collects entire disciplines like some people collect stamps.

Marianne Vos's versatility across disciplines

Most pro cyclists pick a lane and stick to it. Road racing OR mountain biking OR track cycling...

Vos? She just laughs at the concept of specialization.

Her trophy cabinet spans an almost ridiculous range—road racing, cyclocross, track cycling, and now gravel [27]. She's literally the only rider on the planet to earn world champion rainbow jerseys in road, cyclocross, AND track disciplines [28]. That's not versatility—that's cycling wizardry!

On the track, she grabbed Olympic gold in the points race at Beijing 2008 [29] plus world championships in both points race (2008) and scratch race (2011) [30].

Think that's impressive? Her cyclocross dominance is even wilder—eight world titles between 2006 and 2022 [30], crushing Erik De Vlaeminck's previous record of seven wins [31]. And because apparently 13 rainbow jerseys weren't enough, she snagged the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championship for her 14th [32]. At this point, she must need a separate closet just for rainbow jerseys!

Vos's world championship titles

Let's break down this rainbow collection:

• Road: Three elite world championships (2006, 2012, 2013) [30]
• Cyclocross: Eight elite world championships (2006, 2009-2014, 2022) [30]
• Track: Two elite world championships (points race 2008, scratch race 2011) [33]
• Gravel: One elite world championship (2024) [32]

The most mind-blowing part? Her first world titles in both cyclocross and road racing came when she was just 19 years old [33]. Most teenagers are trying to figure out laundry; Vos was already collecting rainbow jerseys.

From those teenage triumphs to her most recent championship, she's maintained top-level dominance for nearly two decades. That's not a career—that's a cycling dynasty!

Why Marianne Vos is one of the greatest cyclists ever

Counting Vos's victories is like trying to count stars—the numbers keep growing! She's amassed hundreds of wins throughout her career [31], including a jaw-dropping 32 stages at the Giro d'Italia [34] and three overall Giro Rosa titles (2011, 2012, 2014) [9].

Classic races? She owns those too. La Flèche Wallonne? Won it five times. Trofeo Alfredo Binda? Four times. Ronde van Drenthe? Three times [9]. At what point does it become unfair to the competition?

But Vos's greatness extends beyond finish lines. She's been a tireless advocate for women's cycling, helping establish La Course by Tour de France [27] while pushing for the full women's Tour that finally launched in 2022 [29].

Most riders slow down in their late 30s. Vos? At 37, she's still crushing it—winning Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Dwars door Vlaanderen, and Amstel Gold Race in 2024 [11]. That's not just hanging on—that's dominating!

What makes Vos truly special isn't just her wins (though there are plenty!) or her versatility (though it's unmatched!)—it's how she's used her platform to elevate women's cycling while remaining its most dominant force. She hasn't just changed the record books; she's transformed the entire sport.

Gino Bartali

_{Image Source: World War 2 History Short Stories}

Some cyclists change races. Others change history. 🚲

Italian champion Gino Bartali wasn't just winning Tours while Nazis occupied his country—he was secretly saving hundreds of lives with nothing but a bicycle and extraordinary courage.

Gino Bartali's wartime heroism

Between 1943 and 1945, Bartali pulled off cycling's greatest deception. Those "training rides" that kept the champion in shape? They were actually dangerous missions smuggling forged identity documents hidden in his bicycle's hollow frame and handlebars, pedaling thousands of kilometers between Florence, Lucca, Genoa, Assisi, and Rome [35].

His fame became his perfect cover. When stopped at checkpoints, guards rarely dared touch the carefully "calibrated" bicycle of Italy's cycling hero [36]. Little did they know they were saluting a man actively undermining their regime.

Working within a network organized by Florence Archbishop Elia Dalla Costa, Bartali helped save more than 500 persecuted Jews [7]. His commitment went beyond courier duties—he even hid the Jewish Goldenberg family in his own cellar [36].

The most terrifying test came in 1944 when he was interrogated at Florence's notorious "Villa Triste" torture facility. Despite facing potential execution, Bartali revealed nothing about his dangerous activities [6]. That's not just bravery—that's superhuman courage.

Bartali's Tour and Giro wins

Before becoming a war hero, Bartali was already a cycling legend with three Giro d'Italia titles (1936, 1937, 1946) [35] and two Tour de France victories (1938, 1948) [36].

His ten-year gap between Tour victories stands as an unprecedented record in cycling history [7]. Try to imagine any modern cyclist disappearing for a decade and then coming back to win cycling's greatest race!

After his 1938 Tour triumph, Bartali showed his character by refusing to dedicate his victory to Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini as tradition dictated [36]. When most Italian sports figures were bending the knee, Bartali stood tall.

Following World War II, he struggled to find his cycling legs after years of food shortages and the immense stress of his resistance activities [14]. Yet somehow, he still conquered the 1946 Giro d'Italia [36]—proving his remarkable resilience.

Bartali's cultural and historical impact

Here's a mind-blowing fact: Bartali's cycling may have literally saved Italian democracy.

On July 14, 1948, Communist leader Palmiro Togliatti was shot, and Italy teetered on the brink of civil war. That same day, news of Bartali's dramatic stage victory in the Tour swept across the nation, giving Italians something to unite around in celebration [37].

Even former Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti acknowledged: "To say that civil war was averted by a Tour de France victory is surely excessive. But it is undeniable that on that 14th of July of 1948, Bartali contributed to easing the tensions" [37].

Perhaps most remarkable was Bartali's humility. Throughout his life, he remained silent about his wartime heroism, telling his son: "You must do good, but you must not talk about it. If you talk about it, you're taking advantage of others' misfortunes for your own gain" [38].

His selfless actions remained largely unknown until after his death in 2000. Only in 2013 did Yad Vashem posthumously recognize him as "Righteous Among the Nations" [35]—finally acknowledging what Bartali never would: that he was not just a champion cyclist, but a champion of humanity.

When we debate cycling's greatest heroes, perhaps we should remember—some earned that title far from any finish line.

Sean Kelly

_{Image Source: Cyclist}

When rain poured and roads turned treacherous, other riders despaired. Sean Kelly just smiled. 🌧️

The Irish hardman dominated the professional peloton throughout the 1980s with cycling's perfect cocktail—raw power mixed with tactical brilliance that left competitors wondering if they were in the same sport.

Sean Kelly's consistency and classics wins

From 1977 until hanging up his wheels in 1994, Kelly racked up an eye-popping 193 professional victories [13]. That's not just impressive—that's almost unfathomable!

His consistency? Absolutely legendary. Kelly topped the UCI world rankings for five consecutive years from 1984 to 1989 [39]. Just think about that—five straight years as the world's #1 ranked cyclist. Most pros never spend a single day in that position!

Kelly's Monument collection tells the story of a man who could win anywhere, anytime:

• Milan-San Remo twice (1986, 1992) [15]
• Paris-Roubaix twice (1984, 1986) [15]
• Liège-Bastogne-Liège twice (1984, 1989) [15]
• Giro di Lombardia three times (1983, 1985, 1991) [15]

Only the Tour of Flanders eluded him, where he finished runner-up three heartbreaking times [13]. His 1984 season? Simply ridiculous—33 victories [13] in a single year! Most cyclists don't win that many races in their entire careers.

Kelly's dominance in one-day races

1986 saw Kelly pull off what cycling purists dream about—winning both Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix in the same year [13]. Only three riders in history have managed this feat!

Why is this so special? Because these races couldn't be more different. Milan-San Remo requires tactical genius and a perfect sprint after 300km. Paris-Roubaix? That's cycling's version of medieval torture—bone-jarring cobblestones and mud that breaks both bikes and spirits [40].

His competitors summed it up perfectly: "On his best form there is nothing you can do against Kelly: he climbs better than the best climbers and sprints better than the best sprinters" [13]. Imagine showing up to a race knowing you'd need the day of your life just to have a chance—because Kelly was "at every race" [41].

Why Sean Kelly is a cycling great

Kelly wasn't just a Classics specialist—he conquered Grand Tours and stage races too. He claimed the 1988 Vuelta a España, snatched four green jerseys at the Tour de France [13], and won Paris-Nice seven consecutive times [13]. SEVEN TIMES IN A ROW! That record still stands today, and probably will forever.

Some cycling writers called him "the last of the Flemish riders" [13]—tough as nails, impervious to weather, and always ready to suffer more than anyone else.

What truly sets Kelly apart from today's specialists? He raced EVERYTHING. While modern pros carefully select 70-80 race days targeting specific events, Kelly competed 34 times just between January and April 1986 [13]! He didn't pick and choose—he showed up, raced hard, and usually won.

In an era of increasing specialization, Sean Kelly was cycling's ultimate all-rounder—the farmer's son from County Waterford who could outsprint the sprinters, outclimb the climbers, and outthink the tacticians. All while looking like he was barely trying.

Fabian Cancellara

_{Image Source: Gran Fondo Guide}

They didn't call him "Spartacus" because he was weak. 💪

The Swiss powerhouse Fabian Cancellara earned every bit of that gladiator nickname through raw strength that turned time trials into one-man shows and classics into painful exhibitions of pure dominance.

Cancellara's time trial and classics wins

When Cancellara climbed onto his time trial bike, everyone else was basically racing for second place. He snatched four world championship time trial titles between 2006 and 2010 [42], dismantling competitors with what looked like unfair power.

His time trial magic became a Tour de France tradition—winning the opening stage an impressive five times [42]. Even more remarkable? He wore the yellow jersey for 29 days total—more than any other rider who never won the Tour [42]. Imagine being good enough to lead the Tour for nearly a month of your career without ever winning it!

But Spartacus wasn't just a time trial specialist. He conquered cycling's toughest one-day races with equal brutality. His seven Monument victories include:

• Three Paris-Roubaix crowns (2006, 2010, 2013) [43]
• Three Tour of Flanders triumphs (2010, 2013, 2014) [43]
• Milan-San Remo in 2008 [43]

That puts him in the super-exclusive club of riders who managed to win three different Monuments during their careers [43]. Not many membership cards in that particular club!

Fabian Cancellara's Olympic success

How do you bookend a legendary career? With Olympic gold medals, of course!

At Beijing 2008, Cancellara absolutely crushed the time trial competition, finishing over half a minute ahead of his closest rival [3]. That's not winning—that's embarrassing the field.

Eight years later—when most riders his age had retired to commentating—he crafted the perfect farewell at Rio 2016, snatching his second Olympic gold by finishing a ridiculous 47 seconds ahead of Tom Dumoulin [3].

After crossing that final Olympic finish line, Cancellara summed it up perfectly: "To leave the sport at the end of this season with the gold medal is just a perfect way to end my career" [3]. Talk about a mic drop retirement!

Cancellara's impact on modern cycling

Cancellara didn't just win races—he changed how they were won. His attack timing became cycling's most terrifying moment, surging away "well before the finish but deep enough into the race so that his body was groaning and his legs were screaming" [44].

When Cancellara attacked, it wasn't a move—it was a statement. Like his 2010 Paris-Roubaix victory when he simply "ripped away from the rest" [44] and turned the race into a personal time trial. Everyone else? Just extras in the Spartacus show.

Throughout his career, Cancellara embodied the Mapei team philosophy of "vincere insieme" (winning together) [45], growing from talented apprentice into absolute master. And unlike many cycling stars who held on too long, he retired entirely on his own terms, explaining: "I wanted to decide the end of my career myself and didn't want it to come down to a results issue" [45].

The ultimate measure of Cancellara's greatness? When he attacked, even the TV commentators got excited. They knew, just like everyone watching, that something special was about to happen—because Spartacus was on the move.

Jeannie Longo

_{Image Source: San Diego Union-Tribune}

Think you're "too old" for cycling? Jeannie Longo would like a word. 👵

This French cycling phenomenon has completely rewritten the rules of athletic careers, competing at the highest level for over FOUR DECADES—winning her first national title in 1979 and somehow still collecting her 60th championship in 2023 at age 64 [46]. That's not a career; that's a cycling dynasty!

Jeannie Longo's longevity in cycling

When most athletes are long retired, Longo was just getting warmed up. She competed in seven consecutive Olympic Games from 1984 through 2008 [47], making her final Olympic appearance at age 49 [48]. Forty-nine! Most cyclists are commentating from comfortable TV studios by that age!

Throughout her 40+ years of racing, she regularly lined up against competitors who weren't even born when she first stood on a winner's podium [49]. Imagine beating cyclists who could literally be your grandchildren!

Even more mind-boggling? At 61, when most people are celebrating retirement with leisure rides, Longo was still winning races—claiming the 2020 Chrono de Sichon time trial by blasting through 22 kilometers in under 40 minutes [49]. By 2023, at age 64, she collected her 60th French championship title [46]. The cycling world simply ran out of words to describe what they call her "exceptional sporting longevity" [46].

Longo's world titles and Olympic medals

Longo didn't just participate—she dominated across multiple decades and disciplines, amassing an extraordinary 13 world championship titles:

• Five road race championships (1985-87, 1989, 1995) [49]
• Four time trial championships (1995-97, 2001) [49]
• Three individual pursuit championships (1986, 1988-89) [49]
• One points race championship (1989) [49]

The Olympic gold medal proved frustratingly elusive until she finally captured it at the 1996 Atlanta road race [48], adding silver in the road time trial that same year plus bronze at the 2000 Sydney Games [48]. Because apparently, being over 40 wasn't a barrier to Olympic medals!

Beyond these championships, she shattered the hour record six times [49] and claimed three consecutive women's Tour de France titles (1987-89) [49]. The woman simply didn't understand the concept of "enough winning."

Why Longo is a female cycling icon

Way back in 1987, Longo was already challenging perceptions about women in sport, telling the Los Angeles Times: "Maybe if a woman can do the same thing, it'll be more human" [49]. She didn't just participate in cycling—she became the very definition of women's cycling in France [50].

What truly separated Longo from her peers? According to Marie-Françoise Potereau, she was "the very first professional in our sport" [50]. While others approached cycling as a hobby, Longo treated it as a science, staying "30 or 40 years ahead of everyone on many fronts – training, equipment, technical clothing" [51].

In an era when women's cycling received pocket change compared to men's racing, Longo refused to be overlooked or underestimated. As Potereau perfectly summarized, "She was the only one who brought home Olympic medals" [50].

Some athletes leave records. Others leave legacies. Jeannie Longo? She created an entirely new definition of what's possible in an athletic career—one that continues to expand even in her seventh decade of life.

Peter Sagan

_{Image Source: Sky Sports}

Cycling needed a rockstar, and the cycling gods delivered Peter Sagan. 🎸

The Slovak sensation wasn't just a bike rider—he was a one-man revolution who reminded us all that cycling could actually be... fun. With an astonishing 121 professional victories [52], Sagan raced with a style that made even non-cycling fans stop and watch.

Peter Sagan's world championships

Remember when they said nobody could win three consecutive rainbow jerseys? Sagan didn't just do it—he made it look inevitable.

From 2015 to 2017, Sagan achieved what no male cyclist had ever done before—winning three straight World Championships [52]. The streak began in Richmond, Virginia, with a perfectly timed attack on the 23rd Street climb just 3km from the finish [53]. The following year in Doha's desert heat, he outsprinted legends Mark Cavendish and Tom Boonen from a 24-rider breakaway [54].

His historic third rainbow jersey came in Bergen, Norway, making him the first rider to conquer World Championships on three different continents [55]. Most champions collapse under the "rainbow curse"—Sagan used it as rocket fuel, turning those years into his career peak seasons [56].

The 2015 title proved especially sweet after a frustrating season plagued by back problems and mounting pressure [53]. When most riders would have folded, Sagan simply flipped his hair and attacked.

Sagan's flair and popularity

Let's be honest—cycling was in desperate need of personality after the Armstrong era, and Sagan arrived like a technicolor explosion in a black-and-white film.

His Instagram followers once outnumbered the Tour de France's official account [53]! Those finish-line wheelies [54], ever-changing hairstyles, movie parody videos, and podium celebrations weren't just fun—they were exactly what the sport needed.

Sir Bradley Wiggins called him his favorite cyclist, while Mark Cavendish described him perfectly as a "once-in-a-generation rider" [58]. Even more impressive? When Sagan finished second, third, or fourth—which happened A LOT—he'd shrug it off with a smile and joke [58]. No temper tantrums, no blaming teammates, just acceptance and humor.

Why Sagan is a modern cycling legend

Seven green jerseys at the Tour de France [52]. SEVEN! That's not just breaking Erik Zabel's previous record of six [59]—it's crushing it and redefining what's possible in the points classification.

What made Sagan truly special wasn't specialization—it was his refusal to be categorized. He conquered Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders despite having no business winning such specific races [58]. One day he'd outsprint pure sprinters, the next he'd drop climbing specialists on hills they should've dominated.

His bike-handling skills were simply from another planet [52]. While other riders nervously navigated tight corners, Sagan would casually remove his hands from the bars to fix his hair mid-race.

As his teammate Daniel Oss perfectly summarized: "With him, contemporary cycling started... Sponsors, social media, and the image of a cyclist – he changed it all" [55].

In a sport obsessed with watts, power meters, and marginal gains, Peter Sagan reminded us of something essential—cycling should make you smile.

Mark Cavendish

_{Image Source: Cyclingnews}

35 reasons why the "Manx Missile" is cycling's greatest ever sprinter. 🚀

In July 2024, Mark Cavendish did what many thought impossible—pedaling to his 35th Tour de France stage victory in Saint-Vulbas, France. With that perfectly timed sprint, he broke the record he'd shared with the legendary Eddy Merckx [60] and cemented his place in cycling immortality.

Cavendish's Tour de France stage wins

Remember his first Tour victory back in 2008? That was just the opening act of what would become cycling's greatest sprint show. From those early days, Cav displayed explosive finishing speed that would completely rewrite the record books [60].

His journey spans an incredible 16 years [61] with victories spread across eight different Tours [16]. Most sprinters enjoy a brief 3-5 year peak before younger, faster riders push them aside. Not Cavendish! His historic 35th win came at age 39 [60]—practically ancient in sprinting years.

The numbers tell a story of pure dominance:

• Two green jerseys (2011, 2021) [16]
• First British rider ever to win the Tour's points classification [62]
• A jaw-dropping strike rate—winning nearly one in six Tour stages he completed [63]

That last stat is mind-boggling. Imagine winning a stage for every week you spend at the Tour!

Mark Cavendish's sprinting legacy

When Tour director Christian Prudhomme calls you "the greatest sprinter in the history of the Tour and of cycling" [64], you know you've done something right.

What made Cav special wasn't just speed (though there was plenty of that!)—it was his combination of lightning-fast acceleration, absolute fearlessness, and fierce determination [65]. While others hesitated in chaotic sprint finishes, Cavendish thrived in the mayhem, threading impossible needles at 70kph.

His career total? An astonishing 165 professional victories [16], placing him second on the all-time winners list [62]. Across all three Grand Tours, he's accumulated 55 stage wins [62]—proving he could win anywhere, anytime, against anyone.

Cavendish's place among the greatest cyclists

Sure, he's not a Grand Tour overall contender or a cobbled classics specialist. But within his domain—the high-speed chess match of road sprinting—Cavendish stands absolutely unrivaled.

His former lead-out man Mark Renshaw described him as "a fine wine who gets better and better" [63], while Bradley Wiggins simply called him a "once-in-a-generation rider" [66]. Both might be underselling him!

The trophy cabinet holds more than just Tour stages. Cav's rainbow jersey from the 2011 World Championship [17], Olympic medals, and victories in prestigious one-day races show his versatility beyond pure bunch sprints.

Is it any wonder he received a knighthood [17] for his contributions to cycling? From the humble beginnings on the Isle of Man to the pinnacle of the sport, Cavendish's journey reminds us that sometimes the greatest champions aren't the ones who climb the highest mountains, but those who overcome the tallest odds.

When the road flattens and the finish line approaches, there's never been anyone better at crossing it first.

Alfonsina Strada

_{Image Source: Mobo Cruiser}

They called her "The Devil in a Dress." 😈

Before women could vote in Italy, Alfonsina Strada was busy shattering cycling's ultimate glass ceiling—becoming the only woman ever to compete in one of cycling's brutal Grand Tours. Her story isn't just about pedaling; it's about pure courage against impossible odds.

Alfonsina Strada's pioneering role

Born in 1891 near Bologna, little Alfonsina fell in love with cycling when her father brought home an old bicycle. While other girls were learning to embroider, she was teaching herself to ride—and then race.

Society was horrified, of course. What respectable woman would do such a thing? But Strada wasn't interested in being respectable—she wanted to be fast! She'd tell her mother she was going to church on Sundays when actually she was racing against men... and winning!

Her talent? Absolutely undeniable. In 1911, she set the women's world speed record of 37.1 km/h [4]—extraordinary for the equipment of that era. She even managed to compete in two editions of the prestigious Giro di Lombardia after wearing down race organizers with persistent negotiations [4].

Unlike most women of her time, Strada found a husband who supported her passion. Luigi not only gifted her a men's racing bicycle as a wedding present [67] but became her trainer [68]. In early 1900s Italy, this wasn't just unusual—it was revolutionary!

Strada's participation in the Giro d'Italia

In 1924, cycling gods handed Strada her miracle. A pay dispute led many top riders to boycott the Giro d'Italia, and Strada saw her chance. Registering as "Alfonsin Strada" to hide her gender [69], she became one of 90 starters in the grueling 3,613km race [70].

What followed became cycling legend. During the brutal L'Aquila-Perugia stage, Strada fell repeatedly in horrendous weather until—disaster!—her handlebars snapped clean off. Game over? Not for Alfonsina! She borrowed a broomstick from a local woman, attached it to her bike, and just...kept...riding [4].

Though she eventually finished outside the time limit, race director Emilio Colombo—recognizing both her determination and her commercial appeal—allowed her to continue unofficially [71]. The crowd loved her more than many of the male competitors!

Why Strada is a symbol of resilience in cycling

Throughout those punishing Giro stages, Strada endured not just the physical challenges all riders faced but also crashes, mechanical problems, and relentless mockery from some competitors and spectators [18]. Yet she refused to quit.

When the race finally reached Milan, she was one of just 30 riders (from the original 90) to complete the entire route [18]. Yes, she finished 28 hours behind the winner [72]—but in an era when women were told they were physically too fragile for sports, just finishing was a miracle.

Despite becoming a crowd favorite, she was barred from entering the Giro again. Did that stop her? Of course not! Strada continued racing wherever she could. At age 47—when most athletes are long retired—she set the women's hour record with 32.58km [72], a mark that stood until 1955.

Her legacy transcends mere statistics or records. During Italian fascism, when women were valued primarily as mothers [73], Alfonsina Strada was pedaling proof that women could endure, compete, and triumph—even if they sometimes needed a broomstick to get there.

Before there was Billie Jean King or Serena Williams, there was a fearless Italian woman on a bicycle, showing the world what determination truly looks like.

Comparison Table

Ready for a cycling stats showdown? 📊

Let's line up our cycling legends side by side and see how their accomplishments stack up! Nothing settles friendly cycling debates better than cold, hard numbers (though we can still argue about them afterward!).

Wow—look at those numbers! 🤯

See why comparing across eras gets so tricky? Merckx's 525 wins seems almost alien compared to modern tallies. Meanwhile, Vos and Burton dominate their columns despite facing barriers their male counterparts never encountered.

Notice anything interesting? The "multi-discipline" specialists (Merckx, Pogačar, Vos) tend to have the most rainbow jerseys. Coincidence? I think not! Versatility clearly breeds championship material.

And poor Alfonsina Strada—her table stats look modest until you remember she competed in the 1924 Giro when women weren't even allowed to vote in Italy! Some achievements simply can't be captured in numbers.

What's your takeaway from this table? Which stat jumps out and grabs you by the cycling cap?

Conclusion

So who's really the greatest cyclist of all time? 🏆

After pedaling through the stories of these 15 legendary riders alongside Merckx and Pogačar, we've seen cycling transform from a gritty test of survival to the high-tech sport we love today. Each champion redefined what excellence looked like in their era—from Strada breaking gender barriers with a broomstick handlebar to Sagan bringing rockstar energy to a sport desperate for personality.

Pogačar's 2024 Triple Crown deserves every bit of praise it's received. It's an achievement that would have seemed impossible in today's specialized cycling world. But even with his growing collection of victories, Merckx's complete dominance remains in another universe. Those 525 career victories, 19 Monument wins, and 11 Grand Tours showcase a level of versatility we may never witness again.

This isn't about diminishing today's stars—quite the opposite! Understanding cycling's rich history makes us appreciate both past and present heroes even more. Riders like Burton, Vos, and Longo didn't just win races; they shattered expectations about what women could achieve. Meanwhile, specialists like Cavendish and Hoy took specific disciplines to heights nobody thought possible.

What strikes me most is how differently greatness shows up in each champion's story. Some dominated through versatility, others through laser-focused specialization, but all left permanent tire marks on our beautiful sport through sheer determination, clever innovation, and raw, jaw-dropping talent.

Will Pogačar eventually surpass some of Merckx's individual records? It's entirely possible! But Merckx's position as cycling's greatest all-around champion remains secure in 2025—a testament to achievements so extraordinary they continue setting standards for excellence nearly half a century after his retirement.

The beauty of cycling isn't just in who was "best"—it's in the incredible tapestry these champions have woven together across generations, each adding their unique threads to a sport that continues to inspire, challenge, and captivate us.

FAQs

Q1. How does Tadej Pogačar compare to Eddy Merckx in cycling achievements? While Pogačar has had extraordinary success, including the 2024 Triple Crown, Merckx's career numbers are still unmatched. Merckx has 525 career victories compared to Pogačar's 93, including more Grand Tour and Monument wins. However, Pogačar is still only 26 and has the potential to close this gap in the coming years.

Q2. What makes Tadej Pogačar stand out among modern cyclists? Pogačar's versatility sets him apart. He excels in Grand Tours, one-day classics, and even competed in Paris-Roubaix. His aggressive racing style and ability to win across various terrains and race formats make him unique among his contemporaries.

Q3. How has professional cycling changed since Eddy Merckx's era? Modern cycling has become more specialized, with riders often focusing on specific types of races. The level of competition has increased globally, and advancements in training, nutrition, and equipment have raised overall performance standards. However, the basic structure of major races remains similar.

Q4. Can cyclists from different eras be fairly compared? It's challenging to directly compare cyclists from different eras due to changes in technology, training methods, and the nature of competition. However, we can compare their relative dominance within their own eras and their impact on the sport as a whole.

Q5. What would it take for Pogačar to be considered the greatest cyclist of all time? To surpass Merckx, Pogačar would likely need to win all three Grand Tours, capture more Monument classics, and maintain his dominance for several more years. Achieving a similar level of versatility and longevity as Merckx would strengthen his case for being considered the greatest of all time.

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