“Monsieur Chrono” was the first rider to win the Tour de France five times, including an impressive four consecutive wins from 1961-1964. He also carried messages and documents via his bicycle to the Italian Resistance. Bartali hid a Jewish family in his cellar and helped save their lives. However, perhaps Bartali’s greatest achievement was off the bike and only emerged in December 2010.ĭuring World War II, Bartali used his training as cover for secret efforts to rescue persecuted Jews throughout the war. Their rivalry divided Italy and they would have rather not raced than helped each other while representing their country.īartali won the Tour de France twice, in 19 - an astounding 10 years apart. Gino Bartali (1935-1954)Ĭoppi’s had a fierce rivalry with Gino Bartali. Coppi is still a poster boy for the Bianchi brand. Coppi and his famous rival Gino Bartali attacking each other. He dominated the sport both before and after World War II where he was held as a prisoner of war in North Africa. World hour record holder, world champion, five-time Giro d’Italia winner, two-time Tour de France winner - Fausto Coppi was deservedly given the nickname “Campionissimo”, the champion of champions.Ĭoppi was known for winning by large margins, often in excess of 10 minutes. The list below is in chronological order, with the span of each rider’s career in brackets beside their name. That said, all the riders below have undoubtedly contributed to the sport and have earned their legendary status through their results and, in some cases, their work off the bike.

Of course, cycling has a chequered history and it’s very hard to talk about the sport’s greatest without mentioning riders with questionable pasts.

These are the legendary riders that you’ll want to know about and remember the riders that have shaped the sport as we know it. If you’re new to cycling, or you’ve just never really followed the history of the sport, it’s time to get out your notepad and start jotting down some names.

But among these many excellent riders, only a handful stand head-and-shoulders above the rest. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!Īs each year goes by, more and more talented cyclists make a name for themselves with amazing feats of endurance and skill.

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