My 3 favorite riders

Hi All,

After about a dozen years of watching the Tour and really following pro cycling over these last few years, I've developed a list of favorite riders. It's easy to like Lance Armstrong, or Ivan Basso, or Mark Cavendish or Fabian Cancellara. And sure, they are all great champions. But three guys in the peloton really strike me as real characters...

3. Thomas Voeckler

We all got to know Thomas Voeckler way back in 2004 when he was part of a breakaway that got away from the peloton and catapulted the unlikely 25-year-old into the Yellow Jersey. But his legacy was cemented when he held on to his race lead for 10 stages, even as the mountains (and Lance Armstrong) seemed likely to take it away from him. Although he has never again worn the Yellow Jersey at the Tour, he always is willing to jump into a breakaway. And the last two years he has succeeded, winning Stage 5 in 2009 (and giving him the polka dot jersey for a few days) and winning stage 15 (the infamous Chaingate stage) in 2010. Voeckler always gives 110%, and his contorted face is seen on a regular basis at the front of the field.

2. Alexander Vinokourov

Probably my favorite racer, but I felt guilty giving him #1 billing when he did cheat. (Ok, everyone cheated - Vino got caught). Regardless, Vino has had an amazing career. His career started back in 99 with a win in the Dauphine Libere and then a silver medal at the Sydney Olympics in the Road Race previewed a remarkable run. His list of victories  include the Vuelta overall, Paris-Nice, Amstel Gold, Liege-Bastogne-Liege among others. Add in a 3rd overall and a 5th overall at the Tour, plus two World Championship bronze medals in the time trial and you have a remarkable career. . His win on stage 21 of the 2005 Tour, when he broke away from the lined-up-for-the-final-sprint peloton was an amazing highlight.



Vino's positive test at the 2007 Tour was thought to be career-ending. He actually announced his retirement from cycling in late 2007, but quickly recanted. His return from his suspension has been a remarkable success, as he has won several big races, including this year's  Liege-Bastogne-Liege and a dominant performace at the Tour. He easily could have won Stage 12 if Alberto Contador hadn't challenged a late break by Joaquin Rodriguez, but regrouped overnight to perfect a late breakaway to solo to win his 4th career Tour de France stage (2 others were taken away due to his doping violation). He has also been an ideal domestique to Alberto Contador in the Alps and the Pyrenees this year. Congrats on a great comeback Vino!

1. Jens Voigt

Four videos say it all:







And of course...



Enjoy!