Originally Posted by Laggard
That "one day wonder" finished last year as the #1 rider in the world. Alan though doesn't following cycling and thus would not know that.
Yes. He was an amazing "one day wonder". He won an endless series of one day races. Plus, he entered stuff like the "Tour de Singapore" and the "Tour de Beijing" that most riders did not know even existed. Really piled up the 'ol points as "Number One" in races Lance didn't know existed. You don't get to be "Number One" by winning a single "Second Tier" race such as the Giro. You must add to that win after win in races most riders didn't bother to enter.
But, the "Number One" rider in the world did not challenge Lance in the 2004 Tour de France. And then, he dodged the Tour de France in 2005. He never saw a tough race he could not hide from. The "Tour de France" is the "big leagues" of pro cycling. And, Cunego is the "King" of little league riding.
His career path seems modeled on that of Cippollini. Every year, Cippollini would pile up stage win after stage win. But, when the peloton reached Paris, Cippollini had already been at a beach in Spain for a week. Bragging about all of his stage wins. And, each year, inventing a new reason he quit before Paris.
Tell you what. If Cunego wins the Tour de France next year, I'll mail you twenty bucks. If Cunego does not win, you mail me ten bucks.
Of course, this is a sure thing for you. Just put your money where your mouth is...on the rear end of the "Number One" rider in the world.