I'll take the bait and hopefully nudge along a thread with epic potential.
I think it's when an athlete "looks the part" and at the same time has ample proficiency and swagger that someone can make that kind of statement.
Bikes, ehhhhhh, it's maybe a smaller % of amateurs. Lots of hobbyists and amateurs can proficiently ride a bike in an advanced way........but man they don't look the part at all of a pro bike racer.....nor do they "exude" that confidence. Dad bod belly going on comes to mind. You can win some amateur stuff with a "dad bod belly".
I do not exude that confidence on a bike except in time trial. That's my world. But it's a world that everyone looks like a freak when they're kitted up and in their element. So that doesn't count. I may look the part given I'm skinnier and own the flashy stuff, but it's not the same.