Most underachieving Pro cyclist in history
02-26-07 | 04:32 PM
#29
no cat contains
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 889
Likes: 150
From: Edinburgh Scotland
Originally Posted by cmh
I think Pizzaman is the most underacheiving cyclist in history. Just imagine if he had started cycling at 15 years old! Instead he was wasting his time running or studying or chasing women or something.
However, Pizzaman hasn't retired yet so he can still prove me wrong.
However, Pizzaman hasn't retired yet so he can still prove me wrong.
02-26-07 | 05:01 PM
#30
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
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From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
How great is is to be a sucky bike racer like me? You don't let anyone down, and if you ever do get a result, everyone's in shock.
02-26-07 | 05:25 PM
#32
just because jan didn't win the tour as many times as we thought he should, i'd hardly call him underachieving. Twice world time trial champ, world amateur champ, 2 olympic medals, twice winner of tour of switzerland, winner of tour of spain.
underachieving really means not putting any effort. Jan was often hampered by injuries or weight... he could have put more effort into keeping the weight off, that's for sure.
underachieving really means not putting any effort. Jan was often hampered by injuries or weight... he could have put more effort into keeping the weight off, that's for sure.
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You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. That's great...if you want to attract vermin.
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02-26-07 | 05:56 PM
#34
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
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From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
Originally Posted by pegleg
Indeed.
02-26-07 | 06:11 PM
#35
wavylines
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 0
From: Bull City
Originally Posted by botto
You read that in the retro section of Cycle Sport; following his career back in the day; or perhaps you were his therapist?
And the answer, of course, is ... yes
02-26-07 | 07:26 PM
#39
Thread Starter
pan y agua
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,809
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From: Jacksonville
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Ok, just because he has palmares of which the vast majority of professional cyclist would be proud, and because he was a gracious sport, does not answer the question of whether he underachieved.
It's possible for someone with off the chart potential to achieve a reasonably high level of success and still underacieve their potential.
It's possible for someone with off the chart potential to achieve a reasonably high level of success and still underacieve their potential.
02-26-07 | 08:30 PM
#48
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 5
Not Pollentier. Giro, Tour de Suisse, Belgian title, Tour of Flanders, Tour stages. He had a good career IMO, probably what he was capable of. Worst style ever BTW.
I wouldn't say Rooks either. I was a huge Rooks fan when I was a kiddie. I even had a hump in my back when riding
I wouldn't say Rooks either. I was a huge Rooks fan when I was a kiddie. I even had a hump in my back when riding
02-26-07 | 08:42 PM
#49
Crawlin' up, flyin' down
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,716
Likes: 4,344
From: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
Didi Thurau is a pretty good call. Freddy Maertens deserves some mention, even though he did win two Rainbow Jerseys and some Classics, because he should have won more in between those Rainbows. Italo Zilioli probably should have won more than he did, but he proved to be more of a follower than a leader.
But I have to go with the Frank Vandenbrouke contingent. Incredible physical talent, zero head for the sport, and arrogant to boot. What an embarassment to proud cycling family.
But I have to go with the Frank Vandenbrouke contingent. Incredible physical talent, zero head for the sport, and arrogant to boot. What an embarassment to proud cycling family.
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