Comments on: Can Personality Make You a Champion?

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:57:00 +0000

There’s just something about him, huh? Thanks for your input and relating this same idea to Cricket and Rugby.

By: Jonathan Davis

Jonathan Davis — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:15:00 +0000

Jonny Wilkson is also a practising Buddhist, I understand. That gets big kudos from me!

By: Clive Chapman

Clive Chapman — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:49:00 +0000

Winners and/or Champions, can you be both? I’m an Englishman and as such my main sports are Rugby and Cricket, although I always watch the tour.

In Cricket you have Ian Botham from the 80s and 90s, definately a winner. But a bit of a spikey personality, but unquestionably the greatest Cricketer of his time. Arguably ever. Would I want to meet him? Probably not. It was always about him when ever he played or appears on TV now as a pundit.

My favourite sport of Rugby has (among others) Jonny Wilkinson and he is a true Champion in every sense. A Rugby World Cup Winner and a humble humble guy. His work ethic is revered by his peers and his example in life is worthy of anyones attention.

But as with everything there are as many variables as there are people. But I’d support the Jonny Wilkinson type over the Ian Botham type every time.

But strangely, just watching the tour as my only ever cycling event as a spectator on TV, I did take an instant and irrational dislike to Contador. It must be just him.

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 02:54:00 +0000

I agree, MacKenzie…….with a different attitude, he could be so much more.

By: MacKenzie

MacKenzie — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:56:00 +0000

I have never liked Contador. He’s always rubbed me the wrong way and has never seemed like a nice guy. That’s how I felt about him up until last year when he blew past Andy when his chain popped off. I lost all of what little respect I had left for the guy. Lance Armstrong said it best when he tweeted, “There’s no I in team, pistolero.” I think the only reason he has riders willing to ride for him in the Tour is because he has a very high chance of winning. I have a hard time believing he’s well liked among riders…

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:52:00 +0000

Good stuff, Jen. I like your analysis of Contador….and definitely am with you on Voigt.

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:52:00 +0000

True dat.

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:51:00 +0000

Thanks Jonathan….I really appreciate you adding to this discussion. Great points.

By: Jonathan Davis

Jonathan Davis — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:45:00 +0000

I’m definitely in the Jens Voight camp and not a fan of Contador’s presence as a pro-cyclist. He never gave off the right kind of energy that you’d expect from some of the great champions of cycling (like The Professor for example. Sad as it was to read of Fignon’s passing earlier this year, reading his exploits as a pro made him instantly likeable). There are plenty more riders in the current peleton showcasing more class than Contador holds in his little pistol finger. That does sound very biased, but I don’t believe he won any followers with the drama that unfolded between him and Armstrong in 2009, and then Chaingate in 2010.

Look at the current Yellow Jersey holder (Hushovd). Thor was and is my favourite rider since I started following professional cycling, even as current leader he still played his role perfectly in giving Tyler Farrar his first TDF stage win. No doubt about his actions following his win, in tribute to his training partner Wouter Weylandt.

Let’s assess our pro riders by the actions they perform on the road and not necessarily on their palmares.

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Contador gets a lot of criticism, deserved or not. He could have thanked his teammates even if the team dynamics were difficult for him. As for chaingate-damned if you do, damned if you don’t. But he did apologize. He could definitely be more gracious. But you know what? Really? Who cares what people think? He needs to relax, exude some confidence, and enjoy the ride. He’s increidibly insecure and defensive for the great champion that he is. And he is a great champion.

But I adore Jens Voight. He’s a real character. Fun, fun, fun!