{"id":180598,"date":"2020-11-27T12:56:32","date_gmt":"2020-11-27T12:56:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=180598"},"modified":"2022-11-11T11:14:15","modified_gmt":"2022-11-11T11:14:15","slug":"5-of-cyclings-classic-rivalries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2020\/11\/27\/5-of-cyclings-classic-rivalries\/","title":{"rendered":"5 of Cycling\u2019s Classic Rivalries"},"content":{"rendered":"

Emotional, dynamic, and undeniably a driving force for some of the best athletic performances ever recorded, rivalries are a big part of what makes sports so exciting for fans and athletes alike. Born from a desire to out-perform another great talent, the best rivalries constitute a mixture of antagonism, respect, and, when allowed to run their course, often an element of friendship.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Cycling has no shortage of star riders who have gone toe-to-toe over the years, and watching these lively relationships unfold has long been a major captivating component of the sport\u2019s great races. As young riders join the ranks each year, new cycling rivalries arise and continue to provide excitement and gossip for fans. Let\u2019s take a look at a few of the great contentions that have helped shape cycling into the sport it is today.<\/p>\n

Jacques Anquetil v Raymond Poulidor<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Tour de France 1964. Anquetil (on the left) and Poulidor on the Puy-de-D\u00f4me. \u00a9 Profimedia, AFP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anyone who knows the story of these two French greats will be able to tell you that, despite the cycling rivalry, in the end, the pair were secret pals with a boatload of respect for one another. What ultimately became a testament to the value of friendships born out of athletic strife though, was initially a tale of a divided France. Anquetil, hailing from northern France, had the effortless charisma of a born winner. He was stylish, respected, and a fabulous time trialist. Poulidor, meanwhile, was an outspoken climber from the central region. He was a little rough around the edges and often wound up coming in second. Always at each other\u2019s necks, their epic duel<\/a> on the Puy de D\u00f4me in 1964 is the iconic moment that captures it all. A ruthless endeavour, Poulidor ended up winning the battle and taking Stage 22 of the 51st Tour de France,<\/a> but Anquetil would win the war, having out-manoeuvred his opponent overall.<\/p>\n

Although they never went head to head again, their mutual presences on the racing circuit continued to fuel rumour and anticipation over the course of their careers. Nevertheless, it is Anquetil\u2019s last words to Poulidor, said while on his deathbed, that really speaks to the lasting impact of their friendship. As Poulidor recalls it, \u201cHe said to me that the cancer was so agonisingly painful it was like racing up the Puy de D\u00f4me all day, every hour of the day\u201d. He then said, \u201cI will never forget it, My friend, you will come second to me once again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leontien van Moorsel v Jeannie Longo<\/strong><\/h2>\n