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- Apr 2, 2009
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Re:
These are pretty much my sentiments. It's been noted, however, that the internet exponentially increases one's popularity (or impopularity) in ways before unfathomable.
Still, Contador is undoubtedly super popular. His class, ability to light up a race and his mental toughness make him the most formitable rider out there, while he's been doing it for almost a decade now. Personally his "Armstrong slaying" as you put it, inevitably increased his standing for moi. Then his brazeness to strike in every race in which he participates, and not only with the Tour in mind (as is still being done by his rivals) is what makes his greatness unique in this generation. He also comes off as a nice and humble guy, who in his popularity still remains the son of a working class family from Pinto, with a brother confined to a wheelchair.
Perhaps it is his Latin demeanor too, ingenuous and irreverent to a certain corporate hegemony that teams like US Postal and Sky have incarnated, which made his slaying of Armstrong and Fromme so satisfying. Finally his passion for the Giro has only increased his popularity in these parts. Aru, to give you an idea, refered to him as "un mostro sacro" (a sacred monster).
Moose McKnuckles said:
These are pretty much my sentiments. It's been noted, however, that the internet exponentially increases one's popularity (or impopularity) in ways before unfathomable.
Still, Contador is undoubtedly super popular. His class, ability to light up a race and his mental toughness make him the most formitable rider out there, while he's been doing it for almost a decade now. Personally his "Armstrong slaying" as you put it, inevitably increased his standing for moi. Then his brazeness to strike in every race in which he participates, and not only with the Tour in mind (as is still being done by his rivals) is what makes his greatness unique in this generation. He also comes off as a nice and humble guy, who in his popularity still remains the son of a working class family from Pinto, with a brother confined to a wheelchair.
Perhaps it is his Latin demeanor too, ingenuous and irreverent to a certain corporate hegemony that teams like US Postal and Sky have incarnated, which made his slaying of Armstrong and Fromme so satisfying. Finally his passion for the Giro has only increased his popularity in these parts. Aru, to give you an idea, refered to him as "un mostro sacro" (a sacred monster).
- Apr 17, 2013
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It's always hard to be consensual about riders, especially if they are as famous and controversial as Contador. There will always be dislikers like you. In that regard his widespread sympathy is quite remarkable.damian13ster said:
Apart from his racing style, I would also suggest his personality as a reason for his popularity. He seems like a very down-to-earth-kind of person, who goes along nicely with everybody. He always has the energy to show respect for everyone, including mechanics, soigneurs, random fans etc. The comments he makes when asked by cycling magazines are always well thought, diplomatic and humble.
- May 15, 2011
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I love Bertofauniera said:Not half as popular as Pantani, i would say. It seems to me that Contador is more liked or respected than loved. With Marco it was pure love.
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Great post Hitch.
I dont know whether AC is historically the most popular. i guess, we can all claim that there are more cycling fans now than in the last century. so we just look at the current era.
post-Armstrong era, Alberto Contador is the only rider with pure class. As Flecha said the other day: He is the only all-round GT rider around.
When an under-25 does an amazing ride, most people compare with Bertie. In terms of achievements, he is one of the riders that youngsters will always compare themselves with (c****c notwithstanding)
Most important factor favoring AC's popularity: tenacity.
even a 60% fit Contador is a pleasure to watch. you put him in any race and he tries to win it. you tell him that he can make win the GC with probability of .00001%, and if things look nice; he will try it. He has tried and he has failed a lot. But i dont think anyone can complain that he didnt try his level best.
I dont know whether AC is historically the most popular. i guess, we can all claim that there are more cycling fans now than in the last century. so we just look at the current era.
post-Armstrong era, Alberto Contador is the only rider with pure class. As Flecha said the other day: He is the only all-round GT rider around.
When an under-25 does an amazing ride, most people compare with Bertie. In terms of achievements, he is one of the riders that youngsters will always compare themselves with (c****c notwithstanding)
Most important factor favoring AC's popularity: tenacity.
even a 60% fit Contador is a pleasure to watch. you put him in any race and he tries to win it. you tell him that he can make win the GC with probability of .00001%, and if things look nice; he will try it. He has tried and he has failed a lot. But i dont think anyone can complain that he didnt try his level best.
Re:
I'm not talking specifically of doping when I say lie, no.
So humble and human, Valverde furioclasse.
gunara said:
I'm not talking specifically of doping when I say lie, no.
So humble and human, Valverde furioclasse.
- Apr 15, 2014
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His attacking style, his tactical nous, his lack of arrogance, his 'nice guy aura' - all things that make him very well liked and make it hard for anyone to dislike him. He only seems to lack personality off the bike to make him unforgetable. He never shows the back of his tongue, never makes a wild statement.
- Jul 7, 2013
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It's hard to compare popularity in this era with popularity in pre-internet era. It's obvious that now information spread wery easily across the world. Wasn't Coppi, Mercx or Hinault loved by crowds? I agree with some of you that Pantani was the most popular rider ever. He's still remembered by lots of fans (not only in Italy).
- Dec 6, 2012
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del1962 said:I am surprised that there is a discussion of the most popular ever and this mans name hasn't come up (unless I missed it)
I brought him up, I think he's the most famous but not neccessarily the most widely loved (I think of Coppi, Pantani, or maybe Bartali here). Is 'popular' closer to 'famous' or to 'loved'? My English fail me here.
- May 15, 2011
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Re:
But that aside I think it is unfair to say he lacks personality, he just lacks a personality many people find interesting
I think it is unfair to say he lacks personality... for me it is exactly his personality that makes me like him so much. I understand that someone like Sagan is way more interesting, but at the same time his personality polarizes... some people love him for it others hate him for it. While Alberto's personality will not make people love him outright it won't make many people hate him either.Jagartrott said:
But that aside I think it is unfair to say he lacks personality, he just lacks a personality many people find interesting
- May 15, 2011
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Popular is closer to loved/liked in my opinion.gunara said:del1962 said:I am surprised that there is a discussion of the most popular ever and this mans name hasn't come up (unless I missed it)
I brought him up, I think he's the most famous but not neccessarily the most widely loved (I think of Coppi, Pantani, or maybe Bartali here). Is 'popular' closer to 'famous' or to 'loved'? My English fail me here.
- Apr 7, 2011
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Lol, the likes of Pantani, Cipollini, Indurain, Armstrong, Ullrich, Indurain to mentions just a very few names were 10 times as popular and much bigger household names than Contador.
Not event to talk about guys like Eddy and so on.
Not event to talk about guys like Eddy and so on.
- Apr 15, 2014
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Re: Re:
Yes, so it's a remark that is relevant here I think. Many people like him, because of the reasons everybody's stating, but perhaps not so many people really love him passionately as was the case with many other riders. Riders that, at the same time, also had many more haters. Merckx was once punched by a 'hater' so hard during a climb on the Tour that he lost the race, for example. At the same time, of course, he was adored by many others. And it was the same with so many greats in cycling and other sports. Take Maradonna vs. Messi for example, both brilliant football players, but Maradonna had a lot passionate fans AND haters, while Messi (who also is never outspoken) is appreciated by most and hated by few. So who is more popular then? Basically, is popular just 'liked' or really 'adored'?LaFlorecita said:I think it is unfair to say he lacks personality... for me it is exactly his personality that makes me like him so much. I understand that someone like Sagan is way more interesting, but at the same time his personality polarizes... some people love him for it others hate him for it. While Alberto's personality will not make people love him outright it won't make many people hate him either.
But that aside I think it is unfair to say he lacks personality, he just lacks a personality many people find interesting
- Aug 2, 2012
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this
this! laflo knows............correct without OP hyperbole
i'm no fan but am always happy when alberto wins..........he has the class I lack
Mark L
LaFlorecita said:Yes I think he is the most popular current rider, I don't know about the past. And he is pretty well liked all over the world (just checking my twitter followers
this! laflo knows............correct without OP hyperbole
i'm no fan but am always happy when alberto wins..........he has the class I lack
Mark L
Bavarianrider said:
The only thing the majority of these riders (with the expection of Pantani, Ullrich and perhaps Cipo) have in common is that they were famous in their home country for winning more in France then Alberto. Armstrong was not that popular outside USA and Indurain was criticised his entire active career for being boring and lacking "panache". He was/is very popular in Italy though.
Eddy is more famous but i doubt anyone of todays cycling aficionado over social media has any connections to him.
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