Who overcame the greatest career setback?

[Escarabajo]

100% Lance Armstrong.

Look I'm an Pantani fan. He had to learn walking completely new. Spend 1 year in swimming pools and other rehabilitation.

Armstrong beat cancer when he was about to die. Actually he was pronounced dead already by his own doctors. They just didn't tell him. But Lance had different plans than to die.

Whether you like him or not. That certainly is the biggest comeback in cycling. Yes, it's declamatory and was part of the story & big lie he sold. But that doesn't change the fact what it was and is.

The others can't even contest. Not even Pantani & Lemond.

And yes, it probably takes the mindset of Armstrong to say "*** you cancer" and survive against all odds. Because he had to fight agonies, but kept battling with strength.

I consider myself a fan of cycling but I had a 10 year hiatus in the 90's for work and study reasons, but can you explain to me what happened to Pantani because I had no idea. Thanks.

 

[staubsauger]

I consider myself a fan of cycling but I had a 10 year hiatus in the 90's for work and study reasons, but can you explain to me what happened to Pantani because I had no idea. Thanks.

Redirect Notice

He crashed into a car (or tractor) during the 1995 Milano-Turino race and broke his leg.

If I remember correctly, his injuries where so serious that his career was in danger and they had to shorten his leg.

Just when he came back for the 1997 Giro d'Italia he crashed out of the race again, when a black cat crossed the street.

He would go on to win at Alpe d'Huez during the 1997 Tour de France with with the French fans shouting his name during his past race interview on France Television.

 

[Escarabajo]

Thanks for the Pantani info. I have heard and read about all the rest but never about the Pantani one. I would probably have to learn more in detail in order to put it above the Lemond one. Which I rate the highest. All the other ones are pretty dramatic as well.

 

[Cookster15]

Redirect Notice

He crashed into a car (or tractor) during the 1995 Milano-Turino race and broke his leg.

If I remember correctly, his injuries where so serious that his career was in danger and they had to shorten his leg.

Just when he came back for the 1997 Giro d'Italia he crashed out of the race again, when a black cat crossed the street.

He would go on to win at Alpe d'Huez during the 1997 Tour de France with with the French fans shouting his name during his past race interview on France Television.

Yes and if I recall Pantani won that ‘97 Alpe d'Huez stage with one of his two fastest times in history. Yes I know but still amazing so soon after his serious crash injuries.

 

[VO2 Max]

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He crashed into a car (or tractor) during the 1995 Milano-Turino race and broke his leg.

ouch, I remember the pictures of him resistance training in a swimming pool with a big plastic bag sealing up all the pins and bracing. Incredible determination. It's difficult for me to compare with Lemond: Greg especially impresses me for trying to get back to where he was after already having proven himself so many time; Marco possibly worse injuries(?) but on the way up in his career and with that extra motivation of wanting a chance to get to the absolute top.