Current favorite professional is ...

[BrumJim]

I could watch Romain Bardet descend all day long. OK, exaggerating a bit there, at least 10 minutes.

Geraint Thomas for his sense of humour at the end of a long day in the saddle.

 

[2IT]

Sylvain Chavanel and Geraint Thomas are both long-time favourites. Tireless workhorses for the team but also great racers in their own right. (Never been so keen on Voeckler cos he's a bit of a showpony by comparison, and a bit of a wasted talent - always felt he could have achieved more if he spent less time gurning for the camera.)

Current favourite is Taylor Phinney - a real gutsy racer with a big heart, and pretty cool off the bike too. Such a shame about his injury - could have been the new Cancellara but I worry he'll never be able to live up to his potential now. .

I'm really warming to Thibaut Pinot too, especially this season - he's starting to look like a real contender and if a bit of luck goes his way, could even be the next French Tour winner.

Luke Rowe is another who is starting to look like a rider of real quality - he's clearly from the same mould as Thomas and could yet develop into a serious force in the classics.

And not forgetting Stannard... In fact, there are loads of riders I could name who I admire and enjoy watching but I'd be here all day...

Wholeheartedly agree with your appreciation of Taylor Phinney.

What strikes me is not a mention of Chris Froome from what I see.

Why?

 

[cisamcgu]

Even allowing for all his faults, and there were many, the rider who most excited me was Pantani. He rode the climbs like a god at times...but, if it has to be a current professional, then I would go for .....err.....none really...

 

[400bhp]

What strikes me is not a mention of Chris Froome from what I see.

Why?

We're British and he wins sh_it. It's just not cricket.

 

[2IT]

We're British and he wins sh_it. It's just not cricket.

Did not know this. So even though he rides for Sky, he's an outsider.

How are the Australian pros?

 

[Firestorm]

Lizzie and Geraint on the road, although I also have a soft spot for Nicholas Roche and Dowsett 'cos he's an Essex lad
Laura and Jason Kenny on the track.

Historically , Robert Millar, Steven Roche, Beryl Tom Simpson and from the national Scene Nim Carline and Pete Reeves.
My all time hero , though, was my Dad

 

[OskarTennisChampion]

Was and still is Ned Overend.
First XC World Champion and currently the USA Fat Bike Champion.
A legend

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Dan Martin for being Irish via Birmingham

 

[Flying_Monkey]

What strikes me is not a mention of Chris Froome from what I see.

He's a very talented rider, but he's not very charismatic and he looks like a deranged spider when he rides a bike.

 

[400bhp]

Did not know this. So even though he rides for Sky, he's an outsider.

How are the Australian pros?

No, that wasn't my point. Brits stereotypically don't like winners.

 

[smutchin]

he looks like a deranged spider when he rides a bike.

What's the opposite of 'souplesse'?

 

[2IT]

No, that wasn't my point. Brits stereotypically don't like winners.

Then Brits have a love for losers??? Wasn't Wiggins knighted? The Brownlee brothers? The great British milers of all time.

This is news to me.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

None of them the whole thing is an utter joke.

Sounds like you might be happier posting in a different part of the forum if that is your opinion.

 

[2IT]

No, that wasn't my point. Brits stereotypically don't like winners.

Have given this some more thought. In the US there seems to be two opposing feelings about winners/winning.

We like the underdog winning.
We jump on the bandwagon and enjoy winners.
We are a happy people

 

[OskarTennisChampion]

Then Brits have a love for losers??? Wasn't Wiggins knighted? The Brownlee brothers? The great British milers of all time.

This is news to me.

Anyone other than Military Personnel being knighted is an utter joke IMO.
But no doubt these guys are brilliant in their sport.
And should be rewarded in some way,but not knighted.
Sir Bradley ?
Give me a break.