Cipo

Today is Super Mario's birthday. 38 years old. I can hear Redlight now commenting on the fact that Cipo was born the day AFTER him. No doubt that Cipo is one of the best ever to ride. Pressing 40 dude is still a menace on the ProTour.

What is curious is that Cipo is a crappy climber and terrible time trialist. He can sprint but nothing else. Seems that the Euro press forgets this fact when commenting on the Lion King's greatness. But when it comes to Big Tex, well, the Euro press likes to comment that he can't sprint.

It begs the question: Is it better to be a great sprinter, climber or time trialist? I can't think of a rider who was good at all three; even in the world of EPO.

Below is a brief version of Cipo palmares.


Mario Cipollini
Mario Cipollini (born March 22, 1967) is an Italian professional road cyclist most noted for his sprinting ability.

His major career highlights include winning the Elite Men's Road Race of the 2002 Road World Championships, and a total of 42 stages in the Giro d'Italia. Cipollini's 42nd Giro stage win in 2003 broke the previous record held by Alfredo Binda which had stood since 1933.

Reacting to Marco Pantani's death in 2004, Cipollini said, "I am devastated. It's a tragedy of enormous proportions for everyone involved in cycling. I'm lost for words."