Reader Nominated Riders for Campionissimo

Reader Comments: "The New Cannibal" Sean Kelly

Kevin D nominates Sean Kelly: (The most successful cyclist in Paris–Nice history was Sean Kelly from Ireland. He won seven consecutive titles (1982-1988).) The reason I nominated him is that he was the last racer who won in all seasons and raced every race he entered to win. He won grand tours, almost all the classics and almost won the tour. He was simply amazing. He got me hooked on cycling.

Irish Tommy M nominates Sean Kelly: I only really know Kelly as everyone else does - I never had any contact with him as a rider.....he was just way too good and just ahead of my era. He was a Cannibal though!!!

Softie from Podium Café nominates Sean Kelly: I was going to nominate Moser but Sean Kelly whomped him during the same time period, and Kelly was a more complete rider - he won a grand tour without a helicopter, for example. Looking over Kelly’s palmares, it’d be hard for any of the modern one-day specialists to compare with him: he won a bunch of monuments, a grand tour, and lots of short stage races.

Comment by R Mc from Podium Cafe: I think Kelly has to be in the list as well.  I thought I remembered a 4th in the Tour for him. Think about that - a road sprinter, green jersey guy missing the podium by one place… And for anyone to succeed riding one of those god-awful Vitus noodle frames in that horrendous position . . . oh, well.

Sean Kelly:

Great Men, Great Words:Sean Kelly
When asked recently who he would most like to meet....
“Greg LeMond..... and give him a good slap across the face”
[the old warrior is still mad at Greg for beating him in the final sprint for the 1989 World Championship!!]

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