Tadej Pogacar, eddy Merckx alejandro valverde

The 15 Greatest Cyclists of All Time – Ranked

July 25, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Cycling has seen countless legends over the decades—riders who pushed the limits of endurance, strategy, and courage. From cobblestone warriors to Grand Tour dynamos, the sport’s history is filled with iconic names who shaped generations of fans and competitors alike.

This list ranks the 15 greatest cyclists of all time, not only by their wins and statistics, but also by the legacy they left behind. We start at number 15 and count down to the one name that towers above them all.

15. Laurent Jalabert (France)

Laurent Jalabert was one of the most versatile French riders of his generation. Starting out as a sprinter, he later evolved into a top-tier climber and time trialist. He won the Vuelta a España, the green and polka-dot jerseys in the Tour de France, and multiple classics.

14. Fausto Coppi (Italy)

Known as "Il Campionissimo", Fausto Coppi was a legend of post-war cycling. He won the Giro d’Italia five times and the Tour de France twice. Coppi revolutionized training, nutrition, and strategy, becoming a symbol of Italian resilience.

13. Rik Van Looy (Belgium)

Nicknamed "The Emperor of Herentals", Rik Van Looy dominated the classics. He was the first rider to win all five Monuments and claimed 37 Grand Tour stage victories. A true powerhouse with a killer sprint and iron will.

12. Bernard Hinault (France)

Hinault, the last Frenchman to win the Tour de France, did so five times. He also conquered the Giro d’Italia three times and the Vuelta twice. Aggressive and uncompromising, he was feared in the peloton for his strength and strategy.

11. Jacques Anquetil (France)

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Jacques Anquetil was the first rider to win the Tour de France five times. A master of time trials, his smooth pedaling and cold-blooded tactics made him almost unbeatable against the clock. He also won the Giro and Vuelta.

10. Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia)

Still in the prime of his career, Tadej Pogačar has already won two Tour de France titles and several Monuments. With explosive climbing, attacking flair, and incredible race intelligence, he’s redefining modern stage racing.

9. Felice Gimondi (Italy)

Felice Gimondi was one of the few riders to win all three Grand Tours. Known for his elegant riding style, he won the Tour, Giro, and Vuelta in a golden era dominated by Merckx. A complete rider with grit and grace.

8. Roger De Vlaeminck (Belgium)

One of the best classics specialists ever, Roger De Vlaeminck won Paris–Roubaix four times and claimed victories in nearly every major one-day race. Known for his toughness and bad-weather prowess, he was nearly unbeatable on cobblestones.

7. Raymond Poulidor (France)

Affectionately known as "The Eternal Second", Poulidor never wore the yellow jersey but became a national icon. He finished on the Tour podium eight times and won numerous races. His popularity endured beyond his results.

6. Joop Zoetemelk (Netherlands)

Zoetemelk was one of the most consistent riders in history. He won the Tour de France in 1980 and the Vuelta in 1979. He finished the Tour 16 times — all successfully — and capped his career with Olympic gold in 1985.

5. Francesco Moser (Italy)

Moser was a powerful rider who excelled in the classics and time trials. He won the Giro d’Italia, three editions of Paris–Roubaix, and set a new hour record in 1984. His strength and charisma made him an Italian icon.

4. Gino Bartali (Italy)

A Tour and Giro winner before and after WWII, Bartali was also a wartime hero. He used his training rides to secretly transport documents for the resistance. His 1948 Tour win is considered one of the most important in history.

3. Sean Kelly (Ireland)

One of the most complete cyclists ever, Sean Kelly dominated the 1980s. He won the Vuelta, four Paris–Nice titles, and nine Monument classics. Known for his grit and consistency, he excelled from sprints to climbs.

2. Alejandro Valverde (Spain)

Valverde’s longevity is unmatched, with a career spanning over two decades. He won the Vuelta, four editions of Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and a World Championship. His explosive finish and race intuition made him a perennial contender.

1. Eddy Merckx (Belgium)

No one comes close to Eddy Merckx in terms of dominance. With 11 Grand Tour victories, 3 World Championships, and 525 total wins, "The Cannibal" devoured everything in his path. He remains the gold standard in cycling greatness.