What Is A General Classification Rider - How Does A Cyclist Win The Tour De France?
What does a pro cyclist need to win the Tour de France? Daniel Lloyd explains what characteristics a general classification rider has.
Follow GCN on YouTube: http://gcn.eu/gcnsubs
A general classification rider is a pro cyclist who competes for the biggest prizes in cycling. Each year, the general classification specialists take the biggest wins in the sport at the Grand Tours and are usually contenders at the World Championships and hillier one-day races too.
But, what makes a true Grand Tour contender? All must be good at both climbing and time trialling. Those who are weaker time triallists must rely on extraordinary climbing ability, whereas those who are stronger at time trialling can chose to maintain and hold their own once the race turns to the mountains. A general classification rider must also have incredible amounts of focus; arguably more so than any other pro cyclists. GC riders must maintain training focus all year round, and then have their mind focussed on the task at hand for an entire 3 week race. Any slip in focus can result in a loss of position in the bunch, and lost time overall. Nowadays, a strong GC rider also has a strong team around them. After Lance Armstrong and Discovery Channel bought other overall favourites to the team to work for the former 7-time Tour winner, other teams have followed suit, and it's not unusual to see riders who may have a claim to be an overall leader at another team working for a podium contender.
Who do you think is the greatest GC rider of all time? We think Chris Froome is in with a shout if this year is anything to go by.
Music: Les Sages - Amis: http://gcn.eu/165ifoy
Photos: © Bettiniphoto / http://www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / http://www.tdwsport.com
About GCN:
The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic summit of the Stelvio to the epic trails of Fort William, Scotland, everywhere there is pavé or dirt, world-class racing, and pro riders, we will be there bringing you all the action, essential analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year.
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling
Youtube Channel - http://gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook - http://gcn.eu/gcnFb
Google+ - http://gcn.eu/gcnGPlus
Twitter - http://gcn.eu/gcnTW
Leave us a comment below!
Music - licensed by Cue Songs
More GCN videos
What To Wear When Cycling
Do you need cycling-specific clothing? While regular clothes work fine, cycling-specific gear really steps up your comfort and performance. Join Hank and Manon as they take you through the must-have kit in every cyclist's wardrobe!
How To Handle Traffic When Cycling
If you’re new to cycling, heading out onto busy, open roads can feel a little daunting, but we're here to help! In this video, Manon shares her top cycling tips that will help you handle traffic and improve your confidence navigating the roads!
Is A Cyclist's Body A Healthy Body? | GCN Show Ep. 589
Cyclists are known for their lean physiques. To some outsiders, they might appear "skinny" and "weak", and while we know that this isn’t the case, Dan & Si still tackle the debate head-on! In this week's show they dive into whether a cyclist's physique is truly the pinnacle of fitness ...or not!
We Bought Used Bikes For Under £2000 | Which Was Best?
If you were given £2,000 to buy any bike you want, what would you do? Here at GCN, we'd almost certainly go for a used bike.
Subscribe to the GCN Newsletter
Get the latest, most entertaining and best informed news, reviews, challenges, insights, analysis, competitions and offers - straight to your inbox