This topic isn't restricted to cyclists by the way.
The sports people I admire most :
Steve Redgrave (British rower) : to win five consective gold medals in five consecutive Olympics is simply phenomenal in such a tough sport.
Donald Bradman (Australia, cricketer) : one word - genius. Batting average in test cricket of 99.94. No more need be said.
Ed Moses (USA, runner) : 122 consecutive race wins.
Eddie Merckx (Belgium, cyclist) :
Sean Kelly (Ireland, cyclist).
Steve Ovett (British athlete) : fans were either in the Coe camp or Ovett camp. Both men were superb runners in the 1980's - when Britain dominated middle distance running : Ovett for me was the better runner.
Herb Elliot (Australia, athlete) unbeaten during his career as a middle distance runner. Superb ambassador for the sport.
Pete Sampras (USA, Tennis) : great tennis player, great character.
Jack Nicklaus (USA, Golf) : Peerless.
Marvin Hagler (USA, Boxing) : for me at least the greatest boxer. Robbed of his title following agreat fight with Sugar Ray Leonard - Hagler had the best of both attrinutes aggression and skill.
Tefilio Stevenson (Cuba, Boxing) : legendary amateur/Olympic champion : could have gone professional and made literally millions - he stayed true to his
beliefs. Got to admire him for his principles alone.
Graeme Obree (Scotland, cyclist) : did it his way and came out on top.
Paolo Maldini (Italy, football) : class, ability, modesty : great player, great man.
Graham Mourie (New Zealand, rugby) : for me the best flank forward ever.
Intelligent, shrewd, and tactically a rugby genius.
First NZ captain to lead NZ to the Grand Slam - beating two of the greatest sides ever in the process (Wales 1977/78, France 1977/78).
Gareth Edwards (Wales, rugby) : the best rugby player ever in my opinion.
Had it all speed, good hands and tough as nails.
The fulcrum of the Wales side of the 1970's : irreplaceable.