Tour Tidbit du Jour - 7/13/2011

Nicknames in the peloton either have their origins from the race commentary, from teammates, or a combination of both before they stick. Bernard Hinault, 5 time winner of the Tour, was known as "The Badger" for his strong-headed style, but was also known as "Le Patron," for being able to control the bunch during the course of a stage. Lance Armstrong became known as "The Boss," a call-back to Hinault's dominance over the peloton, as he and his teams so clearly dominated during his 7 consecutive victories. These days, the flamboyant stage winners and fast sprinters are the ones with nicknames, notably Mark "The Manx Missile" Cavendish for being the acclaimed fastest man in the last 200 meters, Andre "The Gorilla" Greipel for his size and strength, and Fabian "Spartacus" Cancellara for being gladiator-like in his competitive attitude. Interestingly enough, American sprinter Tyler Farrar, does not have a nickname because he is "too polite," and is known simply as Ty.