Even before this Tour De France I believe a case could be made for him. But if he wins this one, I'm putting him on the top of my list!

Not in my opinion. I can't stand the guy. What he does is not the least bit interesting to me.

Maybe ONE on a list of many

Empress said:

I couldn't stand Jordan, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't list him as one of the greatest athletes of my generation. I also loathe tennis, but I can still respect the athletes.

jockeyb4u said:

I hear you, but for some reason this guy has always rubbed me the wrong way. Something about him just turns me off and his sport doesn't interest me at all.
I love many different sports, but this one does nothing for me.

If he's clean, he has to be considered in SOME circles, but I consider being athletically aided by a vehicle a different category than athletes that use their own bodies as the primary motion.

Empress said:

I've never really cared about the sport either, until Lance. I've always admired him and his story. Mainly because cancer runs in my family so I tend to support cancer related charities and his story just inspires me.

He definitely deserves a mention for his dominance in his sport, but there are certainly other contenders, like Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Jordan. Even Michael Phelps is looking to add himself after being dominant for the past 4 years.

Lance's achievements are remarkable, but I'd say they are only comparable to the other greats, not necessarily greater.

I saw an announcer try to say Koboyashi was the greatest athlete of our time

Riding a bike does NOT make u an athlete.
Neither does driving a car or playing golf.

Graycap23 said:

I agree with you on driving a car or playing golf but one has to be an athlete to just compete in the Tour De France!

jockeyb4u said:

?? Why ? Jordan had it all, nice personalyity,best overall player EVER, and no scandals, always nice nice nice ...




And lets not forget Magic Johnson and Dr.J

Graycap23 said:

You have got to be kidding me.

Graycap23 said:

I could see the argument against golf & auto racing, but cycling?

So is a runner not an athlete because they use shoes?

RudyIsBackForGood said:

I was a Lakers fan and that bastard stole their glory! But since his departure from the NBA I have learned to appreciate him more!

RudyIsBackForGood said:

I'd say this is debatable

NDRU said:

I did not stutter.....

No, a great athlete but not as you describe.

BTW at some of the comments on here, i would love to see some of the old wheezers on here actually try and ride a bike up the Pyrenees

RudyIsBackForGood said:

Really? Cheating on his wife and trying to pay off the extra-marital ho isn't a scandal, huh? Interesting.

Graycap23 said:

seriously, though, what about a runner? Are they athletes? and if so, what's the difference between running & cycling?

NDRU said:

They are doing an atletic feat but I define an athlete differently as I played sports 4 most of my life.

NDRU said:

There is no difference.

Graycap23 said:

They are doing an athletic feat but they are not athletes.

What are they then?

JustErin said:

I'm not going 2 argue the point. If u think riding a bike makes u an athlete, so be it. I don't.

Graycap23 said:

I've played just about ever sport I can think of. And being a former athlete, I can clearly see that cycling is an athletic sport!

Graycap23 said:

I'm not looking for you to argue. I just wanted to know what you consider them if they are not an athlete.

JustErin said:

No, in the case of comparison a runner and a cyclist, there is in fact a difference. The use of a vehicle in athletics is a lot easier on the body than the use of shoes. Shoes don't roll or propel. Wheels/crank-system roll and propel. Therefore, a runner uses more challenging means to "move" than a cyclist does.

JustErin said:

Engaged in an activity.

MuthaFunka said:

You do realize that cyclist aren't always going downhill?

jockeyb4u said:

How does that change the fact that they're using wheels/crank system? Does the bike transform to shoes when they go uphill?