A stunning display of acceleration or a daring, courageous break to keep the peloton at bay – attacks make icons of their instigators, with some entering cycling folklore almost instantly.
And 2013 saw another stunning array of attacks from some of the UCI WorldTour’s best riders, from seasoned rouleurs with a reputation for the lone assault to the have-a-go heroes desperate to make a name for themselves.
Be it tackling some of the most feared climbs in the sport alone, or seizing an opportunity with the finishing line in sight, it is hard not to support the lone escapee as they bid for glory.
We have rounded up ten of the best attacks during the 2013 UCI WorldTour season. Do you agree with our selections? Who would have made your final pick?