Fabian Cancellara
Spartacus would be a welcome guest at the dinner table of any cyclist, we’d venture to say. Who better to find on the other side of the front door on Christmas morning (certainly not great aunty Mabel)? As an added bonus, conversation is likely to be conducted in glorious Fabian-ese.
The Swiss star will have much to talk about, having enjoyed a campaign in 2013 that must rank as successful even by his elevated standards. After coming within inches of a second Milan-San Remo victory, Cancellara went up a gear to claim victories at E3 Harelbeke, and to complete the Ronde–Roubaix double for the second time in his career.
When the conversation turns to 2014, things may becomce more interesting still. Spartacus will attempt the world hour record, an event that suits world time trial champions (see Boardman, C). The event, once on a par with the Grand Tours and Monument Classics, has fallen from the spotlight in recent years, but an attempt from a rider of Cancellara’s standing will thrust it back to the top of the agenda. Reigning world time trial champion, Tony Martin, has expressed an interest, and a certain former Tour de France winner and multiple Olympic champion may be seeking a new challenge. Perhaps you could sound out Fabian on Wiggo’s prospects as the sherry is poured?
