No compilation of bike throws can leave out David Millar launching his bike over the hills and far away at the 2008 Giro d’Italia.

Just as the Scot dropped the hammer on the run-in to Contursi Terme, in a bid accelerate away from his four breakaway companions with less than a kilometre to race, his chain snapped, nearly impaling Millar on his top tube.

With his chance of victory gone, Millar – who was bidding to become the first Brit since namesake Robert to win a stage in all three Grand Tours – ensured his defeat became more memorable than any victory.

Millar dismounted, picked up his bike and hurled it over the barriers in one anger-fuelled movement, before turning his back on the discarded machine in disgust. Nobody could accuse Millar of a lack of passion or desire.