The rouleur holds a special place in the heart of cycling fans – from audacious attacks to brave solo efforts and rides fueled by pure grit.

But in a season which saw one of the sport’s most famous hard men, Jens Voigt, retire from the professional saddle, who will follow in his legendary wheel tracks?

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Whose awe-inspiring efforts stood out in a season full of memorable attacks? In part three of our Year in Review – having already brought you our five best sprinters and five best climbers – we’ve picked out the five best rouleurs.

See who made our quintet over the following pages – or make your own nomination in the comments section below.