Rider Nicknames
by bethie on May 19, 2008 2:00 PM EDT
119 comments
Cycling is chock full of nicknames for riders, even if they have one sometimes someone here at the Café will coin a new one. One of the earliest ones from here that I remember is "evil Cricket" for Paolo Bettini who is fondly known in Italy as il Grillo, or the Cricket.
Alberto Contador became "The Accountant" because of a babelfish translation of a news story that contained his name, (I think.)
Tony Montana, aka Fabian Cancellara is almost self explanatory. Then he became Spartacus to his fan base, and was even rumored to have that name on his bike helmet.
My husband and I call Tyler Hamilton "The Muppet" because of his riding style.
Someone here at the Café coined the nickname "Bubble Boy" for Tommy Danielson, that gave me a good laugh. Another one I saw here the other day was "Mr. Excitement" for Levi Leipheimer.
When I was putting together my VDS team for this year I was reading rider profiles on Wikipedia (I was surprised at how many riders actually have a Wikipedia page) and saw that Heinrich Haussler's nickname is "Beans." Made me think I would not like to be riding behind him in the Peloton.
You can post your favorite rider nickname in this thread, or ask about why a rider has a particular nickname. Someone may know the answer.
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Cunego
He’s been through 2 nicknames so far, but I’ve always wanted to call him “Thunderthighs.”
by Softie on May 19, 2008 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
'Van der Flecha' or 'Jan Anton Pijl'
Best nickname ever.
I’ve read ‘The Accountant’
by King of Doping on May 19, 2008 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
'The Accountant'
crazy ‘nickname’, who began with it?
by King of Doping on May 19, 2008 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As Bethie correctly remembered above
Someone on the PdC started it after reading the autotranslation of the homepage of one of the spanish regional tours (Castilla y León I think) last spring. It was the Accountant (Contador) and Windy (Ventoso) who figured prominently.
by Jens on May 19, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least Windy sounds better
thanks for the info!
by King of Doping on May 19, 2008 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't Flecha's name more likely be
Jan Anton Van der Pijl? Otherwise we would just be adding some Dutch/Flemish to his Spanish name? But, I digress. I like bubble boy, it seems to be one that fits the best. I don’t like the ones that all the Eye-tie riders seem to have, as if to increase the drama, like: Ale-jet, The Cricket, The Little Prince, The Cobra (dumbest nickname ever!!!!). Ricco looks like a kid, not a cobra, LOL. Other than that, Spartacus/Tony Montana are good ones.
If I just had one more gear, I...
by SpunOut on May 19, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The french have good ones too
but kind of silly, like Ja Ja for Laurent Jalabert.
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring. –Desmond Tutu
by bethie on May 19, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
looks like nobody likes Ricco or his nicknames
the funny thing is that the italians call him ‘il cobra di Formigine’ which sounds even funnier…
by King of Doping on May 19, 2008 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is he from a bad new wave band?
That’s the picture I have in my mind, a bad new wave band from the ‘80s!
If I just had one more gear, I...
by SpunOut on May 19, 2008 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flock of Seagulls - niiiiiiiiiiiiiice
"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
by Drew... on May 19, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you.
I now have that damn song stuck in my head. Thanks bunches.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on May 19, 2008 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
more appropriate ricco nicknames
The ‘tantrum thrower’ or The Poodle.
"Race radios in Cat 4?"
by gravel road on May 19, 2008 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
one of my favorite
rider and nickname
by semprenaroda on May 19, 2008 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
conta
that’s one he’s known by …. tho still mostly alberto…...
by umwolverine on May 19, 2008 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dang hierarchical....
i always get my posts in the wrong spots….
by umwolverine on May 19, 2008 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Il Falco
Just wait until the mountains start. Then we’ll see some descending.
"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
by Drew... on May 19, 2008 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Right, I love that one
it’s very expressive of his ability.
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring. –Desmond Tutu
by bethie on May 19, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Much like
The Cannibal fit Eddy so well, as did the Badger for Hinault.
To me those two are perfect nicknames to describe the riding styles of their bearers.
"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
by Drew... on May 19, 2008 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And who could forget
The Handsomest Man in the Peleton 
"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
by Drew... on May 19, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nope
I’m the guy in the back with pink bandana
by Jimbo... on May 19, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A moustache like that requires a mullett...
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tin Tin for Rebellin...
... has to be about the worst one out there. Unless that guy comic books under the Herges pen name or something and I just don’t know about it.
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Si - could never figure that one out
If only there was a rider who looked like Captain Haddock…............
"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
by Drew... on May 19, 2008 3:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Does \o/ count as a nickname?
I chuckle every damn time I see that.
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 4:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Prince
can change his name to a symbol then Hoste should be able to as well.
by australopithecine on May 19, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone know
What’s Piepoli’s nickname? Does he even have one? If not, any ideas?
If I just had one more gear, I...
by SpunOut on May 19, 2008 4:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well... that certainly puts a different spin...
... on it doesn’t it. And all this time I thought it was just because he could jump fast off the front. Who knew…
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I get it
looks like il grillo, only smaller.
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring. –Desmond Tutu
by bethie on May 19, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Almost related
have you seen the new m&m commercial where they are in the freezer? And his M is clearly smaller when they climb out. And the other one says you have to allow for shrinkage? Okay, nevermind maybe. Maybe it was so damn funny because I saw it during yesterdays thrilling stage.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on May 19, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm too subtle
Thanks Monty, for that link.
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring. –Desmond Tutu
by bethie on May 19, 2008 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I officially nominate /o\ as Emmanuelle Sella's nickname...
although every time I see that name I think of this...
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cozza
The ‘Mustached Maurader’
Right?
by EuroPeloton on May 19, 2008 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cozza and Lawrence - separated at birth?
"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
by Drew... on May 19, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
That's even funnier with all the office space jokes going on with them right now!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on May 19, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Laurent Fignon, the professor
My fave!
If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when are you going to have time to do it again?
by CannonDowell on May 19, 2008 4:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Looks more like Andy Warhol...
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad
he wasn’t actually all that bright.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on May 19, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
he got the nickname because
a) he’d actually been to an institute of higher learning for a year;
and
b) he liked to read Stephen King novels during stage races.
I think Sherwen was one of the few pros of that era (and Theo de Rooij) to have a college education to rely on.
by R Mc on May 19, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pellizotti is either
“The Dolphin”, or “Jennifer Grey”
Save Ferris!
by Jimbo... on May 19, 2008 4:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"Jennifer Grey" makes me laugh
every time.
by NE Observer on May 19, 2008 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Patxi is already a nickname.
But someone had recently suggested Patchy as the new spelling.
Phil Ligget always calls McEwen the “Scarlet Pimpernel”. (?)
” il Killer” needs no other name to be identified.
Tommeke aka Tornado TomThe Green Hornet (valv. piti)Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx
by flying dog on May 19, 2008 4:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Balaverde
I thought Valv.piti was the Green Bullet.
by Softie on May 19, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is
"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
by Drew... on May 19, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was I wrong (as usual) or is he both?
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx
by flying dog on May 19, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On his return
Can we call Basso Birillo?
by rocketpress on May 19, 2008 4:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Formerly known as
The Smilin’ Assassin.
(Probably his agent’s effort.)
by NE Observer on May 19, 2008 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ivan Dominquez = The Cuban Missile
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 4:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Where's Nikki?
I’d feel like I was stealing from her if I mentioned Michael Friedman’s nickname.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx
by flying dog on May 19, 2008 4:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You are so sweet waiting for me!
Mike is Meatball of course! Will is Big Willie and my favorite when emailing is that Frishkorn kicks out as Firstborn. I laugh everytime. They both have a couple others but these two might be the most heard.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on May 19, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How does Bob Roll not have a nickname??!?!??
He’s referred to himself as “The Everlovin’ Blobstack” which is linguistic wizardry if I’ve ever heard it. The man is… without a doubt, my cycling hero.
Which brings me to some of Mr. Rolls nicknames for the fans…
Shloogs = a drunken cycling fan
Schmengies = a drunk Basque cycling fan
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 5:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Isn't Bob Roll's nickname Bobke?
I thought it was.
If I just had one more gear, I...
by SpunOut on May 19, 2008 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah... I suppose...
Not really THAT much of a nickname… like calling me Danny instead of Dan.
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fave
A little obvious, but il killer di Spoltore (DiLuca) gets its point across.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on May 19, 2008 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Very boring
http://www.abruzzo2000.com/abruzzo/pescara/spoltore.htm
Italians are hot on their home village. The RAI commentators were talking about someone, I forget who, last week, and they mentioned that he was from town X. Then they corrected that and added thhat he was only born in the hospital there, and he was really from little village Y.
by Monty. on May 19, 2008 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously though
What’s with all of the big Italian riders and their nicknames? The “Killer”? There’s a little TOO much drama in that one! I could maybe understand “The Cannibal”, because he is Eddy Merckx afterall, but DiLuca is no Eddy Merckx.
If I just had one more gear, I...
by SpunOut on May 19, 2008 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spend
a few minutes trying to comprehend the hysterical Italian sports media, and it all makes sense.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on May 19, 2008 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what chris said...
I love Italian cycling, but the nicks are almost without exception totally lame. Just sayin’
The Accountant kills me ever time. I love autotranslators the mostest. Sinking Joke is another that makes me laugh.
by gavia on May 19, 2008 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sinking Joke! Of course!
How could I forget! I hope he gets a team soon just so we can use it.
by ursula on May 19, 2008 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I seem to remember
Basso being called the Smiling Assassin at one point.
by Veloki on May 19, 2008 7:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hm
Liggett-isms don’t count.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on May 19, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it wasn't for Liggett-isms...
My VDS team WOULD have had Slava Ekimov and Joop Zoetemelk.
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 19, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
some others....
pinotti is also known as the professor
bennati – the shark
jj haedo – the argentine assassin; his brother … baby haedo
by umwolverine on May 19, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mr. 60%...
Drug-related nicknames are the best.
by ssmith on May 19, 2008 9:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hincapie is spanish for emphasize.
George “El Enfatico” Hincapie
Racing for Victory and Free Beer!
by DemonCats on May 19, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Personally loving Papa Georgio
especially with the baby due soon.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on May 19, 2008 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Der Kaiser (RIP)
Pocket Rocket. Tom Hanks (Dave Z’s name for Pozzatto, because of his tatoos—perhaps not in general circulation yet).
Digression: I’m watching the San Antonio-New Orleans game as I type. The etiquette of landing on top of people is interesting. You just get up and walk away, no eye contact. Or maybe that’s only if it’s photographers.
For extra points: Who in the world s Bow Wow? Seems as if he’s pointed out among the celebrities at every NO game.
by NE Observer on May 19, 2008 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
a 12-13 year old hip hop dude who made it big a few years ago and
is therefore now a few years older than 12-13.
by Cyclingrush on May 19, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The age difference can be noted...
... in that the moniker of said gentleman, Bow Wow, has been changed. He was, until recently “Lil’ Bow Wow”. Certainly, in his canon of work, you would remember the seminal Like Mike. His main rival is Lil’ Romeo and they have been rhythmically assaulting each other. From Wikipedia (font of all useless knowledge):
In 2005, Bow Wow dissed Lil Romeo on “Fresh Azimiz” with the lines “I’m 18, but I make mo than yo dad, see”. Lil Romeo released a song, “U Can’t Shine Like Me” in response.
In the same entry it goes on to note that “he has had beef with Yung Berg” as well. Now, I take this to mean “aggressive disagreement” and not “they shared a Chateaubriand”.
A rivalry of truly epic proportions no doubt.
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 20, 2008 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
New Nickname for Sastre
How about The Tailor? That’s what his last name means in Spanish.
by Chilltown on May 19, 2008 10:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sastre is El Chupete
(chupete= baby pacifier)
by Jens on May 20, 2008 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Benna? Pippo? Ete?
Or are those disqualified because they are real nicknames.
by NE Observer on May 19, 2008 11:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pantani = il Pirate
I liked his signature bandannas.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx
by flying dog on May 20, 2008 7:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chechu needs no explanation or does it?.
I’m not familiar with the origin of the actual name but know he got it at Postal from LA.
And another one many of us learned during his years with Postal. The Spanish Cookie Monster, Triki Beltran.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx
by flying dog on May 20, 2008 7:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Actually, and it's kind of sick that I know this, but Chechu's nickname
was given to him by his mother when he was a child. She named him after a favourite character from a daily telenovela, or Spanish soap opera. Everyone has always called him that.
I like Ego for Ricco. It’s short, and to the point. Kinda like him.
And I’m from WI, so anything with the word “cheese” in it is a good thing, not a bad thing. :-)
It's hard to be nostalgic when you can't remember anything. - Steve Allen
by Ruthann on May 20, 2008 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I concur with Ruthann.
Cheese is not a negative. :-)
Ruthann – what area-ish?
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on May 20, 2008 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RICCO
He’s waaaaay too cocky. I think I’m gonna go with Cheese Snake.
by itswells on May 20, 2008 7:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LMAOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
============= Daniel
by crashdan on May 20, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OMG!
We could totally have the peep sword fight war! My mom almost had a heartattack when my older brother and I did that one year at Easter. The best is taking a yellow peep chick and have it going against a pink peep bunny! Funny funny stuff! (I am really easliy amused, sorry!)
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on May 20, 2008 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The best way to get a sister upset on Easter Morn
is to bite the heads off of all the little marshmallow peeps that are in your sister’s Easter Basket.
Not that I ever did such a thing. Really.
Also, it is never a good idea to show your sensitive three year old son the way to eat the head of a hollow chocolate easter basket baby sheep, unless you want to hear “DON’T EAT WOWWYE YAMB.” (woolly lamb) over and over in your dreams for years.
Not that I ever did such a thing. Really.
Say, isn’t this a bike thread? Sorry, carry on. But quit posting marshmallow peep pictures, sheesh, they are creeping me out and making me remember things.
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring. –Desmond Tutu
by bethie on May 20, 2008 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some of the domestic guys....
TBird is Burke Swindlehurst
Micro for Mike Lange
El Gato for Jonny Sundt
The Baj for Andy Bajadali (yeah not that original)
Thor or Zirbeast for Tom Zirbel but I prefer using Zirbelicious :)
you already have Th Cuban Missile for Ivan Dominguez, who by the way had his first baby, a boy.
And of course,
Wicknasty or just plain nasty for Barry Wicks
Treefarm for Ryan Trebon
Speaking ot Trebon, he was having a blast at Mt Hood, attacking and getting into breaks. He told me that it was a fun training race for him, getting ready for the upcoming cross season. He took a lot of time off the bike after his injury and now is back to full time training. He said that getting fit for cross took a long time. Another really nice guy, and taller than me – yeah!
by lyne on May 20, 2008 2:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bryce Mead
at Jelly Belly is The Bird.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on May 22, 2008 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was very interested to see Trebon in one of your pictures
Is he taking a season off the mt bike in order to better heal his back, or is he mixing in road and off road in preparation for cross? Do tell.
"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
by Drew... on May 20, 2008 3:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mixing it up, focus on cross
Trebon enjoys putting the hurt on in road races.
When I talked to him the morning of the Cooper Spur road race, he said that was just taking it easy, getting some training in. ha, that’s code word for ‘I’m going to attack’ and he got in the break.
He had a big smile at the end when I ran into him again.
by lyne on May 20, 2008 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ditto
I am so pulling for him to podium in Europe at a cross race. I love the fact that he wants to make his living (and name) in cross and he knows to do that he has to get kicked around Europe in order to have a shot. It takes balls and humility to do that.
"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
by Drew... on May 21, 2008 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Manuel "Triki" Beltran
named after his affinity for cookies.
by australopithecine on May 20, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bruseghin is called the donkey..
The storys teel he has a couple of donkey’s in the garden.. We have to hear that story always if we put the Dutch tv on and he is hitting the front.
by Frinking on May 21, 2008 7:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
T-bag
Not a nickname I would want, but one that Trent Lowe apparently has according to the newest Cyclesport. the same issue also contains a letter from a certain Nikki correcting the publication for a misprint about her beloved CVV. I knew when I read the headline of the letter that Nikki was the sender. Way to keep them honest.
by australopithecine on May 21, 2008 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Okay that's pretty funny.
And yep that would be me. That was at least the 2nd tour stat listing that was wrong I’d seen. I’m generally not too shy about dropping a note when I know something is wrong. I’ve written some letters to Versus as well and my best was probably after the craptastic one hour recap of the 3 week Vuelta they did. I’m not sure I can take claim to being his biggest fan but I certainly love the guy and completing 9/10 GT’s deserves some kudos. :-) With his birthday being tomorrow, I’m thinking he might be VeloNew’s rider of the day on their site tomorrow.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on May 21, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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