This photo of Phil Anderson’s genuine surprise at the gap between himself and the guy who won at losing reminds me of a story my dad tells of a crewmate from his boat at Laga. My dad was the stroke in a boatful of guys who went on to the compete in several World Championships and the Olympics, some of whom actually won medals there.
Two of the guys even became World Champion in the double one year, winning the race by a few boat lengths. During his post-race interview, one of the two was asked what the secret was to their dominating win. In all seriousness, he responded as follows:
For an important race like this, I’m a little surprised the other guys didn’t pull on the oars harder.
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Note: Phil didn't jettison his bidon prior to the sprint. A subtle way of saying, "Kept my bidon for the sprint. What would you expect? I'm Phil Anderson. I am pure awesomeness personified. I mean, look at my hair. Seriously."
There are times when your best is not enough to be considered your best.
Is it right to even celebrate when one wins by that much? He seems to be wondering if he should be elated or not. Also, does anyone else see hints of PhilGil in Anderson here? Not the hair, obviously, but the combination of face and utter dominance?
I guess the point being that it's better to lose with no doubt that you gave it your all than to have doubts. Love that sentiment.
I think he's already done the celebrating. His arms are actually on the way down to the bars and he'll be looking forward in the next frame! Talking of frames - check the size of the oakley's in proportion to the head gear. Maybe its the mullet, but fuck it, V-power!!!!!
A win is a win by any amount. Hence, some kind of acknowledgment is necessary - if not for the rider himself, then for the crowd and the sponsor. Rolling over the line without and kind of sit up really cheats the sponsor of the pr they crave and pay for.
Most riders get so few wins in their careers, that a win is truly cause for celebration. I like Cuddles, but find his victory "salute" rather lame. I'm not expecting massive chest-thumping exuberance (or pretend gun-firing (Bettini), or arrow-shooting (Flecha), or giving whomever the vicky (Cav)), but frankly his "salute" is barely more than a glorified royal wave. Amongst current riders, Gilbert has a class salute - not too much, not too little, just right.
By the way, who's finishing 2nd to Big Phil in the picture? Look at he size of that frame with extended head tube!
Best of all, Phil's on a Zullo frame. No one nicer to get a steel frame from than Tiziano. Dodgy hat, tho
I love that he has just won the stage and all he wants to see is how much he just spanked those guys. I know for some riders to win by a second was enough but for those riders who wanted to really win, to dominate, to break their opponents there is a special place in my heart for them.
Interesting photo, no doubt.
Surprised, after so much preparation, so much pain, so much suffering, and to be PRO...and surprised is a real paradox. I suppose we all know where we rank, I for one am second to piss ant, but to be PRO at any level yeilds a 'chance' that one day your on. This was his day, and he is surprised, yet shouldn't be to such a degree as to 'not believe'. Don't look back man, your PRO afterall, nail it to the line, and never...never look back. Ride like you either stole it or they are taking you to jail.
@wiscot
That's Remig Stumpf of Toshiba. This was Anderson's stage 2 win into Liverpool in the 1989 Kellog's Tour of Britain.