Vinokourov Triumphs on Champs-Elysees

Doping aside (or the dark times as he calls them) Alexandre Vinokourov was for me one of the most motivational riders in peloton during the dark, rampant doping era. His knack for attacking and his never say die attitude was bound to keep you on your seat for any race he was involved in. It didn't matter if it was flat, downhill or uphill, if he thought he had a shot at winning or sparking the race up he would give it a crack. He was never the best climber, sprinter/flat rider or time trialist in the peloton, he knew if he was going to win he had to outsmart his oponents rather than on ability alone.

The year was 2005 and it was the final stage in the tour - the Champs Elysees, or "The Sprinters World Champs" as it is also known as, because it's traditionally won by a pure sprinter. Vino was trailing Levi Leiphemer by 2 seconds going in to the final stage, sitting in 6th place and there was a time bonus and sprint points up for grabs along the way. The weather was atrocious, this didnt stop vino going on attack though.  He won the first sprint much to the dismay of Leiphemer's Gerolsteiner Teammates. The peloton made their way on to the final laps of the concords of Paris. The riders made their usual dainty attacks for their sponsors for TV time, lurking in the shadows of the bunch was Vinokourov ready to pounce.

Little did he know though, the time bonuses had been officially cancelled by the commisaires, possibly because Vino preferred to race without a radio and go on feel alone. Vino jumped away from the peloton and was working with the likes of Bradley McGee riding for Fdj.com team, and Fabian Cancellara, both strong flat riders, with Bradley having won the prologue in 2003 and Fabian in 2004. Fabian ended up getting dropped and Brad led Vino into the final sweeping corner. Vino opened up his sprint and crossed the line in 1st, proudly showing off his Kazakh national champions jersey. McGee came in a close second and Fabian third.

Weirdly enough, Vinokourov ended up being awarded the bonus seconds for his win afterall and dethroned Levi for a 5th place finish.

Watch the video below, im sure you will enjoy it. Any young ones or new racers out there reading this, race to the line and never give up even if it seems out of reach, Vino is proof of this!