The day when I start a race without intending to win it, I won't be able to look at myself in the mirror.
Eddy MerckxRead
I was a more aggressive rider than Armstrong. I would attack more often. He waits for the other guys, then counter-attacks.
Interpretation
Eddy Merckx compares his aggressive riding style to that of Lance Armstrong, highlighting a more proactive approach to competition.
In this quote, Eddy Merckx reflects on his cycling style, emphasizing that he prefers to take the initiative in races by attacking frequently, rather than waiting for competitors to make their moves. This distinction underscores a philosophy of assertiveness in sports, where taking risks and being the first to act can lead to greater success.
In practice
In a motivational speech to young athletes about the importance of being proactive in their sports.
The day when I start a race without intending to win it, I won't be able to look at myself in the mirror.
You had to be strong in the head... training, training and training. That is the only way, even if you have big talent.
It's not like at university where you graduate. Every cyclist must start again. At the end of the season you know if you are good or not.
Cycling is a sport of the people. How many people in the world have never been on a bike? Not many.
I do not want to continue cycling until I am 35. I want to make something else out of my life, too. There are other things besides a bike and racing.
I have decided to give up competition. I cannot train properly for the Tour de France which I had hoped to ride for the last time as apotheosis to my career. Doctors are forbidding me to ride anymore in high level competition and I bow to them.
Football is a game of mistakes. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes wins.
The only thing 'championship' about Wimbledon is its prestige.
I hated the Yankees and Dodgers and wound up managing both.
I came up in 1941 and I played against men who played in the 1930s. I stayed until 1963 playing against men who will be playing in the 1970s. So I think I can feel qualified to say that baseball really was a great game, and baseball is really a great game, and baseball will always be a great game.
The game of basketball has been everything to me. My place of refuge, place I've always gone where I needed comfort and peace. It's been the site of intense pain and the most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction. It's a relationship that has evolved over time, given me the greatest respect and love for the game.
There's a pride in representing your country on a stage like the sport of wrestling, which I've done since I was five years old. There's nothing that can deter me other than my own decision to leave the sport.
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