Sunday was a victorious day for Italy, as an Italian racer won the 2014 Tour de France for the first time in 16 years.
Vincenzo Nibali, 29, a Sicilian who proclaimed himself "a flag bearer of anti-doping," according to Time, gained a clearer chance of winning this year's competition after race favorites Alberto Contador and Chris Froome crashed out before completing the course.
"Nibali also won four stages, a feat not equaled by a Tour winner since Lance Armstrong won five a decade ago. He wore the yellow jersey for all but two stages since Stage 1," the news source noted. "Astana team leader Nibali is only the sixth rider to win all three Grand Tours - France, Italy and Spain. The last Italian to win the Tour de France was Marco Pantani in 1998."
"Now that I find myself on the highest step on the Champs-Elysees podium, it's more beautiful than I ever imagined. I've never been this moved in all my life," Nibali said, as reported by USA Today.
How did the father-of-one reach this pinnacle in his racing career? Let's take stock of the top 3 highlights of the racer's Tour de France performance.
Seconds Count
Nibali led by 7 minutes and 52 seconds, which is "the largest since Jan Ullrich of Germany beat second-placed Richard Virenque by just over 9 minutes in 1997," according to Time. This wide margin have triggered doubts and speculations of doping, which the rider dismisses with confidence.
"I'm very clear about myself. If I have a seven-minute lead it's not because of a great performance on one day, it's because of seconds I've collected here or there," Nibali was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
Excellent Cobblestone Ride - with a Little Help from a Teammate
"Vincenzo Nibali's triumphant ride to Paris began on unfamiliar terrain - the cobblestones," The Sydney Morning Herald pointed out. "Nibali calmly rode through the mayhem to seize control of the race and never looked in danger of relinquishing his hold."
The Italian rider also recognized the importance of the cobblestone stage "for the overall victory."
"I was nervous about that day although I knew I could do something great. My sports director said go out and enjoy it and I said what is there to enjoy, it's pouring with rain?!" he remarked. "But I rode calmly. I think my mountain bike experience helped on that day as I felt in control of my bike."
The Guardian noted that Nibali's excellent ride through northern France's cobbles was also due to teammate Lieuwe Westra's help. Together, they showed "a stunning piece of team tactics which might well have won him the Tour even if Alberto Contador and Chris Froome had remained in one piece."
Attack, Attack, Attack
He's not named "Lo Squalo" or "The Shark" for nothing. His nickname is due to his attacking style in riding, apparently fearless even in the face of steep courses. During the Tour, he justified being called the "Shark of Messina" by attacking the side of a Pyrenean peak last Thursday, leaving the rest of the pack eating his dust.
"He accelerated viciously as he took the lead on the Tour's last major climb, five miles from the finish," The Wall Street Journal also observed. He also showed this "incisive attack which won him the stage into Sheffield three weeks ago, and which he hopes will one day win him a major one-day race such as the Giro di Lombardia or World Championship."
What do you think of Nibali's victory?
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