Cycling is a cruel sport. Most of the time, only winning matters. That might be different things, that could be a stage win, or a GC win, or a result in a minor classification, but it is the winning that counts. Of course, podium finishes do matter, as do significant placings, and UCI points are increasingly important, but it is so often about the win, especially at the highest level of the sport. You will hear the refrain “second place won’t matter to them” when commentators are talking about certain riders, because it’s true.
It is, ostensibly, a team sport, but there remains only one winner. Compare it to other team sports, from football to cricket, and there are so many more opportunities to perform, to show your worth. To the fan, to the scout looking at the stats, to the commentator, only first will do.
