hansreybookWho is the greatest mountain biker of all time? Tomac? Lopes? Peaty? Vouilloz? Overend? Chausson?

While all of these candidates have the qualifications and qualities to take the position, I believe considering only these nominees demonstrates a narrow assumption of what constitutes “great”.

My nomination for the greatest mountain biker ever is Hans Rey.

Let’s consider a few things.

He has won the UCI World Champion title three times, won 15 national titles in three countries, before retiring from competition in 1997. Yet, he still remains relevant long after this phase of his career. Tomac retired and became a Moto Dad, Lopes would race unicycles if the UCI made a World Championship for it, and Vouilloz, Chausson and Peaty, well, they just won’t back down.

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