Quick Five Free Kicks

Top five dead-ball goals

5. Keisuke Honda

4. Rivelino

3. Mikael Nilsson

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

1. Roberto Carlos

And in Ode to the retirement of one of the best dead ball specialists, a video of all David Beckham's free kicks

KT

Five From The Top Brit-Sit-Com's

This week’s post is five from the top Brit sit com's. A sit-com is defined as a comedy with reoccurring characters in a common environment.

My love for sit-com's spawns back to several times; starting when I used to spend with my Grandfather watching “Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em” and “On The Buses” on a Sunday afternoon. Then spending Thursday evenings with my father watching “Only Fools And Horses”, and watching “Two Pints Of Lager and a Packet Of Crisps” to ensure I had something to talk to everyone in school the following day about.

Brit-Sit-Com’s are usually aimed at the working class, allowing the mass majority of the UK to choose to tune into week after week. Whereas the American-Sit-Com is generally aimed at the middle to upper class, predominantly those with College education. Both, as always, have exceptions to the rules.

I feel Brit-Sit-Com’s offer a distinct light heartedness and, at the same time, a real true grit. There is something about them that every single person can find within the programme. Be it a character, a story line, the setting, the situation or even the background characters. There is something that allows a familiarity and creates a connection making you want to tune in week after week.

I, as I am sure many others, have grown up anxiously awaiting the next episode of one series while watching the ones my parents grew up with all in one go. Thanks to TV repeats, we are now allowed to tune into random episodes and series from past generations to ensure future generations can also grow up loving our past great comedies.

Like always I have restrictions, but this time there is only one restriction which is “They must have 2 series or more” only because I am narrowing it down from Sit-Com to Brit-Sit-Com as a category.

#5 - Some Mothers Do 'Av 'Em: http://youtu.be/lFLpwRMS00g

As in my previous blog I have already said this is a personal list and how better to start than the best Sunday afternoon comedy ever created.

Michael Crawford plays Frank Spencer a disaster-prone klutz who goes from job to job. No matter what he does, he always seems to do something wrong to get himself fired. The only thing he has going for him is his long-suffering wife Betty (played by Michele Dotrice).

The fascinating thing about this programme is that Crawford does all his own stunts. And none are more spectacular as the roller skating sketch, especially when you realise this guy is actually an unbelievably talented and balanced dancer, so to do what he did is even more enjoyable to watch.

I wouldn’t think there are many actors out there now willing to do what he did – not that the production company would allow their star asset to do something as risky as this – I just don’t think there are any comedy actors left that can carry the role Crawford perfected. His voice and demeanor suits his character, just as Sylvester Stallone suited Rocky.

If you enjoy slap stick comedy, I highly suggest watching Frank Spencer’s highlight moments.

#4 - Fawlty Towers: http://youtu.be/tcliR8kAbzc

If you have every worked in a job where customers demand satisfaction you can relate to this sit-com 100%. A high-strung man overwhelmed by every customer’s sheer stupidity. His rants are what we would love to be able to say if there were not repercussions.

Basil Fawlty, played by the brilliant and legendary John Cleese, is a man on the breaking point living on the verge of a complete meltdown. His short fuse and bluntness is a mirror of most people in the working class who deal with the middle and upper class of society.

As well as the educated rants that Basil let’s off, there is a slapstick relationship between Basil and Manuel (played by the fabulous Andrew Sachs) which gives a different comedy release. Instead of just the Basil way of comedy, it gives the basic Neanderthal comedy that everyone can relate to. In addition, Sybil (played by the charismatic Prunella Scales) allows all women to have an attachment to the programme.

Prior to this there are not many, if at all any, comedy’s or drama’s in the UK where women are in charge. Even though Basil goes around claiming he is the owner it is obvious from the get-go of episode one that Sybil is defiantly the one in control of the facility.

Every reoccurring character that interacts with Basil adds to the story and fuel’s the comedy. When people say “they don’t make them like they used to” there was never a better sit-com this could apply to. A privately owned B&B/hotel just scraping by, with a man at the helm but a woman in control. With the slapstick comedy and insulting humour Cleese and Co. give to the screen it feels more like a family than a work place. There really will never be nothing like this ever again. It really is a shame they only did two series, however is there nothing better than going out on the top of your game?

#3 - The Royle Family: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1iYKzXdPfs&feature=share&list=RD028KdtgoSCXpU  

“A working class family sat around in a living room watching TV” – probably the most boring concept for a TV show let alone a Sit-Com. However, somehow this does work.

Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston undoubtedly have the best on screen chemistry in BBC history. The whole family has one of the best-created casts that Brit-Sit-Com has ever seen. Jim Royle, is portrayed by Tomlinson as a lazy, rude and obnoxious husband who is married to the slave driven and unappreciated Barbara. They have two children; the push over Anthony “Lerch” played by Ralf Little and the Queen of the house, the laziest, dirtiest and most uneducated woman the TV world has ever seen Denise played by co-creator Caroline Aherne. And the final main character is Denise’s long suffering simple minded oaf Dave Best played by Co-Creator Craig Cash.

The cast play’s their roles well and the secondary characters integrated seamlessly into the story of each episode. What does the Royle Family really offer other than neighbours popping round unannounced and people watching TV? Well, simply, it is the reality factor. The Royle Family was really the first of the reality programmes. I am sure if you stuck a camera in most 2.4 children households you would see an episode of the Royle family. Probably not as rude, but quite likely very similar. I think this adds to the comedy, with that “Cringe” factor that it seems all too familiar to the viewer.

What I really love about this Sit-com is that it is not afraid of itself, most comedies shy away from seriousness and even fear that it is becoming stale. But Royle Family has never and will never fear this. The Christmas Episode “The Queen Of Sheba” is the pinnacle of this (I cry every time). Even though this is a Christmas special, it did this in the regular 3 series, when Denise got married and when she gave birth are the two that really stick out. Royle family is a true grit comedy without boundaries of normality.

#2 - Spaced: http://youtu.be/7sqSQ5Vu8vM

2 single 20 something’s pretend to be a couple to live in a flat. Enter strange flat mates, clingy landlady’s and awkward relationships.

A sheer geek-fest from the then unknown; Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright. This TV series spawned “Shaun of the Dead”, “Hot Fuzz” and the soon to be released “The World’s End”

A TV series filled with film references, “Star Wars” theories, unique camera work and quality stories can only lead to an enjoyable watch. The youngest of my top five is something I grew into not up with. I can see how so many people vote other Sit-coms higher than my number 2, but I feel it has a lot to give. If they ever came back to do a 3^rd series it think it would be welcomed back with open arms and; it would be welcomed by a new audience consisting of people that were too young for it when it first came out and people who turned away from it the first time round. But mostly it would be welcomed by the fans that have long awaited a third series since 2001.

Even though this is a series that is deep in film and comic book references, there is no need to have seen them all or indeed get them all to find this a charming programme entertaining and funny. It is a great comedy to watch with friends, because there are a lot of one-liners you can use in your group. And if you watch on your own you will be highly entertained.

#1 - Only Fools And Horses: http://youtu.be/rgO3CLVrn1U and 10 minutes of pure genius http://youtu.be/Tdwho_2yDaY

Consistently voted the best British Sit-com of all time, it is undoubtedly a timeless classic that still appeals to all ages and generations.

Only Fools and Horses at the core is a story about working class men in the UK during the 1980’s. But around the core you will find that it really is about family. I guess this is why it has attached itself to millions of views in 30+ years.

Del Boy (David Jason) looks after his naïve younger brother Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) after the passing of their mother. Also, living with them is their Granddad (Lennard Pearce) who is slower than the average person. But after his sad passing in real life it was always going to be hard to find someone to replace the great man. Yet they found someone who is as equally backward and probably more catastrophic in Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield).

Over the original 7 series running from 1981 to 1991 Del Boy and Rodney suffer through highs and lows of their jobs as well as their life with gaining and loosing relationships. Every sub character within their world helps add to not only the comedy the programme is built on, but the drama the programme offers through the trials and tribulations each character travels.

When the series ended in 1991 the BBC said that they would not go back for another series, but would allow Only Fools to have Christmas and one off specials. So Only Fool’s created a unique way to run a series by doing solely through Christmas specials over consecutive years, only The Royle Family has done this since.

 

!991, 1992 and 1993 had Christmas day specials that were viewed by increasing figures from 14.5 million viewers to 20.1 million viewers. Then, for me, the highlight occurred. In 1996 a 3 episode special was released in which a high of 24.3 million viewers in which finally the Trotters had their big win. This climax was welcomed by the viewers, the episode met with critical acclaim and has since been gelled to the hearts of fans of the sitcom for life.

Since the turn of the millennium the boys came back for three episode in 2001, 2002 and 2003, sadly with declining figures. But Only Fools and Horses will be loved by millions and will still impress the growing generations for years to come.

 For me the best part about the sit-com is no matter what episode you view, whether you know the characters or not you can enjoy each episode and find the comedy funny. This is what makes Only Fools and Horses so special. It is a comedy, a drama and a form of escape for every viewer and it is watchable time after time and never gets old.

 

So, you have read my five from the top, what are your top five? Please feel free to leave a comment below here are a few more that you may like:

Open All Hours, Are You Being Served, Green Wing, Porridge, ‘Allo ‘allo, Blackadder, Vicar of Dibley, The Office, The Young Ones, Bottom, The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin,

Phoenix Nights, Birds of A Feather, The League of Gentlemen, 2.4 children, The Brittas Empire, Gimme Gimme Gimme, The Inbetweeners, The I.T Crowd.

This Blog was sponsored by “Super Arcade Theatre” and “Me + You = Geek” Both of which I have made guest appearances, so please feel free to watch, listen and subscribe to the best gaming show on youtube.com network and geeking podcast of all time.

http://www.youtube.com/user/SuperArcadeTheatre

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/me-+-you-geek/id554464562

I will return with my five from the top Football managers in ode to the Great Sir Alex Ferguson’s announcement to retire.

KT

Five from the top Guinness Adverts

A quick top 5 of the best Guinness Adverts

5. Bring it to life: http://youtu.be/-pgA8Z7lFVE

4. The tipping festival : http://youtu.be/ttZdFJVkwQk

3. The Dancing Man : http://youtu.be/69MpLiYhsXw

2. Hands : http://youtu.be/IQDjynOzgCk

1. The Swimmer: http://youtu.be/TH_fFzU2E08

Choose your top 5 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcdDg30VBgo&feature=share&list=RD0269MpLiYhsXw

Debuts

Welcome to my new blog.

Five from the top is simply a personal top 5 about anything and everything, covering my favourites – From my favourite actors through to my favourite Zodiac signs.

Personal top five’s are something that everyone does, it’s a way for most people to compare their personal likes with other people without the shame others knowing your personal love Steps and AC/DC equally. 

I think listing a top five is hard; I challenge you now to list your top five films, hard isn’t it?- unless you’ve spent hours on end arguing with yourself or others whose top 5 is better. Obviously, it’s really hard to compare “Shawshank Redemption” with “Star Wars, A New Hope” for example, what does separate the two? Is it down to what film you cannot live without? Is it down to one actor? The director? It is hard to pinpoint. Therefore, for a larger wider variety of top fives, I will make parameters to each “Top Five”. 

The Idea of this blog is for me to offer my opinion on the subject; I will, hopefully, introduce you to something new within the topics of my five from the top. 

All the “Top Five” lists will have restrictions set by myself or others, possibly other top fives I have heard or read, or even just a reader challenging me.

Before we go any further, I feel I should just say a little bit about myself. I am not a writer (as you have probably worked out from the above sections) nor am I a critic or I a professional opinion setter. All I am is bored along with a massive amount of spare time. I have tried blogging before, but just made it a diary style simple blog, but as my life is about as interesting as watching Wayne Rooney eat pasta I became very bored. Starting this very specific blog is hopefully a way for me to keep my mind busy.

I don’t profess to know a lot about anything, I am just curious about everything and I like to offer my opinion. 

Without further ado, my opening five from the top (I am going to cheat here and give two) Firstly my top five Acting Debuts and Secondly Sporting Debuts.

Five Top Best Acting Debuts

The limitations for the list are: It must be the first feature Film on IMDB.com, it does not including short films, TV series, TV Movies or animation (Or voice being lent to screen).

5. Cameron Diaz – The Mask (1994, Dir Chuck Russell) - http://youtu.be/27I4ZFihnl8

 

Now, this is by no stretch a great film but oh my, what an opening entrance to the big screen. “A long legged, blonde haired, blue eyed and well-endowed beautiful girl shakes her hair”. Never, would I have thought that this could have been such a spectacular entrance.

The film itself is just about average, Jim Carrey does carry it on his shoulders and he carries it well. But the family comedy that the film offers allows you to look past the simplicity of the film and yes Diaz’s career is based on her looks and legs, but what a way to do it. If you haven’t seen Diaz’s entrance before, or would like to refresh your memory a couple of times enjoy the above clip and I can guarantee you will be looking like Carrey in the clip as you see her tend to her shoe.

4. Jason Statham/Vinnie Jones – Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998. Dir. Guy Richie) - http://youtu.be/h6hZkvrFIj0

 

It is a rarity that a sports star really takes off in the movie industry, but when two take off in one film, it is a miracle. Yes, Jason Statham was an athlete, maybe not a sports star, but finished 12^th in the Diving World Championship in 1992 qualifies him, so it pretty much qualifies him as an athlete.

I have cheated by putting two in one in at the same level but it’s quite hard to choose between them. Statham’s acting is very realistic, as you would expect for a French Connection model acting for the first time, and you want him to succeed. Jones’ role, for me, makes the film gritty and true. But if you measure the actors afterwards, Statham’s career has evolved more than Jones’ to the point that Statham now a Hollywood A Star Celebrity and is very sort after.

But their roles within the film are the most pivotal parts, and their authentic Englishness (even though Vinnie Jones is Welsh) allows the film to feel very real.

3. Julie Andrews – Mary Poppins (1964. Dir. Robert Stevenson) - http://youtu.be/U3zAbQ0aMK8

 

Yes, Julie Andrews’s first role was singing in a 1949 film “The Rose of Bagdad” Directed by Anton Gino Domenighini, but as she only sung, I think we can overlook this minor role. 

Julie Andrews is immensely important in the cinema world, not just for playing the second best Nanny on screen ever (after Hulk Hogan as Mr. Nanny) but for eventually going on to do The Sound Of Music (1964, Dir. Robert Wise). But back to Mary Poppins – What a wonderful portrayal of turn of the century London Families, female equality, street sweeps and growing children. 

Let’s be fair there is only one way to describe this film and that is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Andrews role is sweet and innocent, yet wise and always in control. It allows everyone to believe that she truly is perfect in every single way. 

This film is a childhood favourite of mine, I am still able to sing the songs from memory and without shame. I know a very, very good friend is reading this and smiling as his love for Mary Poppins is second to none, well maybe second to Commando(1985. Dir. Mark Lester).  

In 1960’s animation was starting to take off with many Disney films and Warner Bros. using cartoon animation within the films, it was right to take this mystical film into a second world, as if that was what everyone in London did in 1910. This part of the film, not only was the most expensive film, but is iconic to the point that it was voted the second most favourite musical scene in a film (behind Do Ray Me – Sound Of Music). So enjoy the link above!

2. Natalie Portman - Leon (1994. Dir. Luc Besson) - http://youtu.be/JhRW8J3gTuo

If there was an intro for a child into acting this was it. Portman blew the audition out of the water and continued it in the film. Mathilda is a fantastically innocent character with a hit of evil and mischief.

Besson is a master director, but Portman didn’t need much directing to help bring this character to life. The chemistry between Portman and Jean Reno is superb, almost father/daughter almost sugar daddy/gold digger.

Portman/Reno’s fantastic relationship needs an evil mastermind and Gary Oldman supplies it to the max. The scene *SPOILERS* where Oldman interviews Portman is a piece of acting genius from an 11 year old acting rookie.

If you have never seen this film, I suggest that you stop reading, and go find it and watch it.

1. Orson Welles – Citizen Kane (1941, Dir. Orson Welles) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR2s6_Xbi9M&feature=share&list=PLA2D3341948819FFD

 

This might be a directing masterpiece, and an important film with visionary techniques. But without Welles as Kane this film would not have worked. I’m happy to leave the film and Welles’ performance do the talking for himself. 

Please watch this film now and remember it was made in 1941 and none of the techniques had been done before.

Now onto the second instalment on the first ever “Five from the Top” with the best sporting Debuts.

Limitations: 1. First FULL professional game in a team sport. 2. First Professional tournament in an individual sport. 3. One person per sport.

5. Billy Rohr – Baseball - http://youtu.be/1BoD1xEJSXo

 

Billy Rohr, was a rather unlucky player but his first game was sensational. He started in 1967 and retired in 1968.

When Rohr stepped up to the plate for his first game it was against the formidable Yankees, he pitched a near perfect game. He was one strike away from a complete no hitter (a game where not one batter his the ball and all batters receiving 3 strikes). Only having one hit, a soft hit (which is a hit that doesn’t go far enough for a long run only allowing the batter to get one base), from Future Hall of Famer Whitey Ford, but after that he retired the next batter and the game finished with a 3-0 shutout (A game where the opposition doesn’t score a point).

Rohr’s next game was again against the Yankees, he pitched again and closed out at 6-1. What a start to his baseball career. Baseball rotates 3 pitches, so Rohr only played a hand full of games and finished the season at 3-3 (3 wins 3 losses) And after a fantastic starting game the season went downhill, downhill so much that after the first season he never played another game retiring at the age of 22.

4. Mario Lemieux – Hockey. http://youtu.be/zeGKVWwaKQg

 

The most anticipated hockey player since “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins as first overall. With Gretzky still playing, and in the same position, Lemieux had a tough job ahead of him to become the MVP and Staley Cup winner. 

In his first game, in his very first outing, Lemieux stole the puck from Boston Bruins’ future defensive Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, Lemieux carried the puck and on his first shot in NHL he scored passed Pete Peeters. His first game lead to his first steal, lead to his first skate, lead to his first shot, lead to his first goal. During the game, he also set up one assist with his first pass. 

This feat has never been matched first pass and first shot equalling points. Lemieux’s first season is a spectacular first season, he won his first fight against Gary Lupul he also kept scoring and assisting throughout the first season scoring 43 goals and having 57 assists earing 100 points making him only the third rookie ever to do so. 

He retired with 690 goals and 1,033 assists putting him 7^th of all time. Lemieux has won two Stanley Cups as a player and later one as an owner, also with the Penguins.

3. Ben Cutis – Golf - http://youtu.be/-UyK97UzLhw

 

In 2003 the 396^th rated rookie golfer stepped up to tee off at Royal Saint George for The Open Championship. The very successful armature had the odds of 300-1 to win. In his first every Major, Curtis carded up a day one score of 72, 4 strokes off the 3 under par leader Hennie Otto.

Curtis, already know as an armature who was consistent, carded another one over par 72 on the second day. Otto scored an awful 76 meaning the lead was handed to Thomas Bjorn who was now one point to the better over Curtis.

Day three saw Curtis score a wonderful 70 (214). But Bjorn was still ahead with a day three total of 212 and closely followed by a legend of the sport in the shape of Vijay Singh who carded an equal 214 with Curtis. 

The final day saw the three closely watched, but disaster stuck for Bjorn sunk a one above par 72 leaving Curtis to need 3 below par or better to win. Singh and Curtis were head to head as Singh sunk a 70 to join Bjorn on 284 and Curtis suck a spectacular 69 to finish 283 and won his first major on his debut. Only two others have ever done so before him.

Curtis pocketed a wealth of $1.1m for winning the 2003 British Open. Nevertheless, sadly, Curtis never been able to achieve his dizzy heights of his first major, but you never know what the future holds.

2. Alan Shearer – Football http://youtu.be/RZQ-aIRMgjU

 

In 1988 arguably the future premier leagues greatest striker debuted. There was massive hype for a 17 year old Southampton youth academy starlet. Shearer had come on as a substitute two weeks pervious against Chelsea, but with less than 5 minutes of the game left, and no scoring opportunities, his overall game allowed the media to build mass hype for his full debut.

On April 9^th 1988, Southampton hosted a formidable Arsenal team even though Arsenal would go on to finish 6^th they were one of the teams of the league (Arsenal would go on to secure the ‘88/’89 season in style). Even though Arsenal were a box office name, everyone was there to see Southampton’s 17 year old front man. 

Arsenal had top players such as: Nigel Winterburn, Steve Williams, David Rocastle, Martin Hayes, Alan Smith, Perry Groves, and Michael Thomas. Southampton had a few of their own top players like Andy Townsend, Jimmy Case and Glenn Cockerill. 

This was a match for nothing else but points for Arsenal to finish third. It was a done deal; Southampton just could not match up to the quality provided by the Arsenal line up. However, Alan Shearer had a different idea. 

Shearer started as a player between Colin Clarke and Jimmy Case, and played beyond superlatives. He passed, ran, crossed, headed, shot, assisted, tackled, took a corner and even took a throw in. He was a man possessed. 

Now, most players play well on their first outing and fade away after the first 10-15 minutes. But what Shearer did was something that had only been done once before in professional football and was obviously the start of something spectacular. He scored a hat trick. “A hat-trick?” I head you say questionably. Most top world-class strikers score hat tricks on a regular basis, Messi And C. Ronaldo do it for fun at the moment, but Shearer scored a hat trick in his first game. The only other time this was done was by Jimmy Greaves over 30 years ago. He is still the youngest footballer ever to do so aged 17 years and 240 days

1. Eddy Merckx – Cycling - http://youtu.be/HEfkrM2E_sE

 

Edouard Louis Joseph Baron Merckx born on 17^th June 1945 was going to become the greatest road cyclist of all time, and achieve feats far beyond that of anyone else before or after. Cycling is a sport with many issues, doping being the biggest controversy, but is also a sport of enormous fitness, mentality and determination. 

I challenge athletes from any other sport to try doing a competitive road cycling course, other than long distance runners and swimmers most people are going to fail by the 6^th stage let alone the 22^nd stage as the Tour De France offered in 1969.

Eddy Merckx had won amateur events for the 5 years previous to is Tour De France debut, but had never had the public acknowledgement of his success. However, it was going to change in 1969. When Merckx set off on the pre-stage at Roubaix, even though he did not win, he put himself in good stead for the plain stage and time trial the following day. Sint-Pieters-Woluwe held the start of day 2 along with the first official stage and the first team time trial. Merckx’s team “Faema” won the event which give Merckx the Yellow Jersey for the first time this tour. Merckx went into day 2 donning the coveted Yellow Jersey, but was to fall far behind to fellow compatriot Julien Stevens, who held the Jersey until stage 5.

At the end of stage 5 Merckx was 9 seconds behind the new Yellow holder Desire Letort. Stage 6 was a stage perfect for Merckx who had beaten legendary 5-time tour winner Jacques Anquetil in a previous Time-trial on a similar style stage in a different Tour. So Merckx attacked, and attacked hard. He won the stage convincingly, opening up a 55 seconds lead over Spaniard Joaquim Galera, 1 minute 58 seconds over the German Rudi Altig and then nearly 4 minutes everyone else. 

That was more of less it in the exchanging of shirts. Once Merckx had his teeth into the yellow jersey he did not relinquish it full the rest of the Tour. Merckx had achieved all 3 jerseys at the end of stage 6, but lost 2 of them (the Polka Dotted mountain classification jersey and the Green points classification Jersey), but then yet another perfects Merckx stage – Stage 9.

Holders Roger De Vlaeminck of the points classification and Joaquim Galera of the mountain classification failed to keep up with the sheer pace that Merckx set. This was possibly one of the first times in Tour De France History that the yellow jersey wearer led from the front to purposely earn the two remaining jersey’s. 

Attacking the front line was a true mark of Merckx’s ambition and drive to impress everyone and also to win the Tour De France. Merckx would not win stage 9 but open up a big enough gap to tighten his hold on the tour victory. Mercks would win a further four stages of the tour (11, 15, 17 and the final individual time trial). The final stage, 22B, would be the crowning moment for Merckx. He won the stage and opened an impressive 17 minutes 54 seconds over Tour De France national Roger Pingeon in the General Classification (Yellow Jersey). Also, he finished with 244 points in the Points Classification (Green Jersey) which was 94 points ahead of Jan Janssen – a record still today for someone who won both Green and Yellow Jersey. In addition, Merckx finished with 155 points in the Mountains Classification (Polka-dot Jersey).

Merckx was the first, and probably will be the only rider ever to achieve a clean sweep of all three classifications. Winning the Tour De France, is hard, but doing it on your first ever ride is … Well un-descriptive and awe-inspiring. Merckx went on to win the Tour De France a total of 5 times, the Mountains classification one more time and the Points classification twice more, only one ever only finishing with the General classification on its own once. 

A TRUE legend of sport.

Thank you very much for reading my first blog. I know it is far from the best out there, but I will improve. Please suggest a top five or give feedback by emailing kylebttsd@gmail.com

I will be running several sub posts for the five from the top:

  

•    Five Pictures/videos/articles/podcasts (anything I can find on the internet
•     True Transcendent Athletes – A Bio style post about athletes that have transcended their sport 
•      A.O.B – Any other business a blog about … well Any Other Business

Again, thank you for reading!