Aussie cyclist has an incredible streak going that we may never see again

AP Photo/Fabio Ferrari

There are lots of popular records in cycling — most Tour de France victories, most wins in the classics, the hour record. And then there are little-known ones you don’t hear about.

Adam Hansen has done what no one has done before: He has started and finished 13 grand tours — or three-week stage races — in a row. Over the past five years, he has completed four Tours of Italy, four Tours de France, and five Tours of Spain consecutively.

On Friday, Hansen is going for No. 14 when he starts the Tour of Italy.

Given how difficult and perilous racing at cycling’s top level can be, it’s a mind-boggling record that the Australian says he never set out to achieve, and yet it’s one that may never be broken.

Here’s some insight into the world’s most consistent professional bike racer: