Panache

Back before he got caught for doping, Floyd Landis was accused by L'Equipe as "winning without panache". The French press wanted stylish victories like those of Alejandro Pettachi in the 2004 Vuelta.

But what about "losing with panache". After a long, hard year of racking up UCI points to make the 2004 Olympics, Todd Wells went to Greece a little tired, but ready for the challenge. As these things usually turn out, within a few laps the leaders were sorted out and Todd knew that he would not be on the podium. So what did he do? He spent the next hour getting big air off all the jumps on the course. The press loved it and he still finished in the top 20. That is losing with panache.