Raymond Poulidor, a beloved French cycling legend, was famously known as “the Eternal Second” despite his immense talent, often overshadowed by giants like Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx. Today, darts sensation Gian van Veen finds himself in a similar predicament, consistently reaching finals but struggling to secure victories, sparking comparisons to Poulidor’s poignant career and raising questions about whether he can break this pattern.
Raymond Poulidor: The Cycling Icon Who Defined Perseverance
For a select group of sports fans, the name “Pou-Pou” instantly conjures images of a legendary figure from 1960s cycling. This affectionate nickname belonged to Raymond Poulidor, a French cyclist whose career was nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from the Limoges region, Poulidor possessed a talent so profound and a reputation so grand that one might assume he was a serial winner.
However, Poulidor’s brilliance shone brightest during an era dominated by two unparalleled titans: first Jacques Anquetil, and later Eddy Merckx. These rivals were the equivalent of today’s dominant forces in any sport – think of darts’ current top players like Luke Humphries and the phenomenal young talent, Littler. Against such formidable competition, Poulidor often found himself in an unenviable position, consistently battling for the top spot but rarely claiming it.
Despite this, Poulidor was universally adored. He accepted the nickname “Pou-Pou” with good grace, much as he did with the more melancholic moniker he “earned”: “the Eternal Second.” He was seen as a true gentleman, a dignified, gallant, and modest individual. While some suggested he lacked the ultimate ambition or ruthless drive to become the absolute best, his character endeared him to millions.
And it wasn’t for lack of trying or ability. Poulidor did achieve significant victories, including winning the Vuelta a España in 1964 – a major Grand Tour, comparable in prestige to a European Championship in darts – along with several stages in other major tours. Yet, his legacy is predominantly defined by his valiant second-place finishes. He is remembered, and loved, not just for his wins, but for his persistent, often heartbreaking, pursuit of victory.
From the Peloton to the Oche: A Striking Parallel
The world of darts, with its intense one-on-one battles, might seem a far cry from the grueling endurance of road cycling. Yet, the human stories of ambition, rivalry, and the pursuit of greatness often echo across different sports. The comparison between Poulidor’s era and today’s darts scene is surprisingly apt.
Imagine Poulidor at his peak, facing Anquetil – it was like an in-form Luke Humphries against a top contender. Then came Eddy Merckx, a force so overwhelming he could be likened to a Littler – a generational talent who changes the game. In such company, even immense talent can be overshadowed.
Gian van Veen: Darts’ Rising Star and the Weight of Expectation
This brings us to Gian van Veen, a rising star in the darts world, whose recent performances have drawn intriguing parallels to Poulidor’s career. Much like Poulidor, Van Veen is widely regarded as a great talent, a gentleman, and an intelligent player. However, he is currently developing a reputation for a specific pattern: reaching finals, but consistently falling short of victory.
Van Veen himself acknowledges this challenge:
- “People know that I keep losing finals lately.”
- “Then you get [someone like Stephen] Bunting, and you play so poorly.”
- “I hoped it was a one-off, but now it’s becoming a pattern and you don’t want that.”
- “You just need to win one. Then hopefully it’s done.”
While no one would suggest applying Poulidor’s more depressing nickname, “the Eternal Second,” to Gian van Veen prematurely, the sentiment is clear. If Van Veen doesn’t start converting his undeniable ability into final-stage victories, this label could, unfortunately, become an unavoidable part of his narrative. The darts world eagerly watches, hoping Gian van Veen can break the cycle and claim his well-deserved spot at the very top.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
