I promised to several people I would finish this series of 11 Traits of champtions (see them all here), so here we go with number 9. Thanks again to Toby Stanton (@hottubes on twitter) for these:
Inward focus: The really great champions seem unconcerned about whom they are competing against. The riders in a particular event only provide a standard by which they will apply and measure themselves. The champion competes against their own abilities and limitations. The champion does not look outward, blaming others for a loss, but rather inward to those areas that can be improved for the future.
Still two more traits of champions to come in the next few weeks, so if you don’t want to miss them, subscribe to this blog here.
gerard.cc 
July 16, 2012 at 15:45
This is great stuff, keep them coming.
July 16, 2012 at 21:27
I can understand that: When I’m racing, I’m using ‘you’ to push me to beat me. Sure I want to win, but if I’ve done the *best* I can and didn’t win, I gotta be happy about that.
July 16, 2012 at 23:00
For me Greg Lemond embodies all these traits. As he matured he had a true modesty focus determination courage in the face of death winning agsinst all odds even with little or no team. And a trait not on your list the integrity to speak truth to power. A rare trait.
July 17, 2012 at 23:11
Gerard. How about a piece on restoring Lemond’s true character as a champion after the long and effective smear campaign by the doping omertà ? He was never a jealous sour grapes person as they successor portrayed him. Are u up for it?
July 19, 2012 at 10:28
Well, I’ve always spoken out in favor of Lemond, I am not sure what I can add. He’s a great champion, full stop.