Although everyone in the professional peloton crashes at some point, Alex has gained fame as the Crash Pilot. Not even he knows how he has gained this reputation. Maybe it is because he is one of the few pro cyclists who wears glasses during races (which could be considered a "handicap") or because he is a favorite to win, Alex's crashes simply draw more attention. Unfortunately, this involuntary contact with the pavement has cost him good finishing places and even victories.Here are three examples from his "Crash Hall of Fame":

The first time that a crash destroyed his chances was in the Vuelta a Espana 1993. Physical contact with the road while coming down a mountain put an end to 13 days in the yellow jersey and hopes for an overall win.In 1997 he broke his collarbone in the Tour de Suisse. He came back in the Tour de France, but had to quit that race after crashing twice -- it was feared that further crashes would loosen the metal plate on his collarbone.

In the 1999 Tour de France he got caught in the mass crash on the "Passage du Gois" and in only the second stage lost over 6 minutes to the eventual winner Armstrong.