Cycling is a popular sport in Sweden, and the country has produced some of the world’s best cyclists over the years. From multiple Tour de France stage winners to Olympic champions, Swedish cyclists have consistently led the way in international cycling.
Here, we take a look at some of the best cycling players in Sweden, highlighting their achievements and their influence on the sport.
1. Tomas Pettersson
Tomas Pettersson was a professional Swedish cyclist who found success with his three brothers, known as the Fåglum brothers. Together, they formed a road racing team and achieved great success in the sport.
In 1967, the quartet won the World Championship, a feat they repeated the following two years. Their success culminated in a silver medal at the 1968 Olympics, an honor which was recognized by the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal.
Having retired from professional cycling, Tomas Pettersson is now remembered as a pioneering figure in the sport, thanks to his and his brothers’ impressive achievements.
2. Fredrik Kessiakoff
Fredrik Carl Wilhelm Kessiakoff is a Swedish former professional cyclist who has had a successful career in both road racing and mountain biking. He began his professional career in mountain biking in 2009 and quickly established himself as a competitive rider in the sport.
He won several prestigious races, including the Swedish Championship in 2010. In 2013, Kessiakoff decided to switch to road racing and immediately found success.
He was a strong contender in many of the races he entered and was part of the winning team in the Tour de France in 2014. Kessiakoff has been a successful athlete in the world of cycling, and his name is renowned in the sport.
His success in both mountain biking and road racing is a testament to his skill, determination, and hard work.
3. Gustaf Håkansson
Nils Gustaf Håkansson was a Swedish cyclist who achieved fame for his remarkable feat of riding the Sverigeloppet in July 1951. The Sverigeloppet is a race that covers the entire length of Sweden, and Håkansson was 66 years old when he completed it.
His incredible accomplishment earned him the nickname “Stålfarfar,” which translates to “Iron Father” in English. Håkansson was born in 1885 and had a long history of cycling, having competed in races since he was a young man.
He was a strong competitor and often won the races he entered.
At the age of 66, he decided to take on the challenge of the Sverigeloppet, which was a considerable undertaking. He was met with much skepticism from people who thought he was too old for such a difficult race, but Håkansson proved them wrong by completing the Sverigeloppet in just over a week.
His incredible feat earned him a great deal of admiration and respect, and he was awarded the nickname “Stålfarfar” in recognition of his incredible accomplishment. Håkansson’s story of determination and perseverance is an inspiration to people of all ages and is a testament to the power of the human spirit.
He remains an iconic figure in the world of cycling, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
4. Magnus Bäckstedt
Magnus Bäckstedt is a Swedish former professional road bicycle racer who is most well-known for his win in Paris–Roubaix in 2004. This race is a French one-day professional bicycle race that is held annually in April, usually on the second or third Sunday of the month.
It is also known as the Queen of the Classics, as it is considered to be one of the most prestigious races in the world. Bäckstedt’s win in Paris–Roubaix was impressive as he was the first non-French rider to win the race since 1996.
His win was a major feat, as the race is known for its difficult conditions, which include cobblestone roads and numerous climbs. Bäckstedt rode a strong race, showing off his tactical expertise and skill.
He was able to break away from the pack during the race and make it to the finish line first, making it a memorable victory. Throughout his professional cycling career, Bäckstedt has had numerous other accomplishments, including winning the overall classification at the Tour of Austria in 2004 and the Gent–Wevelgem race in 2002.
He has also had notable finishes in other prestigious races, such as the Tour of Flanders and the Tour de France. Bäckstedt’s win in Paris–Roubaix is a testament to his skill and determination as a cyclist.
He showed that it is possible to win the Queen of the Classics and that with a strong performance, it is possible to overcome any obstacles. His impressive victory will be remembered for years to come.
5. Gösta Pettersson
Gösta Artur Roland Pettersson was a renowned Swedish cyclist who competed at the Olympic Games during the 1960s. As an amateur, he participated in both individual and team road events over the course of three Olympic Games: 1960, 1964 and 1968.
Pettersson experienced success at the Olympics, winning one silver and two bronze medals for his country in 1964 and 1968. In 1968, he also went beyond the road events, taking part in two track events: individual and team 4000 m pursuit.
This demonstrated Pettersson’s immense versatility as a cyclist and his dedication to the sport. Pettersson’s career was exemplary, and he is remembered as a great athlete who achieved tremendous success for Sweden on the world stage.
6. Lucas Eriksson
Lucas Eriksson is a professional cyclist from Sweden, currently riding for the UCI ProTeam Tudor Pro Cycling Team. He is one of a growing number of Swedes to make it in the world of professional cycling. His brother, Jacob, is also a professional cyclist on the same team.
This makes them the first siblings to compete on the same professional cycling team within Sweden. It is a great accomplishment for the Eriksson family and for all cyclists from Sweden.
Lucas and Jacob have a unique bond, and competing on the same team allows them to support and encourage each other in their respective careers. They are an inspiration to other cyclists and a great example of how dedicated and hardworking individuals can achieve their goals.
7. Jacob Eriksson
Jacob Eriksson is a Swedish professional cyclist who currently competes for Tudor Pro Cycling Team. The team is a UCI ProTeam, which is the top level of professional cycling.
Jacob is not the only cyclist in his family; his brother Lucas is a professional cyclist as well, and they both ride for the same team. This makes them the only set of brothers currently competing in the same professional cycling team.
It is a unique situation that provides both brothers with a unique opportunity to train and compete together. It is a testament to their strong bond and dedication to the sport, as well as their ability to work together as a team.
Both Jacob and Lucas have shown great promise in their respective careers, and their unique situation is sure to bring out the best in each of them.
8. Tobias Ludvigsson
Tobias Ludvigsson is a professional cyclist from Sweden. He is currently a member of the UCI ProTeam Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, a professional cycling team that competes at the highest level of the sport.
Ludvigsson has been with the team since 2017 and has achieved a number of successes in his time with them. He has taken part in some of the biggest cycling races in the world, including the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.
He has also competed in the UCI Road World Championships, where he finished in the top 20 in both 2018 and 2019. Ludvigsson is dedicated to his sport and is constantly striving to improve and reach new heights in his cycling career.
9. Michael Andersson
Michael Andersson is a former road cyclist from Sweden who had a successful professional career from 1995 to 2001. He was a three-time Olympian, competing in the Summer Olympics three times.
His greatest accomplishments include three wins in the Tour of Sweden, one of the most prestigious races in the cycling world. Andersson’s career was marked by success. He rose to the top of the cycling world, becoming a household name in his home country of Sweden.
He was known for his strength and endurance on the road, as well as his ability to read the terrain.
His impressive three wins in the Tour of Sweden are a testament to his dedication to the sport. Throughout his career, Andersson was a respected and admired figure in the cycling community.
He was a role model to aspiring cyclists, and he was a key member of the Swedish national team. His passion for the sport was evident in every race he entered. Michael Andersson’s legacy will remain in the history of road cycling for years to come.
He was an incredible athlete, and he will always be remembered as one of Sweden’s greatest cyclists. His impressive three wins at the Tour of Sweden will continue to inspire future generations of cyclists.
10. Gunnar Björk
Gunnar Björk was a Swedish cyclist who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics. He participated in two events, the individual road race and the team road race. In the individual road race, he placed 51st out of the competitors.
However, his team was victorious in the team road race, earning them the gold medal. This achievement is especially impressive given the level of competition in the 1912 Olympics.
The Olympic Games were more diverse and expansive than ever before, with athletes from all over the world competing for gold medals. As such, it is remarkable that Gunnar Björk and his team were able to come out on top despite the stiff competition.
Gunnar Björk’s success is a testament to his skill and determination as a cyclist. He must have trained rigorously and pushed himself to his limits in order to be able to perform well in the demanding events.
His victory is a great accomplishment, and his legacy as a successful athlete will live on for years to come.
11. Anders Jarl
Anders Torsten Martin Jarl is a Swedish former cyclist who is best known for his success at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
He was part of a four-man team that included Jan Karlsson, Michel Lafis and Björn Johansson, and together they won the bronze medal in the team time trial road race.
This was a particularly prestigious achievement, as the team time trial is an incredibly difficult event that requires great speed and coordination. Jarl’s athletic career spanned a number of years, but the 1988 Olympics remain his most memorable accomplishment.
He trained diligently and was able to work with his teammates to achieve a podium finish in the race. While the gold medal eluded them, Jarl and his teammates can be proud of their success.
They were able to show the world their incredible talents and put their home country of Sweden on the map. To this day, Jarl is still regarded as one of the most successful cyclists in the country.
12. Marcus Ljungqvist
Marcus Ljungqvist is an accomplished former professional road bicycle racer from Sweden. He had a successful career that spanned 11 years, from 1998-2009. During his time as a professional cyclist, he was well-known for his ability to win races in a variety of conditions.
After retiring from racing in 2009, he continued to stay involved in the cycling world by working for Team Sky as a sporting director from 2010-2013. His extensive knowledge of the sport was a great asset to the team and helped them to achieve success.
Ljungqvist’s legacy in the cycling world is one that will remain for a long time.
13. Tommy Prim
Tommy Prim was a professional cyclist from Sweden who had an impressive career on the bike. He competed for the Italian team Bianchi between the years of 1980 and 1986, and his career was highly successful.
Prim was a well-respected and highly accomplished member of the cycling community, and his career saw him earn numerous accolades and awards. During his time with Bianchi, he won several races, including the Giro d’Italia in 1982, and the Tour de Suisse in 1985.
He also held the record for the most stage wins in a single Giro d’Italia and was the first Swedish rider to win a grand tour. Prim retired from professional cycling in 1986, and since then has been inducted into the Swedish Cycling Hall of Fame.
He is remembered for his determination, skill, and passion for the sport, and his legacy and influence will live on in the cycling world.
14. Thomas Löfkvist
Thomas Löfkvist is a former professional road bicycle racer from Sweden who competed in the UCI Professional Continental circuit as part of the IAM Cycling team.
After retiring from professional cycling, Löfkvist took up a new role as the general manager of the Swedish professional cycling team Team Tre Berg–PostNord in 2015. In his role as the team’s general manager, Löfkvist is responsible for managing the team’s operations, including recruiting riders, negotiating contracts, and overseeing race preparation.
He also works to ensure that the team is up to date on the latest regulations and safety protocols. Additionally, he is responsible for finding sponsorships and other financial resources to ensure the team’s continued success.
Löfkvist is passionate about cycling and has been involved in the sport for most of his life. He is a respected and knowledgeable figure in the cycling world and is well-respected by his peers and fellow athletes.
With his experience and expertise, Löfkvist has been able to help bring Team Tre Berg–PostNord to the forefront of the Swedish cycling scene.
15. Sven-Åke Nilsson
Sven-Åke Nilsson is a Swedish retired road racing cyclist who had a successful career in professional cycling. He began his sporting career in the sport of road racing with CK Ringen Malmö in 1977.
During his professional career, he achieved many successes on the international cycling stage, including winning a stage of the Tour de France in 1980. He retired from professional cycling in 1984, but his legacy lives on as a respected figure in the cycling world.
As a result of his career achievements, he holds a number of records and has been recognized with several awards. After his retirement, he continued to be involved in the sport of cycling as a coach and mentor to aspiring cyclists.
He has also been active in promoting cycling safety and providing advice to cyclists of all levels. His commitment to the sport of cycling has been an inspiration to many.
16. Bernt Johansson
Bernt Harry Johansson is a former professional road bicycle racer from Sweden. He was active in the sport from 1977 to 1981, beginning his career with the Mariestadcyklisten.
After joining Mariestadcyklisten, Bernt went on to compete in many notable races, including the Tour de Suisse, Giro di Lombardia, and Paris–Roubaix.
He was also part of a few select teams, such as the Swedish National Team and the Swedish National Team for the 1978 Giro d’Italia.During his time as a professional cyclist, Bernt was highly regarded for his speed and skill.
He was known for his ability to stay in the lead group, even when the going got tough. Additionally, he was known for his ability to go for long periods without tiring.
Bernt’s career highlights include a win at the 1979 edition of the Tour de Suisse and a second-place finish at the 1980 edition of the Giro di Lombardia. Despite his accomplishments, Bernt ultimately decided to retire from professional cycling in 1981.
He is still remembered fondly by many cycling fans who remember his impressive performances during his time as a professional rider.
Although he is no longer competing, Bernt’s legacy lives on as an example of the dedication and hard work that it takes to be a successful cyclist.
17. Erik Pettersson
Erik Håkan Pettersson is a retired Swedish cyclist who is best known for being part of the Fåglum brothers, a road racing team of four Pettersson brothers. This team made history when they won the world title in 1967-1969 and also earned a silver medal at the 1968 Olympics.
Three of the brothers were also part of the bronze-winning road team at the 1964 Olympics. The Fåglum brothers, as the team was known, consisted of four Pettersson brothers: Erik Håkan, Hans, Lars, and Sören.
Their success was unprecedented, with the team becoming world champions in 1967–1969 and earning a silver medal at the 1968 Olympics.
They also made history by being part of the bronze-winning road team at the 1964 Olympics. Erik Håkan Pettersson, the eldest of the four brothers, was the driving force behind the team’s success. He was the one who pushed them to compete and train to the best of their abilities.
He was also the one who predicted that the team would one day become world champions.
His prediction came true, and the Fåglum brothers went on to win the world title in 1967–1969. In addition to his success as part of the Fåglum brothers, Erik Håkan Pettersson also had a successful solo career.
He won numerous races throughout his career and was a beloved figure in the cycling world.
His retirement from cycling in 1975 marked the end of an era for the Pettersson brothers, but their legacy continues to live on. Erik Håkan Pettersson is a true cycling legend, and his achievements with the Fåglum brothers will never be forgotten.
He will always be remembered for his determination, his dedication to the sport, and his incredible success as part of the Fåglum brothers.
18. Sigfrid Lundberg
Ernst Sigfrid Lundberg was a Swedish cyclist who achieved great success at the 1920 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Swedish team that won a silver medal in the road cycling event. Additionally, he placed 22nd in the individual road race.
Outside of cycling, Lundberg worked as a welder. He was a highly decorated cyclist on the national level, having participated in 10 national championships. Of those championships, Lundberg was part of teams that won at least 5 titles.
He was therefore a highly successful athlete and a respected member of the cycling community.
19. Markus Andersson
Markus Andersson is a talented Swedish cyclist. He has been competing in cycling events for many years and has had some great successes. In 1996, he took part in the men’s individual road race at the Summer Olympics.
This was a great achievement for him, considering the high level of competition at the Olympics. He worked hard to qualify and be able to compete at this level, and he was able to show the world what he was capable of.
He was able to represent his country and show off his cycling skills. Although he did not win a medal, he still had an impressive performance and was able to take a lot of pride in his accomplishment.
20. Emilia Fahlin
Emilia Fahlin is an accomplished Swedish road racing cyclist. She is currently competing in the UCI Women’s World Team FDJ–Suez, the highest level of women’s professional road bicycle racing.
Fahlin has had great success in her career, winning the Swedish National Road Race Championships three times and the Swedish National Time Trial Championships three times consecutively from 2009 to 2011.
Her impressive streak of three consecutive time trial wins is particularly impressive, as it showcases her strength and determination in the sport. Fahlin has shown she has the ability to perform at the highest level and is a force to be reckoned with in the world of cycling.
21. Emma Johansson
Emma Karolina Johansson is a retired professional racing cyclist from Sweden who achieved great success in her career. She earned the nickname Silver Emma due to her incredible ability to achieve many second and third place finishes at major championships and one-day classics.
She was particularly successful in 2013, finishing the year as number one on the UCI Women’s World Ranking. This ranking is a prestigious list that recognizes the most accomplished female cyclists in the world.
Johansson’s accomplishment is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport of cycling. Despite her retirement, she will forever be remembered for her impressive career and her place atop the UCI Women’s World Ranking.
22. Gustav Larsson
Gustav Erik Larsson is a former professional road racing cyclist from Sweden. He was active in the sport from 2001 to 2016, spending his career riding for a total of nine different teams.
Larsson was well known for his endurance and strength as a cyclist, often performing well in long-distance races such as Grand Tours. He was also a consistent performer in one-day races, frequently placing in the top ten of major events.
During his career, Larsson won the Swedish National Championships in the men’s road race in 2003 and the U23 men’s road race in 2002.
He also had the honor of representing Sweden in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, where he placed an impressive seventh in the men’s road race.
Larsson retired from professional cycling in 2016 but continues to be involved in the sport through his work as a cycling commentator.
23. Jenny Rissveds
Jenny Rissveds is a Swedish professional cross-country mountain bike rider who has achieved a great deal of success in her sport. Born in Falun, Sweden, Rissveds has been competing in mountain biking since she was a young girl.
In 2016, Rissveds achieved her biggest accomplishment to date, winning the gold medal in the under-23 mountain bike race at the World Championships. This solidified her as one of the top riders in the world.
Rissveds’ success continued the following year when she won the gold medal in women’s cross country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
This victory made her the first-ever Swedish female mountain biker to win an Olympic gold medal and was an incredible accomplishment for the young rider.
Rissveds is now considered one of the top cross-country mountain bike riders in the world and is a great inspiration to other female mountain bikers.
24. Jan Karlsson
Jan Bengt Peter Karlsson, also known as simply Jan Karlsson, is a retired Swedish professional cyclist who has achieved great success in his career. He was part of the Swedish cycling team that won the bronze medal in the 1988 Summer Olympics in the team time trial road race.
This team included Anders Jarl, Michel Lafis, and Björn Johansson.Karlsson continued to compete in cycling even after the Olympics, as he participated in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.
He was unable to replicate his success of 1988 but still remains a formidable presence in the world of cycling. In addition to his Olympic success, Karlsson has also won a number of other prestigious cycling competitions, including the Swedish National Championships and the Tour de Suède.
He has also achieved success in shorter races, such as the Fjällbacka-Sandhult Sprint. Even though he has retired from professional cycling, Karlsson continues to be involved in the sport, coaching and supporting young riders.
He is a prominent figure in Swedish cycling and will always be remembered for his achievements on the track.
25. Johan Svensson
Johan Svensson is a Swedish professional cyclist who competes in road racing events. He is a highly regarded competitor, having been part of the 2005 Mitsubishi–Jartazi roster. This roster is a cycling team that competes in professional road racing events.
The team is composed of some of the top cyclists from around the world, and Svensson was one of the members of the team for the 2005 racing season. During his time on the team, he was able to compete in some of the most prestigious road races in the world.
His results earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.
26. Glenn Magnusson
Glenn Magnusson is a renowned Swedish former professional road cyclist. He rose to fame due to his impressive record of winning three stages of the prestigious Giro d’Italia race. He was also a multiple Olympian, having competed three times for his home country of Sweden.
Magnusson had a long and successful career in cycling, having competed in prestigious races all around the world. He was known for his excellent sprinting ability, which allowed him to capture three victories in the Giro d’Italia and numerous other competitions.
He also had a distinguished career as a representative of Sweden, competing in the Olympics three times. Magnusson’s success at the Giro d’Italia stands out among his many accomplishments, as he was able to win three stages of the iconic race.
His prowess in competing against some of the best cyclists in the world earned him a significant amount of notoriety and respect in the cycling community.
His accomplishments at the Olympics also helped to cement his legacy as one of the great Swedish cyclists of all time. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Magnusson is also remembered for his humanitarian efforts.
He was a passionate advocate for the rights of cyclists, and he used his success and influence to bring attention to the issues of safety and sustainability in the sport.
His dedication to improving the lives of cyclists was deeply appreciated by the people he served. Glenn Magnusson is remembered as one of the greatest Swedish cyclists of all time.
His impressive record of three Giro d’Italia stage wins, as well as his three Olympic appearances, cemented his place in the history of the sport.
His legacy is also remembered for his tireless advocacy for cyclist’s rights and his commitment to making the sport safer and more sustainable.
27. Kim Magnusson
Kim Magnusson is a professional road racing cyclist from Sweden, who is currently competing for the UCI Continental team Riwal Cycling Team.
He began racing with the UCI WorldTeam EF Education First–Drapac p/b Cannondale in 2018, and had initially signed a two-year contract with them. However, after only one season, Kim left the team and returned to Riwal Cycling Team.
Kim Magnusson is a talented cyclist, with impressive results in road racing. He started his career in Riwal Cycling Team before joining the UCI WorldTeam EF Education First–Drapac p/b Cannondale in 2018.
He signed a two-year contract with the team, but after only one season he decided to leave and return to Riwal Cycling Team. Kim Magnusson is a dedicated athlete, and his decision to leave the UCI WorldTeam after only one season shows that he is committed to achieving success.
He is determined to reach the top of his sport and is willing to make the necessary sacrifices to get there. He has already achieved some impressive results in road racing, and with his determination and commitment, he is sure to continue to have success in the sport.
28. Alf Segersäll
Alf Ove Segersäll is a former racing cyclist from Sweden who is best known for his success in the 1976 Summer Olympics. He competed in the individual road race event and was able to achieve a great result.
This was the start of a successful sporting career which began in IF Saab Linköping. Segersäll was determined to make his mark on the sport and showed a lot of tenacity and dedication. He was able to achieve this goal and became a well-respected cyclist in the industry.
Segersäll has since retired from cycling but his legacy and achievements remain. He set a great example for those who want to pursue a career in the sport and he will always be remembered for his contribution to cycling.
Conclusion
Sweden has some of the best cycling players in the world. The country’s cycling culture is well-established and it is home to some of the best cycling teams in the world.
With the help of the Swedish Cycling Federation and the Swedish Cycling League, the country’s cycling players continue to reach great heights. With the right support and training, Swedish cyclists will continue to dominate the cycling world for many years to come.
