Realizing full well that fine condition and confidence will not in themselves make a champion, it is my belief, however, that they are essential factors.
Modesty should be typical of the success of a champion.
An athlete must have ability to reach the top, but many who have ability and who do not live clean lives never have and never will be champions for obvious reasons.
I know that a good many champions have entertained the thought that the more they discourage youngsters, the longer they would reign. However, this theory never impressed me, and I always made it a point to give youths the benefit of my experience in bicycle racing.