There are lots of popular records in cycling — most Tour de France victories, most wins in the classics, the hour record. And then there are little-known ones you don't hear about.

Adam Hansen has done what no one has done before: He has started and finished 17 grand tours — or three-week stage races — in a row. Over the past six years, he has completed six Tours of Italy, five Tours de France, and six Tours of Spain consecutively.

On May 28, Hansen notched No. 17 when he finished the 100th edition of the Giro d'Italia.

Given how difficult and perilous racing at cycling's top level can be, it's a mind-boggling record that the Australian says he never set out to achieve, and yet it's one that may never be broken.

Here's some insight into the world's most consistent professional bike racer: