Who do you support and why? There is a variety of algorithms to help you choose

Deciding who to support in a bike race can be a deeply personal choice. One algorithm to consider is whether any of the riders are family members. Naturally, you'd likely be cheering for your own son, daughter, brother or sister. Another option is to consider whether you have a friend racing. This broader definition of "friend" includes those you've met personally or professionally, even if you don't know them intimately.

Riders you've encountered once and made a positive impression on could also earn your support. However, if you've had an unpleasant encounter with a rider, you might choose to root for the opposite outcome. The digital age has also added a new dimension to this. With social media, it's easy to feel like you know a rider through their online presence.

This connection can provide a sense of investment in their success or failure. Beyond these factors, there are riders who have earned your affection through a single memorable moment, like Pascal Eenkhoorn who gained UK fans by sharing his bottle with a young competitor. Ultimately, the decision to support a rider may involve a mix of these elements, sometimes leading to contradictory loyalties like my friend's support for Adam Yates while wishing ill upon his twin.