If you tried to invent pro cycling today, it wouldn’t get past the risk assessment
Dr Hutch reckons the fact pro cycling is a such shambles is one of the main reasons that works
In a whimsical tale, Mr. Burns from The Simpsons, an aged resident of Springfield, undergoes a medical examination. He is afflicted by every conceivable disease, yet his survival is attributed to a phenomenon known as "Three Stooges Syndrome", where the diseases are held in check by each other. If pro cycling were to be invented today, its precarious nature would likely result in a failed risk assessment.
The sport is plagued by instability, with teams frequently rising and falling. Races themselves are ephemeral, with events like the Criterium International, Tour of Yorkshire, and Ride London appearing and disappearing as swiftly as they appear. The sport is overseen by an obscure organization nestled in the Swiss Alps, reminiscent of a Bond villain's lair.
A significant portion of pro cycling's financial support comes from dubious sources tied to questionable governments and industries. Despite the sport's apparent fragility, it remains functional, with the chaos often being its defining characteristic. The spring classics, once thrilling spectacles, are now marred by their peculiarities.
One might imagine inventing such a race as a publicity stunt, akin to pedaling 300km of flat terrain or navigating the treacherous roads of Northern France. The origins of cycling events were more about promoting locations than crafting a compelling race. The Tour de France and Giro d'Italia were essentially endurance marathons, reminiscent of reality TV's dramatized trials of endurance.
The sport's allure lies in its antiquity, evolving from a 19th-century curiosity. This evolution is one of the reasons why calls for modernization of the sport often come from well-intentioned individuals. Their aim is to enhance financial stability and safety, but the concern remains that a truly safe sport would involve shorter circuits.
Similarly, a financially sustainable sport would likely necessitate fans paying for roadside spectating. While the desire to prevent injuries and curb sponsorship malpractice exists, the balance of impending disasters that have characterized the sport is also a matter of contention.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
