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The small things you enjoy in cycling
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| valverde321 |
Posted on 03-07-2013 16:58
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Basically I wanted to make this thread because I think there can be a variety of answers, and its interesting to read what other people think, and what you enjoy about cycling.
So, what are the small things about cycling that you just love? Maybe you love the scenery or when the fans write special messages on the road. If you can name a specific case where something has happened, thats cool too.
For me, I really love the whistle of the helicopter when watching a race. Its just part of the cycling experience for me.
I also really like to look at the reflection off of a riders glasses or TT helmet visor, because it kind of lets you see what the rider is seeing from his point of view.
Another thing is seeing the leaders battle it out on a climb in dreadful rainy conditions. To me, that just adds to the epic-ness of the stage, and makes it legendary to me. One I remember vividly is from the 2009 Vuelta when Valverde cracked and it looked like Gesiink was going to ride away, while I think Evans had a mechanical (iirc) and slowly Valverde made his way back to Gesink.
Edited by valverde321 on 04-07-2013 02:13
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| Ste117 |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:06
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For me, it's the climbing style of the top climbers, I would love to know what effect swinging the bike has on a steep climb, I cyle myself and love climbing, often try to emulate the swinging style of some of the top climbers to see the effect.
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| Selwink |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:07
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I really like the way sprinters bump up and down during a sprint, while realizing they dont hit their saddle
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| Mresuperstar |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:19
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The peloton so many top athletes riding so close together. It's quite remarkable.
It's one of the only sports in the world that multiple teams compete against each other at the same time, and a small error during the course of 4+ hours of racing could make the ultimate difference. Just pure dedication.
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| Lachi |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:27
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I love nothing more than the fight of the break-away riders to win the stage. Stage 2 of the TdF was a good example. |
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:29
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The acceleration of a rider that onyl a few can follow
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:30
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For me it has to be the emotion that this sport carries, along with its passing of time. Look at OPQS. So deep and disappointed yesterday, on top of the world today. Riders going through tough times, but going through heaven a month later. Seeing the joy of the winners but also the sadness for those that tried and failed.
It's amazing and it changes constantly, can't hold on to the past. |
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| cactus-jack |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:34
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The somewhat "jumping" style of Conta when he climbs. A really smooth motion and not the angry headbutting that many others does,
Oh, and Christian Paasche and Johan Kaggestad, the best two cycling commentators in the world.
There's a fine line between "psychotherapist" and "psycho the rapist"
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 25-11-2024 11:21
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| Jesleyh |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:43
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Ian Butler wrote:
For me it has to be the emotion that this sport carries, along with its passing of time. Look at OPQS. So deep and disappointed yesterday, on top of the world today. Riders going through tough times, but going through heaven a month later. Seeing the joy of the winners but also the sadness for those that tried and failed.
It's amazing and it changes constantly, can't hold on to the past.
Well, this comes pretty close to what I think.
Oh, and Dutch cyclists of course ( )
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| issoisso |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:44
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valverde321 wrote:
The small things you enjoy in cycling
Dumoulin
No, seriously. The image of a rainy mountain stage in a road in the woods, in late April or May. When I think of how I love cycling, that's the still image that always comes up.
Pretty sure it's subconsciously based on my memory of this stage
https://www.flickr...otostream/
https://www.flickr...0168108891
Which is odd because I checked the stage result and the riders in my memory don't even vaguely look or ride in the colors of Antón, Dekker or Horner.
As for the non-small things I love in the sport, since that's what most people here seem to be talking about, it's how each race and each rider has a completely different set of characteristics that mean no two races are the same and that there are "tools" for every race and for every moment during a race
Ste117 wrote:
For me, it's the climbing style of the top climbers, I would love to know what effect swinging the bike has on a steep climb, I cyle myself and love climbing, often try to emulate the swinging style of some of the top climbers to see the effect.
You're unlikely to notice or be able to use it. They're swinging it in a very precise way so that when one of their feet is pushing down on the pedal, the whole body is above it so that they body's weight helps push the pedal down.
The effect is small and can only be used if you have a lot of flexibility and well trained muscles, otherwise it costs more energy than it gains you.
But at the top level, with everyone so close in performance, any tiny advantage is worth it.
Edited by issoisso on 03-07-2013 17:46
The preceding post is ISSO 9001 certified
"I love him, I think he's great. He's transformed the sport in so many ways. Every person in cycling has benefitted from Lance Armstrong, perhaps not financially but in some sense" - Bradley Wiggins on Lance Armstrong
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:45
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@issoisso I think Ste117 just does it because it makes him feel like a real good climber for a little while. I know the feeling. On a climb I love to go en danseuse and pretend to be ahead in the Tour myself |
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| issoisso |
Posted on 03-07-2013 17:47
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Ian Butler wrote:
@issoisso I think Ste117 just does it because it makes him feel like a real good climber for a little while. I know the feeling. On a climb I love to go en danseuse and pretend to be ahead in the Tour myself
Who doesn't
I was just explaining how/why it works.
Edited by issoisso on 03-07-2013 17:47
The preceding post is ISSO 9001 certified
"I love him, I think he's great. He's transformed the sport in so many ways. Every person in cycling has benefitted from Lance Armstrong, perhaps not financially but in some sense" - Bradley Wiggins on Lance Armstrong
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| Aquarius |
Posted on 03-07-2013 19:53
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Ste117 wrote:
For me, it's the climbing style of the top climbers, I would love to know what effect swinging the bike has on a steep climb, I cyle myself and love climbing, often try to emulate the swinging style of some of the top climbers to see the effect.
If you're thinking Contador pre-2010, you're damn right, very efficient style.
But have you noticed how he's looking much less aerial and stylish while pedaling en danseuse ?
As issoisso said, it's quite difficult to master a proper style there. Especially when you start being tired. It's efficient but very exhausting, so that works well when the rider is stronger than his opponent, but if he's struggling it's hard to focus on the technique.
baseballlover312 wrote:
The acceleration of a rider that onyl a few can follow
Sadly it's often linked to PED, at least when it happens among top riders.
***
I've often been asked what I like in cycling, or what people who watch cycling like, as it's a dull sport for doped athletes, etc.
I guess it's the unpredictability that I like most, as riders with different weights, different gears all ride together, and different abilities to produce power, that offers plenty of tactical options for each of them, and many have different objectives during a stage of a stages race (it's not as true in one day races).
Also, probably, being a lousy cyclist myself (ok, maybe not lousy, but never remotely close to having what it takes to turn pro), I watch them in awe. Sometimes in contempt too, when PED use is just too obvious. |
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| tommyuk |
Posted on 03-07-2013 19:57
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The ITV4 Tour de france theme  |
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| alexkr00 |
Posted on 03-07-2013 20:19
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Aquarius wrote:
I've often been asked what I like in cycling, or what people who watch cycling like, as it's a dull sport for doped athletes, etc.
I guess it's the unpredictability that I like most, as riders with different weights, different gears all ride together, and different abilities to produce power, that offers plenty of tactical options for each of them, and many have different objectives during a stage of a stages race (it's not as true in one day races).
This.
Plus, in the big races it's not just about the race itself. It's also about the history and the traditions of the regions passed by the peloton and of course the amazing landscapes. This is probably the reason why the Tour remains my favorite cycling race even though the actual racing hasn't been the best in the last few years.
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| Schleck96 |
Posted on 03-07-2013 20:28
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I really love the scenery of the TDF. The sun shining through the fields is just beautiful. Also, I love the battles on the mountains, with lots of attacks, seeing the riders going through real pain just to grab the win. |
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| deek12345 |
Posted on 03-07-2013 20:34
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for me its all the different colored jerseys,and the views of the big mountains |
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| Popeye |
Posted on 03-07-2013 20:57
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The unconquerable will.
I guess it's not a small thing really. I remember watching Delgado and Lemonde duke it out in the Pyrenees. It was hot. The sweat was streaming down Delgado's arm and dripping in a steady stream from his elbow, drip, drip drip. His leg muscles looked like they were trying to rip themselves from the bone.
And it was the same for every other rider.
Cycling is about suffering,enduring and ultimately triumphing of oneself..
It's epic. |
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| Ste117 |
Posted on 03-07-2013 21:41
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Aquarius wrote:
Ste117 wrote:
For me, it's the climbing style of the top climbers, I would love to know what effect swinging the bike has on a steep climb, I cyle myself and love climbing, often try to emulate the swinging style of some of the top climbers to see the effect.
If you're thinking Contador pre-2010, you're damn right, very efficient style.
But have you noticed how he's looking much less aerial and stylish while pedaling en danseuse ?
As issoisso said, it's quite difficult to master a proper style there. Especially when you start being tired. It's efficient but very exhausting, so that works well when the rider is stronger than his opponent, but if he's struggling it's hard to focus on the technique.
baseballlover312 wrote:
The acceleration of a rider that onyl a few can follow
Sadly it's often linked to PED, at least when it happens among top riders.
***
I've often been asked what I like in cycling, or what people who watch cycling like, as it's a dull sport for doped athletes, etc.
I guess it's the unpredictability that I like most, as riders with different weights, different gears all ride together, and different abilities to produce power, that offers plenty of tactical options for each of them, and many have different objectives during a stage of a stages race (it's not as true in one day races).
Also, probably, being a lousy cyclist myself (ok, maybe not lousy, but never remotely close to having what it takes to turn pro), I watch them in awe. Sometimes in contempt too, when PED use is just too obvious.
Yeh it is very difficult to master, but as Ian said, it makes me feel like I am watching the climbers on the Tour, helping me get over the climb. it's more psychological gain than anything for me when trying it
MG Team manager Team Ticos Air Costa Rica
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| Wilier |
Posted on 03-07-2013 21:53
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I like riders who look like they're giving their best. Riders Gesink, Dan Martin, CA Sörensen, Jens Voigt, Mollema, Voeckler and Evans are all riders with a 'mine worker' style.
What I also enjoy are displays of power. Accelerations by powerhouse riders like Cancellara are always awesome to watch.
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