Is cycling an important sport?

[matticus]

Passion leading to bias is naturally very true. Even so, I do not know of any other sport in the UK which had such a large network of active clubs in the 20th century with such a low public profile.

Strangely enough, ping-pong is a sport with a different but equally fascinating tale to tell in the UK. For an enthralling read, get a copy of this:
https://www.waterstones.com/book/bounce/matthew-syed/9780007350544
The lesson goes way beyond ping-pong and is relevant to all sports. Enjoy the Bounce.

AFAIK, I'm the only player in my local ping-pong league that also races bikes (although the secretary is an audax organiser).

So if nothing else, I think I've got a good perspective on this issue!

 

[tyred]

I am probably the most unsporting, uncompetitive person you will ever meet. I view cycling as a mode of transport or an enjoyable way to explore the countryside.

I'd rather be forced to listen to a Bay City Rollers LP than be forced to watch the Tour de France.

 

[matticus]

I am probably the most unsporting, uncompetitive person you will ever meet. I view cycling as a mode of transport or an enjoyable way to explore the countryside.

I'd rather be forced to listen to a Bay City Rollers LP than be forced to watch the Tour de France.

Did the Rollers make Important Music?

 

[snorri]

Did the Rollers make Important Music?

Yes indeed.
They cut a few catchy numbers on their 45s, and dressed to a more generally approved standard than your average cycle sport participant.

 

[boydj]

Is any sport "important" ?

The only important aspect of cycling are the health benefits it gives ...what can be more important than that ?

But cycling is much more than sport - it's transport, it's freedom, it's a stress reliever, it teaches kids to be self reliant and responsible, it's great for health and fitness.

 

[Rusty Nails]

Ernest Hemingway — "There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games"

Hemingway was a poseur in love with his own legend, which the above quote was designed to promote.

 

[Rusty Nails]

currently with welsh and scots are also brits, although the situation may be under review… how’s sheep shagging a competitive sport?

Have you ever tried catching a sheep when they don't want to be caught? The sport is in the chase. DAMHIK.

 

[bitsandbobs]

France, Belgium and Holland are probably the top three nations in Europe for cycling. ( Not necessarily in that order.)

I think Spain and Italy might want a word with you (assuming you're talking about racing)!

 

[tyred]

Would the average Ford Fiesta driver consider it a sport to drive to work or identify themselves with Lewis Hamilton and Co. in any way?

 

[Ian H]

In the UK it isn't an important sport. Cycling sport is hardly reported in the mainstream media...

In normal times in the UK there are amateur road races just about every weekend, and time-trials both at weekends and weekday evenings. The number of clubs is increasing (I have a choice of at least 6 in my immediate area). The difference is that it's a participation sport, not so much for spectators. Media coverage isn't the only yardstick.

 

[matticus]

UK media coverage can crudely be categorised as:
- football, and
- all other sport

 

[Oldhippy]

We have a few twats around here in twat cars that think they are Hamilton!

 

[Andy in Germany]

I cycle for various reasons, but these relate to pleasure not health.

Arguably that's related to psychological health...

 

[Andy in Germany]

I don't think any sport is important. They can be popular though.

I'm with you on this. A specific sport may be important to an individual, but that doesn't make it important to society: we could all do perfectly well if football hadn't been invented, and in my case arguably better...

In the same way, making models is important to me; I may struggle if I can't make any more but society will rattle along quite happily.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Would the average Ford Fiesta driver consider it a sport to drive to work or identify themselves with Lewis Hamilton and Co. in any way?

No, but I think it is noticeable that countries like the UK and USA which are car centric do have a lot more motor sport coverage. If you and everyone you know always drives, you'll probably relate more readily to other people driving them rather fast, whereas if you're used to riding a bike, then cycle sports will be more relatable.

The other question is where the "cause" and where the "effect" lie now: is the popularity of car use today attibutable to lots of motor sports in the media and the general support of car culture of which motor sport is a part? And is football the same?