David Millar doesn't like Cycling

Biosphere · David Millar doesn't like Cycling

This is about Agassi, but I thought the Millar, Boardman and Pendleton anecdotes made it worth posting and the whole article is interesting.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/oct/29/andre-agassi-hate-tennis

I wonder how it relates to the likes of Obree, Pantani and Vandenbroucke?

Bartali

I don't find it surprising.

I'm not sure I like cycling. Sure I like watching it and reading about it. I like the history and I like bikes. And I like overcoming my own personal challenges ... a bit like Boardman's 'winning'. But do I like putting all those miles in every weekend or hitting the rollers or turbo after a 12 hour working day? I'm not sure I do.

mr shifter

Bartali

Not sure what earlier posts you are referring to? I have done a lot of ITT and a bit of road racing, but all a long long time ago. These days I target the odd sportive and train so as to better enjoy riding in the Alps and Pyrenees. I might even try some ITT and hill climbs next year ... but too old and slow for proper road racing.

As to having all the gear etc ... well I am fortunate enough (or maybe unfortunate enough) to be able to indulge my passion for bikes as I have few other commitments in life. Do I think many cyclists begrudge us middle aged riders with all the gear? Yeap - sure they do. But each to there own - I don't take offense.

CapeRoadie

SlowRower

Pro sport is just a job, ultimately, and a bl**dy hard one at that. I don't think many, if any people like their job all day and every day. For most people, a job is just something that pays the mortgage.

Steve Redgrave said that his training involved hours of time in the cold, wind and rain, with freezing hands, with Matt Pinsent's a*se as his only view. And that was the good part. The timed weights and rowing machine sessions were really unpleasant!

Lots of "weekend warriors" I know tend to rotate between some or all of running, cycling, swimming, rowing and triathlon to keep fresh mentally and maintain their enjoyment.

Enchantress

Interesting discussion.

For one, I know that I love cycling. That is a bit of a broad term though 'cycling' - riding my bike and training yes, I enjoy those things immensely.

Now cycling 'culture' and cycling as a sport, be it local races or otherwise, in general though, I'm less enamored with. Perhaps it is a function of living in America, but there's much of it that I do not care for.

Maybe I need to stick with TT's and hill climbs this coming year...

Bartali

Mrs John Murphy

Most people hate their jobs, their bosses and their colleagues - those who say otherwise are liars. It makes perfect sense for riders to hate the sport.

The interesting point about any amateur/hobby activity - whether it is cycling, birdwatching, football etc, is the seriousness with which people take it, and the amount of emotional energy people invest within and in turn it ceases to be fun.

thunderthighs

when bordum sets in, mouth begins to wonder..ciao

mr shifter

Nolte

i recall reading seán kelly never liked cycling, it was just a way to make a living

The Lemondheads

anything can become a chore, even riding your bike if you have to do it every day. I'm a pro cyclist in the sense that it's my only way of getting to work so monday morning 7am, it's get up, ride your bike for an hour. I totally did not want to do that this morning but I had to; I can see that it's got to be even worse for a pro. I also have to travel a lot for my real job and stay in a lot of hotels, and that sounds great but is actually a load of shit.

last km

I once asked Sean Kelly if he missed the racing, he was commentating on Paris Nice at the time.....one word anwer...no

I have raced pretty much most of my life, at the moment I dont, and I find it hard to take it easy when out........if I see someone in the distance, I still get the compulsion to catch them, oh and if someone has the audacity to pass me, I feel obliged to sit on their wheel Shocked

Nolte