I have just been looking at the build up to the Olympic Games here in Ireland where we have our own TV stations as well as BBC, ITV etc.
The mens Road Race is next Saturday and I was fascinated to read/hear the comments made by general (non-cycling) commentators about this event.
One guy said "and they race - listen to this folks - for over six hours. Imagine that, having to cycle for six hours !"
Or how about this from the TV guide for next week "9.45 GMT coverage of the Mens Olympic Road Race which is six hours +, this program will be intercut with Hockey, Volleyball and other sports. Times may vary".
Or how about this comment from the Irish Times Newspaper "of course, the fact that the Mens Olympic Cycling Road Race is the longest endurance event
in Athens will merely give succour to those who believe that this sport is full of endurance performance enhancing drugs.
One cannot blame those who have this perception, after all cycling round for
six hours in extreme heat is beyond most mortals.
And when you consider that most of these competitors will have completed the Tour De France and have cycled about 25,000 miles already this season,
one would have to wonder".
This is how the outside world view the world of cycling.
The mens Road Race is next Saturday and I was fascinated to read/hear the comments made by general (non-cycling) commentators about this event.
One guy said "and they race - listen to this folks - for over six hours. Imagine that, having to cycle for six hours !"
Or how about this from the TV guide for next week "9.45 GMT coverage of the Mens Olympic Road Race which is six hours +, this program will be intercut with Hockey, Volleyball and other sports. Times may vary".
Or how about this comment from the Irish Times Newspaper "of course, the fact that the Mens Olympic Cycling Road Race is the longest endurance event
in Athens will merely give succour to those who believe that this sport is full of endurance performance enhancing drugs.
One cannot blame those who have this perception, after all cycling round for
six hours in extreme heat is beyond most mortals.
And when you consider that most of these competitors will have completed the Tour De France and have cycled about 25,000 miles already this season,
one would have to wonder".
This is how the outside world view the world of cycling.