The global reach of professional cycling extends further with each passing season. The World Tour peloton begins the racing season in Australia in January and finishes in China in late October. In between, they are not only racing in central Europe and North America, but in the Middle East and northern Africa. The internationalization has livened the sport by reaching new markets, providing an influx of sponsorship, public interest, money, and competition. But the rapid expansion into parts of the world that were previously unknown to cycling may also be coming at some expense to the riders’ health.
Bike racing is a tough and dangerous sport. Cyclists accept the risks and are aware of the demands, but it may be time for limits. In sport, athletes shouldn’t be asked to risk their lives for our entertainment. Continue reading.
