If there are a more ignorant bunch of athletes than road cyclists, then I am yet to find them.
When runners pass each other, we say ‘‘g’day’’; when kayakers and rowers pass each other, we say ‘‘hello’’. Blimey, even on a motorbike we nod to each other.
When cyclists overtake each other you would probably get one in 20 that bothers to acknowledge a fellow athlete, and in fact, that’s being very generous.
The level of ignorance (or arrogance) appears to be directly proportional to the amount of advertising on their jerseys and lycra nicks: the more advertising or bike club colours, the greater the arrogance.
They seem to believe that the sun rises and sets because of them and that anyone else on the road — especially those of us with unshaven legs, plain clothing and/or grey hair — simply aren’t worthy of their acknowledgement.
I love my cycling and I closely follow the careers of our champions, but I am just so disappointed in many of my fellow riders.
