@steampunk dropped this beauty of a photo on us. Volumes being spoken here, none of which makes being a pro look so great. Thanks Steamy.
VLVV, Gianni
I’ve waxed lyrical on the darker side of le métier on these pages in the past””on the physical and psychological demands that pro riders endure. But this photograph requires even more of the cycling fan. Tan lines? Check. Eye wear? Well placed. These are pro, right?
But this kind of voyeurism almost inspires an awkward kind of guilt. Witness: the still-open door; the suitcase stand still leaning against the wall””suitcase dumped on the floor beside it; shoes (as beaten and worn down as the rider) askew in the general vicinity of the shoe mat. How do we process these? Dingy hotel. Emaciated rider. Sun-burned face. Chapped lips. Hunched shoulders. Heavy head. Distant eyes. Broken. Total, utter, complete fatigue. And tomorrow they expect panache. Again.
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Even in a photo studio during the offseason posing for a cover shot Barry comes across looking drawn and wasted.
Would you call this the less glamorous side of being a pro, or just the aftermath?
@chipomarc
Are you referring to the recent Canadian Cycling cover?
I love the jersey. And note the bike comes from his father.
@Xyverz
My take was that this was the less glamorous side. Naturally the subject has shifted our focus to talk about doping, aftermath, etc., but I suspect you could superimpose most pros into this scene.
@brian
Welcome, mate.
@scaler911
Drew Bledsoe? Really??
@Buck Rogers
Pro cyclist and porn star: two professions I think that sound great in theory, but the reality is rather...less than desirable.
Note I didn't use the adjective "sucks" or "unfulfilling."
@brian
Ranting is what makes this site so great. Glad you're here to join in the fun.
Disagree with the "cycling is a privilege not a right." I'd agree perhaps that bike racing is a privilege (invited, prepped, licensed, etc etc) but cycling, particularly the VLVV, is very much a right. Those are in fact my roads, I do own them. Comes with a responsibility of course, but all rights do.
@brian
Your original post (first here?) seemed like one of the usual-new people come and make a stink, without looking to contribute. However, in your posts since then you have piqued my interest, and I enjoyed reading about your experience. Stick around, it is a great place that Frank and the other Keepers have cultivated over the years. It is one of the unique places on the web for the close community it fosters IMO.
Referencing the photo, what are the circumstances of it? TdF I'm assuming, what year?
Well, since doping is being discussed I wanted to share this. I haven't had the chance to read it all yet, but a provoking look at what is going on in the governing bodies.
http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/01/analysis/hoberman-qa-outlining-corruption-doping-collusion-at-the-ioc-uci_270482
With regards to Lance's possible confession and being allowed to compete: On the one hand, maybe it is in line with previous suspensions, has there ever been a life suspension before? On the other hand, fuck Lance.
@Steampunk well chosen!
This is a photo by Camille John Mcmillan that is one of the true masters of cycling photography. Please do not alter (black and white) his photo, instead have a look at his beautiful site http://camillejohnmcmillan.com/
@Steampunk
@eightzero
your right,and thats what meant, racing is a privilege.i realized it after i posted.d'oh.
@DerHoggz
thanks,and your right about the site.i've been lurking here for awhile. love that you all love cycling,had been looking for a site to talk cycling.
and thanks deakus and the rest for the for the welcome.cheers for the V.