think you’re hard? pfffft! try a Tour with a broken pelvis!

“What sport in the world demands the same focus and attention to all details, all the time, that the Tour de France does of its potential winners?

A Grand Prix? Nope, that’s over in two to three hours or so. A 15-round boxing match? Again, too short.

The closest I can imagine is a non-stop individual sea voyage lasting a similar time, but even then there are periods of monotony there, of peaceful seas and relaxation.

No, nothing on the planet compares with the Grand Tours and in particular the Tour de France in terms of the focus and concentration required – no traditional sporting event in any case.

These men are tough physically, but it all stems from the core of their being, from an inner steel that the normal man in the street will never comprehend.

Like Scott and Amundsen crossing frozen wastes, Cook setting off into uncharted waters and Hilary and Norgay Tenzing reaching the summit of Everest, these riders are driven by something else, something almost other.

It all makes no sense when considered rationally, and yet it all makes such absolute, perfect and beautiful sense in so many other ways.”

I take a look at the physical and mental strain of the Greatest Race on Earth here on The Roar.

Image courtesy of Sky ProCycling
Image courtesy of Sky ProCycling

 

Author: Lee Rodgers

Cycling coach, race organiser, former professional cyclist and the original CrankPunk.

3 thoughts

  1. I don’t think this is possibly true, you simply can’t pedal with ‘ broken ‘ pelvis. Even a fractured pelvis. If true, it must be such a tiny tiny crack that does not compromise power transfer and action from bones where , lets not forget, muscles that we see are attached to. So, broken bones means no riding. Broken pelvis I should say, not thumb or index finger.
    During a crash last year I did fracture my pelvis and acetabulum that luckily required no surgery. Broken It’s just a broad meaning that makes Tdf more colorful event, it draws attention to readers, solely, that’s all it is.

  2. Thanks a lot for giving everyone such a terrific opportunity to read from this site. It is often so superb and as well , packed with a good time for me and my office acquaintances to search your blog the equivalent of 3 times weekly to see the new things you will have. And indeed, I am just actually fulfilled with your outstanding points you serve. Certain 2 points in this post are completely the most suitable I’ve ever had.

  3. hi!,I like your writing very much! proportion we communicate extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that is you! Looking forward to see you. |

Leave a Reply