'The sport would be a better place if we didn’t glorify pain' – Pro cycling needs less heroic suffering, not more

Professional cycling has long celebrated the narrative of heroic suffering, where riders push through extreme pain and injury to achieve glory. Iconic moments, such as Bernard Hinault winning the 1980 Liège-Bastogne-Liège amid freezing conditions or Geraint Thomas completing the 2013 Tour de France with a fractured pelvis, exemplify this culture. Even tragic events, like the death of Tommy Simpson, have been mythologised as symbols of relentless determination, reinforcing the sport’s deep-rooted association with endurance through agony. However, the toll of such perseverance is significant, particularly in demanding races like Grand Tours, where riders cover around 3,000 kilometres over three weeks. The intense physical and mental strain often leads athletes to ignore injuries and push beyond safe limits, driven by personal sacrifice and team expectations. Recent incidents, such as Adam Yates continuing after a severe crash in the Giro d’Italia only to be later diagnosed with concussion symptoms, highlight ongoing concerns about rider welfare and the pressures to remain in competition despite health risks. The current protocols for managing injuries, especially concussions, have been criticised for inadequacies. Teams and riders often face conflicting incentives, with athletes reluctant to abandon races and medical staff under pressure to clear them to continue. This creates a dangerous grey area where the wellbeing of riders can be compromised. Calls have been made for an independent authority to oversee decisions about whether a rider should continue, removing the onus from the athlete and team who may prioritise competition over health. Suggestions for improving safety include allowing more flexibility in race neutralisation to enable thorough medical assessments without penalising riders unfairly. While this would disrupt the flow of racing, it reflects a growing recognition that the sport must evolve beyond glorifying pain and suffering. Emphasising duty of care and prioritising rider health could lead to a more sustainable and humane approach, ensuring that cycling honours resilience without compromising safety.