Originally Posted by classic1
Cycling is definitely a blue collar sport. It's also a European sport. Where you from? The US? The demographics of the traditional supporters/competitors of cycling in Europe are completely different to the US, where it is considered a yuppie or middle age rich dude sport.
Merckx was unusual in that his parents were middle class shopkeepers. In the 1980's Visentini was considered very unusual because he was the playboy son of a rich funeral home operator. Most top riders up until then were poor farm boys, sons of coal miners, sons of factory workers, that kind of thing. Even an urbane person like Anquetil who mixed with movie stars was a son of a Norman farmer.
Looks like we are hitting the nail on the head here. In Europe cycling is valued and supported with a few exceptions. I agree...in the US road cycling is an elitist sport. Just like going to the gym to work out is an elitist activity. Most people are overweight in the US. LOL!!!! Most Americans can't even find a bike that would support their weight. The car culture also kills cycling in the US.
I would agree that in Europe cycling is an activity of the people.