tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203074149634807485.post692089473252466592..comments2024-03-14T10:19:04.234-07:00Comments on Taiwan In Cycles: Will Asian Riders Ever Lead The Pros?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203074149634807485.post-12230809800332372562011-06-19T17:31:45.783-07:002011-06-19T17:31:45.783-07:00@Jean,
Great observations.
I think there may be...@Jean,<br /><br />Great observations. <br /><br />I think there may be cultural differences, some driven by socioeconomic factors, others by constructions of race, that may be at play as well. <br /><br />I keep hearing of European attempts to train Ethiopian distance runners to become professional cyclists. Although the scheme smacks of neocolonialism, I imagine this is where we will see non-white cyclists. <br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2008/sep/16/tourdefrance.cycling1<br /><br />Another problem in North America is the cultural inferiority complex of homophobia. For some reason cycling is considered "gay" in many parts of North America. It has something to do with the tight pants (despite the fact that NFL players wear equally tight pants). In speaking with a gay African American, I was told how much pressure he felt for "letting the team down." He grew up being taught to be strong for the community... to be macho. It may be that cycling, with its expensive gear and "gay" stigma, may be risky on several fronts for minority cyclists in N. America. <br /><br />That is not to say there are no black cyclists in N. America. I think you might find more in communities that have less of a history with racial tensions. <br /><br />As far as fewer Asian cyclists...<br /><br />In looking at the uproar over Amy Chua's treatise on the Tiger Mother, cycling and other sports may be regarded by some parents as a waste of time. I once had a Korean doctor tell me to quit "hard" sports entirely as it would be bad for my body. He had his kids doing tennis and violin. <br /><br />Though in Taiwan, cycling is becoming something of a status symbol to demonstrate the pinnacle of affluence. With its focus on gear and kit (kit is highly recommended in the hot, humid weather in Taiwan) it bleeds elitism. <br /><br />Definitely something to look into.NONEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00312011183953017842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203074149634807485.post-41545854177946792982011-06-19T16:28:54.512-07:002011-06-19T16:28:54.512-07:00Yes, interesting how certain national groups domin...Yes, interesting how certain national groups dominate certain sports world competitions. Factors of cost to get geared up and racing costs, are part of it.<br /><br />But sponsorship is another one. Does Giant sponsor big money purses for Asian competitive races? I don't follow racing bike world at all. Or is it better for them to sponsor European dominant/location races?<br /><br />Ok: here it goes. The U.S. has a huge Afro-American population, same for Asian-American population yet in U.S. national cycling ranks and the Tour de France do we ever see racers of colour??<br /><br />There has been discussion that bubbles up occasionally on some of the Internet forums, why there aren't a noticeable critical mass of blacks, Asians in big numbers on the competitive side. Then also as commuters-fitness riders. (though latter is growing, at least noticeable to me in Vancouver & Toronto.Acculturation and assimilation is part of it.) <br /><br />Part of cycling, especially competitive group training together, is social. Yes, I absolutely agree it is inherently a loner sport but to become competitive, you have to train regularily with some hard-ass riders. It's a matter of hanging out with the same folks over and over and whatever..to be "in" on the gang.<br /><br />and also parent(s) who think that competitive cycling is a worthwhile thing vs.....some path for a safe white collar career. <br /><br />Given China's population alone...one would think there would be talent there. However if world competitive athletes from there are supported by the state, then the govn't has to have its own program to nurture athletes which I understand is partially how athletes there are groomed there to world class levels.<br /><br />Well, one day I should blog about why it's perceived there are less blacks, Asians in NOrth America cycling. I just hope I'm wrong.Jeanhttp://cyclewritblog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.com