Ode to Elvis - the Cyclo Sportif Spirit

I have had the privilege of participating in almost every Cyclo Sportif event since its inception. The courses have been varied and so have the members in my team. My form has varied over the time which has resulted in me participating in the event and finding during the ride that I am in the strongest 3, the middle 3 and at times unfortunately (for me) the weakest 3. I much prefer it when I am the strongest 3 however this is not always possible. It becomes a very hard day when I am the weakest link. Flogging my guts out just to stick with my team, being tempted to pull out through injury or some other excuse. Questioning my reasons for putting myself through this agony. The ride taking an eternity to finish. At the meal and the presentations those memories quickly fade and the talk switches to the next event.

Without doubt the best rides I have ever had, whether it be in the strongest 3, the middle 3 or the weakest 3 have been when there has been an absolute commitment by every member in the team to stick together at all times, no matter what, during the ride. The group energy and camaraderie at the finish line and the meal afterwards is the best reward of all and is what team sport is all about. During the ride, when the team is in beautiful harmony, sharing turns, in perfect formation, riding smoothly, it’s an exhilarating moment. Now that is what I call an Elvis moment. Cyclo Sportif events are special because it is a team challenge with your friends. The team is only ever as good as the weakest riders in it and when the strongest riders leave them behind, that magic that makes Cyclo Sportif so special fades and can even disappear. It also becomes more dangerous because cyclists are scattered across the field.

How can my team have more Elvis moments:

1.  Appoint a team captain who calls the shots during the ride. He will logically be one of your strongest 3 riders.
2. Make an absolute commitment within the team that you will stick within 25 metres of each other at all times during the ride. The stronger members can assist the others by smooth tempo riding in front of others (or whatever else they want to do, however it needs to be safe).
3.  Have a clear understanding before the ride as to how you will rotate at the front to share the workload.
4. Communicate what you are doing and especially clearly alert others to potential dangers
5.  Encourage each other during the ride. It helps bond the team.
6.  If someone is struggling, the others (especially the strong ones) should discuss a simple plan to help the person.
7. The person struggling needs to communicate back as to how much assistance they need and the speed they are capable of as the event progresses ( yelling faster/slower is a good start). Most importantly they should not feel bad about their circumstance or be made to feel bad about it. Every team has their weakest rider. This IS what Cyclo Sportif is all about!!!!!!! GO ELVIS
    

Written by Paul Fiddes, President.