Professional cycling is not just a sport. Would it be a sport, far fewer riders would win races. Instead 'cheating' in any way or form has been part of this activity since the late 19th century. Many a rider got wealthier from losing races than from winning them.
The Anglosaxon idea of 'fair play' has nothing to do with cycling. That's what makes it so interesting. Far more interesting than any other sport. So, I doubt there would be any activity labeled as sport that requires skills in more fields.
On the other hand, if you read biographies, like the one about Tom Simpson Get Me Back On My Bike, it never ceases to amaze me how stupid everyone in cycling was. Only having two liters to drink during a race, even on very hot days? Relying on pep instead?
Last edited by ijsbrand; 05-07-12 at 06:57 AM.