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The Roadman Cycling Podcast

Is Road Racing Dead?- Rider Support

Apr 4, 2025
The decline of traditional road racing is explored, revealing challenges faced in Ireland, the UK, and the US. Gravel riding and fondos are on the rise, reshaping the cycling landscape. New racers receive essential tips on pre-race routines, fueling, and warm-ups to enhance their first experiences. The podcast also discusses competitive etiquette, highlighting sprinting techniques and the importance of group ride dynamics. Plus, insights on bike craftsmanship and motivation for indoor training keep the conversation engaging.
33:23

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Quick takeaways

  • The decline of traditional road racing in regions like Ireland, the UK, and US is being driven by shifting interests towards gravel racing and fondos.
  • Women face significant barriers to participation in road racing, with safety concerns and inadequate infrastructure contributing to their underrepresentation in the sport.

Deep dives

The Decline of Traditional Road Racing

The domestic road racing scene has seen a significant decline in participation and event availability in regions like Ireland, the UK, and the US. Many historic events, once filled with over 150 riders, now struggle to attract participants, exemplified by the Gory Tree Day race, which had only 21 registrants across various categories. This downward trend mirrors broader patterns observed in other countries, where prestigious races are being canceled, further indicating an overall atrophy within the sport. Various factors are believed to contribute to this decline, such as economic circumstances and a shift in interest towards alternative cycling formats like gravel racing and fondos.

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