After today’s stage and seeing how aggressive Ryder Hesjedal continues to be, anyone with an understanding of what it takes to be a good bike rider has to impressed.
As a rider that is not considered a star, he knows he has to take chances with his energy reserves and flail himself in attempts to get ahead. This in opposition to what the predictable stars can do by being a lot more calculating and reserved with their efforts. The big boys can dole it out at select moments.
Reading Ryder’s comments vis-a-vis his riding tactics, he absolutely knows that big aggression on his part is needed for his career and his results to go forward. He knows there is no real point of saving himself because the bigger guns are indeed bigger guns. What’s he got to lose? A 22 rimfire can knock out a 44 magnum if used correctly and he is proving himself so well in this Tour.
I’m especially impressed because he hails from my home province of British Columbia where (unless there are some good out-of-towners in the race) the racing is so negative and non-aggressive with most riders happy to be big fish in a little puddle. It never ceases to amaze me how the local racers can’t seem to figure out that they are never going to be any good unless they start racing as opposed to saving themselves for the sprint or suchlike. Bernie Hinault once said something to the effect, ” As long as I can breathe, I attack”. Apparently his credo worked for him because he won a few races in his life.
So, wankers of the bike racing world take note. You want to be a good racer?….keep hammering off the front until the string finally breaks. Yes you too can be a hero.
For those riders that simply enjoy their sport cycling, don’t be afraid to kick it up a cog or two on the hills and hurt like a madman for a bit. What’s the worst that will happen? Maybe you’ll blow before the top but maybe you won’t next time.