On a recent cycling trip to Girona, I passed the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, overlooking the superb descent to El Port de la Selva. A sign outside the impressive building explained that the religious community of medieval monks was divided into “laboratores” who worked, “bellatores” who fought and “oratores” who prayed. A friend commented that this described our small peloton rather well: one guy does all the work on the front, pursued by those fighting to hold his wheel, while the rider at the back is just praying to hang on.
The organisation of modern professional cycling bears many similarities to a medieval feudal system.
The Aristocracy
Overall control of the major events in professional cycling lies with the UCI and the ASO. They rule by divine right and have absolute authority over the Grand Tours, the Classics and the World Championships. They issue royal decrees under the influence of the clergy.
The Clergy
The keepers of doctrine, laws and moral order are the organising committees, race commissaires and agencies like WADA. The set rules and excommunicate those found guilty of doping (alchemy), enforcing the sacred traditions of the Lex Pelotonia.
The Nobility
The wealthy lords who raise private armies and fund chivalric quests are the team sponsors and billionaire backers, such as UAE, Visma and INEOS. They outfit their knights with heraldic crests and supply them with the most advanced weapons of war.
The Knights
As the most successful knights, Pogačar, Evenepoel, Vingegaard and van der Poel are richly rewarded by their nobles. Mounted on their sophisticated carbon steeds, the champions compete in dangerous high-speed battles, cheered on with great admiration by the masses, as they pass through towns and villages. They are supported by a retinue of Men at Arms.
Men at Arms
Every GC contender or sprinter relies on a loyal band of domestiques. These Men at Arms execute much of the work in the battlefield, protecting their leader, carrying supplies and driving forward against the wind. Their strategy is often set by the Scholars.
Scholars
The roles of the medieval Scholars are taken by sports scientists, aerodynamicists, physiologists and nutritionists. They are employed by the noble team sponsors to improve the performance of their fighting forces, offering theoretical protocols to provide marginal gains.
Guilds, Artisans and Merchants
Revered specialist bike designers work alongside artisans to supply the weapons of warfare for the two-wheeled battles. They continually improve upon the traditional form, in an arms race that leads to ever rising costs. Mechanics and soigneurs ensure that the riders and their equipment are in first class condition.
Jesters and Minstrels
The jesters and minstrels of modern cycling are the commentators, podcasters and social media creators, who poke fun at the rigid orthodoxy of the Clergy, highlight the absurd price tags set by Artisans and immortalise the gruelling, heroic suffering of the Knights and Men at Arms.
Free Riders
Most of us are not part of the feudal system of professional cycling. Fortunately, in this day and age, this does not relegate us to the status of serfs. As autonomous citizens, we operate outside the medieval court.
We can exercise the freedom and independence offered by a bicycle to stay fit and healthy, test our limits, explore the planet or simply travel from A to B. We navigate the world on our own terms, relying strictly on self-sufficiency and personal sovereignty.
