Every field has its own set of beliefs. But are they all true?

Cycling, for instance.

It\’s a bit odd to think that there\’s not A champion in cycling. There might be a champion sprinter or a champion climber, but not one overall champ.

It seems logical, actually, that pro cyclists are not whizzes at bicycle maintenance. They\’ve got to spend their time training, or recovering from training. Or racing. If they\’re anything like me, a session to learn, let\’s say, derailer adjustment, will be quickly forgotten. The only way to learn that stuff is to do it. And do it again. And again and again.

Trying to win Le Tour? I\’ve no doubt that some cyclists dream of it, but don\’t look at me. I know I\’m nowhere near being able to ride Le Tour, even if to barely hang on to the back a la Lanterne Rouge.

Shorn legs? They say that un-hairy legs make massage easier, and that they heal better from road rash. I can see the logic in that.

If I were a pro cyclist I might well want the best equipment, but would I get it? Would I be allowed to use it even if I paid for it myself? I\’m glad I can choose what equipment I want to use. There are a few advantages to being a non-pro!

Long rides all the time? Yeah, it\’s easy to think of pro riders as spending many hours every day in the saddle. When I think about it, I see that it wouldn\’t be a good idea to do that. Pros aren\’t immune to burnout.

Ride only to win? That seems like sheer instinct for anyone in a race, but most riders in Le Tour are there to help their team captain win, even though they may harbor thoughts of winning the yellow jersey for themselves.

Who knows, though. Maybe one day they will snag that maillot jaune, and become the stuff of legend.