The two subjects we're discussing on episode 66 of the road.cc Podcast are arguably chalk and cheese, but equally as interesting we hope you'll agree! In part 1, Jack and Ryan are joined by Jack Gebhard, an avid cyclist who happens to be Chief of Staff for the Conservative MP for Worcester, Robin Walker, about cycling's curious relationship with 'wokeness'.
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The characterisation of the 'woke cyclist' is something that appears to have crept into the discourse when discussions about cycling make it into the wider media - in fact, one Rotherham business owner even recently claimed that a roadworks project to improve cycling provision in the town was "one of those woke agenda schemes".
> ‘The War on the Motorist’ deconstructed — the truth behind the myths
With 'woke' having morphed from a term to describe those who are alert to racial prejudice and discrimination to a catch-all associated with a whole host of issues such as race, politics, gender and the climate – and often deployed in a negative way by those that use the word – where did the link between cyclists and woke come from, and is it even true in the slightest? We do our best to break it down...
In part 2, Ryan is speaking to Lidl Trek’s Lucinda Brand and cyclocross specialist Eli Iserbyt at the recent Cyclocross World Cup even in Dublin, before sitting down with Jamie to discuss how ‘cross fits in to the modern pro cyclist’s schedule.
After UCI president David Lappartient's recent comments suggested that riders would have to take part in cyclocross World Cup events if they want to race in the World Championships, does this mean we’re approaching the end of the multi-discipline era where the likes of Pidcock and Van Der Poel regularly appear at the biggest cyclocross races?
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At the time of broadcast, our listeners can also get a free Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor with the purchase of a Hammerhead Karoo 2. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code ROADCC at checkout to get yours.