In an ode to my student days, last nights dinner consisted of beans on toast. Eating it reminded me of one of the worlds oldest adages, its the simple things in life that are the best. Watching some of the worlds leading athletes, the Tour de France cyclists, grab for newspaper before they decent some 7000 feet from the top of a "Cól" in the Alps , also conjures up this saying. The cyclists stuff the newspaper down their tops and use it as insulation against the cold draft blowing against their sweaty bodies. In an era where apparel companies spend millions convincing us that their material is "breathable" or "wind-proof", they still haven't invented anything as useful as newspaper. Much like beans on toast, it appears the simplest thing is best.
As the tour reached the Galibier today, I was reminded of my first introduction to the Tour de France. In 1998 on the decent of the Galibier, Marco Pantani hopped off his bike to put on his rain jacket before jumping back on and racing nine minutes clear. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2FQqHF8x5I&feature=related) Through the lashing rain, you can barely make out the riders. Seeing these athletes push through such conditions awoke a love inside me. Boxing would have a similar affect on me in later life and I think it comes down to one point. In both boxing and cycling, there is no hiding place, no team mate to blame, to referee to scapegoat. Its mano a mano in the truest sense of the word. While all individual sports have an element of this is their activities, cycling up the Alpes is gladiatorial. When the riders turn to look each other in the eye, they are looking directly into the soul of their competitor. Am I faster, fitter, mentally tougher then you? Is this mountain stronger then the two of us? Have I got it within myself to continue to hurt for mile upon mile?
