Why has there never been a successful Japanese Tour de France cyclist?
Why are stylish people happy to ride style-free mama chari bikes?
Bicycles are about the only thing that gets regularly stolen, but I’m sure there must be other explanations too??
Why is Shimano so famous?/ How did Shimano get to sell their high tech stuff in the land of mama chari?
Track cycle racing for betting purposes??
Why does everyone ride a mama chari shopping bike in the land of Shimano?
Are mothers not worried about cycling with two children on the bike?
?????? Will shortly be banned anyway
Why cycle with an umbrella instead of a hood?
Don’t want to mess up their hair??
Why do people cycle on the pavement?
The thrill??
Why do some people think it’s okay to ring their bell to make me get out of the way when the pavement is supposed to be for pedestrians?
They are rough and pushy people
Why is cycle racing not more popular?
Too many mountains not enough plains, narrow roads?? Because you can’t take your bike on most trains without sticking it in a bag???
Why do some Japanese people get dressed up in full Tour de France gear to cycle round the park?
Michael said,
June 6, 2009 at 5:31 am
Why do you not see Japanese cyclists in the professional peloton?
1. Language gap- Cycling is a team sport except for track cycling
2. Yes, geography does not lend itself to easy club and distance recreational cycling. Sure, it’s possible but a real pain in the ass to take your bike on 2 trains and a bus to get to a starting point, where cars will give you no respect and you can fall into a drainage ditch.
3. Lack of sponsors. Japanese advertisements as discussed elsewhere lack sophistication and are usually just a celebrity having some “genki juice” drink. Even in the Western countries, the jury is out if sponsoring a cycling team makes economic sense (hence Lance Armstrong’s team is sponsored by the Kakhaztan government). No sponsors -no team.
4. Cycling is seen as essential transportation and not a competitive sport.
alexcase said,
June 6, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I think I worked this one out at the Olympics- Japanese track cycling, which is mainly for betting but also managed to get in the Olympics, is so big and money generating that it overshadows even the Tour de France