As a literary critic, I like to compare the narratives of road cycling races with fictional storytelling, as both are rich in drama, conflict, and character development.
One-day cycling races are character-driven dramas, with each rider contributing to the narrative of the race through their individual choices, personalities, and strategies. Unlike stage races, where the spotlight shifts daily, one-day events compress the storytelling into a single, intense day, amplifying the role of the riders as protagonists in a high-stakes drama.
One of the most thrilling aspects of one-day races is the potential for underdogs to steal the spotlight. In a single-day event, lesser-known riders or teams can defy expectations, creating narratives of triumph against all odds. These unexpected heroes often capture the hearts of fans, making their victories feel like the climax of a well-told story.
The stakes in one-day races are high, with riders putting everything on the line for a single chance at victory. This sense of “all or nothing” creates an emotional intensity that is central to the drama. For some, it’s a chance to cement their legacy; for others, it might be the defining moment of their careers. These stakes elevate the riders’ efforts to something more profound, resonating with fans on an emotional level.
If you’d like to read more possible comparison between road cycling races and fictional storytelling, please subscribe to my Patreon
For great stories from the past of road cycling races -not only the Monuments – please, visit Vintage Road Cycling Stories
2025 is an important year for me as a blogger focusing on the present and the past of road cycling races. I wrote an intro post about this special project on the central PelotonTales site (the hub of all these small projects around the most important races of the season 20025)