And he indeed isn't! Riding for your country should be the highest possible honor in the career of a sportsman.He probably means people don't find him patriotic enough?
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And he indeed isn't! Riding for your country should be the highest possible honor in the career of a sportsman.He probably means people don't find him patriotic enough?
It's a job.right because racing for the honor of the Jumbo supermarkets chain is the epitome of virtue
And he indeed isn't! Riding for your country should be the highest possible honor in the career of a sportsman.
You could say that "work for me because of who signs your paychecks" is just replacing one dubious morality system for another.It's a job.
I haven't mentioned Roglič and Van Aert anywhere.You could say that "work for me because of who signs your paychecks" is just replacing one dubious morality system for another.
Or you could say that the entire thing is silly and since this isn't the 1980s anymore, we generally expect riders to balance the obligations of national/trade teams, and if Jumbo has an issue with it, they can have Roglic fired.
Difference being that van Aert was the strongest in the group and best able to reel in Ala. He was the Mendrisio Cancellara with a better sprint. The only option is to go full gas over the top of the climb without hesitation, and only after a monster pull hope the others will contribute.
OK.I haven't mentioned Roglič and Van Aert anywhere.
Just patriotism.
No one is proud of riding for Quick Step, as in the brand. People can be proud of riding for Quick Step, as in the professional cycling team, but no one cares if the sponsor changes. Someone can feel proud of being signed to Quick Step because of what that says about their achievements, not because they're participating in capitalism or because they're defending just the best floor makers.OK.
I don't think someone feeling honored to be selected for their national team is epitomizing borderline fascist levels of toxic nationalism any more than a rider being proud of being signed to Quick-Step is epitomizing the most vicious excesses of capitalist decadence.
OK.
I don't think someone feeling honored to be selected for their national team is epitomizing borderline fascist levels of toxic nationalism any more than a rider being proud of being signed to Quick-Step is epitomizing the most vicious excesses of capitalist decadence.
My impression is that Devenyns' decision was made on a personal basis.OK.
I don't think someone feeling honored to be selected for their national team is epitomizing borderline fascist levels of toxic nationalism any more than a rider being proud of being signed to Quick-Step is epitomizing the most vicious excesses of capitalist decadence.
and a rider is probably proud to be on their national team because it's really, really hard, especially in a country with a lot of great cyclists to choose fromNo one is proud of riding for Quick Step, as in the brand. People can be proud of riding for Quick Step, as in the professional cycling team, but no one cares if the sponsor changes. Someone can feel proud of being signed to Quick Step because of what that says about their achievements, not because they're participating in capitalism or because they're defending just the best floor makers.
That's skewed reasoning. Of course they don't "all" do this, that's not the point. It suffices that enough riders to it to make it annoying or a real issue.But just because some riders act as described, it doesn't mean they all do. Or would you say Martin didn't give all he could for Alaphillipe yesterday?
because they're defending just the best floor makers.
Sure, but this is not the sentiment we were talking about.and a rider is probably proud to be on their national team because it's really, really hard, especially in a country with a lot of great cyclists to choose from
That's skewed reasoning. Of course they don't "all" do this, that's not the point. It suffices that enough riders to it to make it annoying or a real issue.
Why? What is a country? Well, I don't mean to get political here, but I don't care about countries. Well, I'm German. "For the honour of the fatherland" does not have a great sound here. National states have been modern when they stood for the possibility to earn your place by intelligence and work instead of nepotism. Today they feel like an anachronism to me.
There are companies longer-standing than some nations.I know that many Germans agree with you. Still, the world consists of units, and if you don't like the unit you belong to - or think that the others are just as good -, then you might not feel at home. Is it better to be hired by a supermarket or a lottery company and be loyal to them? I don't think so. The nations have a history, companies come and go.
There are companies longer-standing than some nations.
Some Balkan nations, certainly.Maybe so, depending on the definition of "nation". Which?