Master thesis in history: writing about cycling?

[Hugo Koblet]

Just thinking out loud here, I haven't given it much thought.

Since there is a connection between story telling, journalism, the sale of newspapers and cycling some ideas could include an analysis about the creation of historical narratives, perhaps comparisons between or within particular journalistic traditions (cycling story telling in Italy v France), or within the framework of particular nation-states (cycling story telling and the creation of a nation state ie France); cycling journalism as a story telling event and the production of historical/mythical narratives; an analysis of these journalistic accounts, how have they changed over the years, how they reflect ie journalistic traditions, the evolution of nation state, culture, classes or other social groups; how the meaning cycling storytelling has changed as a reflection of x,y,z ; the production of historical narratives compared across several sports; an analysis of mythical stories/heroes/founding events to support a certain narrative, and then comparing 'cycling' story telling techniques to story telling techniques supporting the foundation of the nation, class, or other social constructs.

Also read Peter Sloterdijk's interpretation of the meaning of cycling, 'The Riders are Just Regular Employees' which might give you some ideas.

As long as you have a theoretical framework to work from and you are comfortable with and which forces you to analyze your sources and come to meaningful conclusions, there are opportunities.

In addition, since doping is an element of cycling, there are also opportunities there to explore the 'dark side' of cycling and analyze the why, how and changes over time (if any) for the use of PEDs, what the meaning of 'PEDs or drugs' are over time, if perceptions reflect cultural, socio-economic, national attitudes etc. An interesting theoretical read could be Rhétorique de la drogue and Points...interviews

Thanks a lot - great post! And you definitely gave me something to work on!

The evolution of journalism of cycling might be something I can use - especially if I use it in the context of "creating a national identity". How journalism (sometimes perhaps even to the extend of propaganda) portrayed the riders and their feats and how this was used to create a special national feeling.

Doping certainly is a huge part of cycling's history (whether we like it or not) - and during the course of history, doping also has had a huge impact on the reflection of the rider's social status. In one era doping was seen as a natural thing and later everyone was disgusted by the use of medication. I'll try reading up on the social status of riders in different eras and see if I can find a good angle. Thanks!

Working off Bala Verde's journalism/story telling idea, 1949 Giro, Coppi vs. Bartali book by Dino Buzzati (translated into English) marvelously depicts how cycling storytelling in Italy goes beyond simply detailing the recap of the stage.

Please keep us updated on your progress Hugo!

Thanks! I've heard about the book before - I guess now is the right time to read it

Also thinking of Coppi and Bartali (especially Bartali) it would be interesting to note the impact of the sport during the war years (and its role in resistance and national fervour). The rise of cycling in South America could be an interesting topic all of its own, as could cycling beyond the Iron Curtain.

Perhaps the role played by the sport in establishing national and regional identities (particularly thinking of Flemings and Walloons in Belgium here, but also the Basques and Franco-era Spain fall under this umbrella).

This is mainly what I'm thinking aswell. Cycling and how it has helped creating national identities at different times. Italy is a good starting point I think - so is France with the Tour de France's revival of the national pride.

It all depends on what you've specialized in (time period, perspectives, methodologies,...)
Maybe something like this:

-Transition from modernity to postmodernity in cycling, Nation-states to global interconnectedness cf racing in country teams to commercial teams
=> also: globalization in cycling. Expending of the sport influenced by multinational commercial interests. Why did cycling break through in South America (Japan), and not Africa

-The changing role of the female in cycling through history. Both the wife as the female rider, which represent two opposite female gender roles

-Cycling for elite or the people? Sports as emancipation of the working class, or as entertainment (Panem et circenses)

-Or you could abandon this macro perspective, and look more micro. Pick out a case, investigate that, link it with the current society and some theories,...

-It might be interesting to study cycling during the world wars. Some races continued, regardless of the German/Nazi occupation.
=> it would be very interesting to find a case linking cycling and the resistance movement...

Maybe some of these a bit too sociological in intention (i'm a sociology student), but like i'm said, all depends on what you've specialized in...

It probably would be a quite sociological thesis, but I won't mind as it's all about the historical evolution and its "sociological impact".
I like the idea of women in the sport as well as that of cycling as emancipation of the working class or as entertainment. Certainly gave me something to think about!

Unfortunately, a major obstacle might be my inability to read French, Belgian and Italian which in the end could mean that I might not be able to go through with this if it's necessary to read a lot of sources from these lands. I still have my hopes though, and I will look into the possibilities.

Don't be in such a hurry to graduate. When could you better learn those languages if not as a student - and how are you ever going to evolve your passion for cycling history if you don't? (no, I'm not being sarcastic)

Well, I've never really been a fan of languages. I learned Italian in high school, but never got any good at it - I simply don't have flair for languages I think.
And after all, there is still a lot for me to be read in English so it's not a major problem for me - of course it could be if I can't do this dissertation no cycling and history, but I guess I'll just have to live with that then

I would like to suggest you have a look at the book "The tour de France" by Christopher S. Thompson.

It's not a run down of GC winners, it deals with the tour from a historical and social perspective in France.

I hope you find it usefull, it's also a very good read.

Thanks. It's very nice with some suggestions for books that I should read - I'll borrow it from the library in the summer vacation

Hopefully I got back to everyone now - if not, then I apologize, but I appreciate any input anyway