Cycling: a global sport

by Hadeiyah Ameen

On March 29, the Global Studies Speaker Series continued with guest Daniel Lee, who informed the community about the global sport of Cycling.

Lee introduced his book The Belgian Hammer: Forging Young Americans into Professional Cyclists, which tells the story of the next generation of US cyclists transitioning from the domestic US racing to the culture of the European cycling scene.

According to Lee, cycling is profoundly a European sport and Belgium may love cycling the most. During a race, people sit outside their houses, grill sausages, and enjoy the race. Races in Belgium differ from those in the US, as Belgium has smaller roads, bigger crowds of contestants and shorter distances.

In Europe, cycling can be very competitive as people bet on the riders. In the US, race bets are not allowed. Lee developed a love for writing and cycling during the 1980’s when he was a teenager.

Lee spent 17 years in journalism at various jobs such as The Indianapolis Star. Now he is a communication specialist for the bicycle wheel and component maker. Lee still loves to ride his bike and “faithfully” keeps up with Marian University’s National Cycling team.

He recalled one day, he had to pull over to the side of the road to get the results of a race, once satisfied, he returned to driving.