Tao Geoghegan Hart, like most professional cyclists, did not go to university. But he had every bit the same experience (textbooks and exams aside) as someone who did. "My partner went to uni, and when we have conversations about it, I see the parallels between what we both did," he says. "I haven't done the studying part, but I too was around like-minded individuals from a variety of cultures that allowed me to develop, patiently, into who I am today. I look back on it as an enjoyable, really fundamental, and formative part of my life."
The Londoner is talking about his three years at male cycling's equivalent to Oxford or Harvard: the U23 development team currently known as Hagens Berman Axeon. Axel Merckx, its co-founder, and director, nods in agreement. "I always say we're a bit like college in the US," he proclaims.
"The alumni always say that they came from this or that university. That's basically what we are in the cycling world: I have more than 100 guys who have been on the team, and it's impossible to keep up with all of them, but I am their biggest fan regardless and they all talk fondly of us. We're trying to be the benchmark university, if you like."
This story is from the May 26, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 26, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Claud Butler Criterium
A classic British brand ridden by beginners and Olympians alike
Dr Hutch
At what point does a bold show of strength become brazen showboating? The Doc ponders the etiquette of the long solo break
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...CBD
From reducing pain to promoting relaxation and sleep, myriad are the claims made for cannabidiol but do they stack up? Rob Kemp finds out
Van Rysel D900
Andy Turner discovers whether Decathlon's high-spec, low-price smart trainer can compete with the likes of Wahoo, Tacx and Elite
What prep does my bike need for summer?
Pro bike mechanic Glen Whittington shares his tips for the successful de-hibernation of your bike
2024 GIRO D'ITALIA
Attention turns to Italy and 21 days of Grand Tour action
Pogačar's dominance at the Giro could be dull
While I may have been a little young to understand the full romance of the Tour de France during the Armstrong era, I never understood the sentiment that it was boring just because of Lance's dominance.
Team GB's Paris Olympics track bike launched
BC reveals the bike that it hopes will power riders to medals in Paris this summer
Romandie victory marks Ineos return to stage race success
Carlos Rodríguez wins British team's first WorldTour stage race since 2022, writes Adam Becket
Is pro racing getting more dangerous?
There are many factors that contribute to the perceived greater risks. One that does not get any attention is the greater importance of UCI points and the need to constantly collect them to avoid relegation.