E-bikes can help equalize the effort level within group rides, making it possible for mixed-ability groups to ride together without the pressure of keeping pace, or fear of holding others back.
I mean, yeah, in a casual group ride setting, this is cool.
But in a race? It makes no sense.
Many of the points about accessibility are completely valid. But mixing “parents carrying kids on a cargo bike” with competitive sport is just… odd.
Sure, make an e-bike category for the next Olympics. But don’t mix e-bikes and analogue riders in the same race.
The article is actually advocating for segregated E-bike categories that more people could have a go at, since it would be more about technique and less about raw stamina.
What a strange, strange perspective.
I mean, yeah, in a casual group ride setting, this is cool.
But in a race? It makes no sense.
Many of the points about accessibility are completely valid. But mixing “parents carrying kids on a cargo bike” with competitive sport is just… odd.
Sure, make an e-bike category for the next Olympics. But don’t mix e-bikes and analogue riders in the same race.
The article is actually advocating for segregated E-bike categories that more people could have a go at, since it would be more about technique and less about raw stamina.
Most races already aren’t about raw stamina.
Yes, that’s the way it should be, if it happens.
But the article jumps between too many things to be coherent.