“I wasn’t living up to expectations and I had a hard time dealing with that. That’s when I just wanted to give up on cycling. It’s my job, it’s what I do, but it’s not my passion.” Juan Jose Cobo current leader of the Vuelta Espana.
First off… Yes I realize it is not Wednesday. I started this post Wednesday and that is the theme. Since I make the rules here I am running with this.
I have written quite extensively about the passion I have for riding bicycles. It is probably the one overriding theme of this site, that and unicorns.
I read THIS ARTICLE from Velonews.com or is it now just simply Velo? It appears that Juan Jose Cobo may have a bit of an issue with mental illness. I state this as my opinion based on the description of his moodiness and apparent depression. I also don’t want my next thought to be taken as persecuting JJ Cobo.
I just don’t understand that quote. Racing bicycle’s isn’t his passion so he want’s to quit and get on with becoming an electrician? Most folk’s I know ride or race because they love it. Additionally I talk with people on a daily basis who work in the bicycle industry. Almost all of us do it because we have a passion for the bicycle or riding or both.
How do you get into racing bicycles as a job if you aren’t passionate about it? Are there really people out there thinking… “Hmmm I could be an electrician or a bicycle racer? I’m pretty good at this whole turning my leg’s in circles thing. I guess I’ll race for a while and when I’m bored of it I’ll transition into my true passion. Wiring houses”
Some how I don’t know that this conversation ever happened.
Since I have a passion for the bicycle and for riding I am going to race this weekend. Do I have a passion for racing? Honestly…. Not really but I do love cyclocross and hanging around with people who love bicycle’s and bicycle riding.
Some might call them passionate.
****For the record it is Friday early morning as I am posting this Wednesday quote. The workmen tearing up the front yard and replacing the gas line so I don’t blow the entire block up distracted me a bit****