Cycling boom is pandemic silver lining for Archibald
OLYMPIC champion Katie Archibald is thrilled by the lockdown boom in recreational cycling — and she hopes it will inspire a new generation of potential star riders. Manufacturers have been struggling to keep up with demand since last year, as Brits desperate to escape their homes for exercise ordered new wheels in record numbers. With automobile traffic reduced and many local councils also using the opportunity to install new cycle lanes, there’s never been a better time to get on your bike. Track cycling star Archibald is aiming for double gold in Tokyo, as she defends the team pursuit title from Rio — and chases victory in the Olympic debut for the women’s Madison. Speaking about the soaring numbers of cyclists on the road, the Scot said: ‘It’s a big comfort, now that we’re celebrating going to Tokyo and the Olympics going ahead, to know that the grassroots activation is going on at the same time. ‘We know that we’re going out there at the top level — and there is still that passion going through the sport, right to the very bottom. ‘Bike sales have gone through the roof, factories can’t keep up with building frames. It’s great for the sport.’ Like a lot of track cyclists, Archibald spent a lot of time on the road during the most restrictive period of lockdown. Between that and setting up ‘rollers’ to ride in her front room, her training regime was pretty limited. Back in the velodrome and raring to go, she’s just hoping that youngsters introduced to the sport during those tough months will remain enthusiastic about life on two wheels. ‘I’d love, in five or ten years’ time, to meet the kids who got way more into the sport in this time period, when it’s been such a struggle for so many sports,’ she said. ‘It’s been a struggling for cycling, as well, when it comes to competition. ‘But for the youngsters who maybe swung their leg over a bike for the first time, even just because it was their one reason to get out of the house, that’s a silver lining.’