Frayed Edges & Awkward Silences

- Commentary -

"...where other sports, packaged into polished wholes, offer comfort and illusion, cycling - this sport of frayed edges and awkward silences - will continue to serve us with the truths we resist, the reflections we blink at, the lessons we refuse to learn, expressed over and again in a rush of men trying to win a bicycle race."

-Matt Rendell

I find it interesting that these last few words should so eloquently sum up the pages which preceded it, but indeed, almost ignore the point of the book itself. Mr. Rendell chooses to show us the Tour through the perspective of that of the domestique. A cyclist who essentially, through either lack of ability or choice of his own, becomes expendable. Specifically, he chose a friend of his, Victor Hugo Pēna, a domestique for Lance Armstrong (arguably the most notable cyclist of late). The stage - 15, the year - 2003 or as it was known that year, the Centennial.

I identify with the domestique and find myself thinking that is the position of my own life.  In most things, I have chosen the route of sacrifice as opposed to focusing on my own position. Through relationships, it is easier for me to identify with those who I view I can help, as opposed to those who remove that opportunity. 

That is not to say that I value myself higher for that sacrifice. It is not due to a higher cause that I find myself in this position, and no moral high ground is being sought after here. 

No, instead, distraction is necessary.

The domestique, although given some of the hardest and most suicidal jobs of the group. Literally tearing themselves to pieces to give their leader, their hope, a couple of seconds in the grand scheme of things. Seconds which will be gained, and lost, and regained as the days progress. But through this hard work, through this pressure, a peace is found. Thought is not necessary and a higher goal is given. A follower, dare I say a martyr is made, and legends are born. Not those who gain headlines, but instead those who gain trust, loyalty and friendship. Currency in a brotherhood not easily gained, but necessary in order to further oneself in the sport. 

The domestique is the unsung hero of the peloton. Perhaps this is the first of many which will regale us with the stories of not only the fabled duels, but also of the men who sacrificed themselves in the wake of gods. 

He does mumble and ramble sometimes though. Oh well.