Cycling games can often be controversy magnets. The challenging sport has portrayed its fair share of popularity, with a recent game in the UK igniting debates. Evidently, a dark horse emerged in the form of disc brakes during the annual hill climbing championship, which left the community both intrigued and shocked. While Andrew Feather, a 36-year-old from Bristol, made headlines with an unexpected win, the shocking parameters behind it stirred up inevitable chaos.?
The crown jewel of the British suffer-fest season witnessed Feather, a four-time national champion, clinch victory, but criticism poured in after a notable revelation. Apparently, the pro cycling entity was riding a bike equipped with disc brakes, which was far from the traditional outline followed in these games. His epic triumph soon brought in vivid debates, as many condemned the act, marking how technology won the championship, a first-time occurrence in the sport’s history.?
Cycling venture exhibits unconventional weapon
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
During the prestigious mountain cycling competition, Feather opted for a Cannondale SuperSix Evo LAB71, a spectacle ride fitted with disc brakes. This bold decision raised eyebrows as it abandoned the traditional norms in hill climbing, which demanded the use of rim brakes instead. Additionally, the uncommon move also added an extra half a kilogram to Feather’s bike’s weight, highlighting a significant difference from his previous championship-winning feat.?
Read More: Cyclist removed from Asian Games after she fails to clear her doping test
Remarkably, the unwanted elevation in weight caused no severe impacts on Feather’s performance, as he maintained his reputation with a high-spirited victory. While holding on to his appropriate nomenclature, the hill climber exhibited unparalleled skills during the Lake Districts tournament. Embracing a glorious win during the infamous ‘struggle’ climbing trip, Feather came through the unforgiving gradient of 20 percent to reclaim his position with excellence. Although his tour outpaced fellow participant Ed Laverack by an incredible gap of 18 seconds, Feather’s choice of ride soon generated online conflicts.?
Unorthodox setup with furious concerns
The thrilling win gave Feather a whopping difference of 1.17 from the bronze winner, Paddy Clark, showcasing the unwavering prowess of his cycling show. However, his audacious choice of hill climbing equipment built up a storm of discussion among cycling enthusiasts in no time. The match results brought stinging havoc when Simon Warren, a climbing aficionado, shared his perspective on a social media post. A sensational persona with many followers, he described Feather’s achievement using firm words, mentioning it was a “Dark day for hill climbing.”?
A dark day for hill climbing. First champs to be won n on discs. pic.twitter.com/jX91PtTy1P
— Simon Warren (@100Climbs) October 29, 2023
Soon, comments began to pour in, with many users expressing their opinions in diverse ways. One commenter playfully hinted at the necessity of following the predominant regulatory measures.?
No one should be allowed to enter a hill climb riding disc brakes. 🤣😂
— James1986😎😎 (@James19861210) October 29, 2023
Another user made a precise but harsh attempt, displaying his dissatisfaction.
Booooooo
— Xolin McBadass (@col748) October 29, 2023
Ridiculing Feather’s choice of cycling ride, this gentleman put up a note of mockery while evaluating his disadvantages.?
Hauling the weight of disc brakes up a hill climb? How to make a miserable experience worse!
— Chris (@Rollo002) October 29, 2023
On the contrary, one user was seen to take a jab at Simon’s narration instead, providing a light-hearted suggestion.
Get used to it retro boy! 😛
— Mr Sparkle (@darwendashers) October 29, 2023
Consequently, another comment praised the cyclist’s meritorious rhythm as he explained the hardships behind the ‘struggle’ climb.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The struggle is a very uncomfortable climb. Hard to get a rhythm going. Well done 👍
— Bromley Parsons (@bromley_parsons) October 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Notably enough, Feather chose to defend his move, conveying his perception of rim brakes in use. Adding further clarity, he stated how common disc brakes were getting in the cycling genre, with credit to the rising technology. As the community argued the pros and cons of Andrew Feather’s latest riding choice, the question of whether disc brakes will continue to gain prominence lingered around.?
Watch This Story: Optimize your cycling performance with these four essential core exercises