Week 283

Positive post Sunday, July 24, 2022- Week 283.

As many of my family and friends know, I’m an avid cyclist. As evidenced by riding 60 miles on a STATIONARY bike while watching stage 20 of the Tour de France (TdF) yesterday, some might say I’m addicted to pedaling.

Speaking of the TdF, this year’s race, which just ended with stage 21 today in Paris, has been nothing short of epic. There have been many highlights during this year’s race and a few really stood out for me. The first highlight was towards the end of stage 18 when the overall race leader (in the yellow jersey) Jonas Vingegaard and 2-time TdF winner Tadej Pogacar were battling it out on a steep and winding descent. Pogacar suddenly crashed and Vingegaard was free to ride away and win the stage. But instead, and in an unprecedented gesture of sportsmanship, he waited for Pogacar to catch up (See photo of Pogacar thanking Vingegaard below). Vingegaard went on to win the stage and today he won the overall TdF. As noted by Phil Liggett during today’s coverage, Vingegaard had a secret weapon, A TEAM.

That brings me to my second highlight, watching Vingegaard’s teammate Wout Van Aert ride masterfully throughout the entire TdF. He did an amazing job of balancing the defense of both Vingegaard’s yellow jersey and his own green jersey (best sprinter). He demonstrated true teamwork at the highest level of the sport. Below is a photo of Van Aert cheering on Vingegaard as he finished yesterday’s stage 20 individual time trial. Van Aert won stage 20 and Vingegaard was second. They (along with their teammates including American workhorse Sepp Kuss) rode arm in arm into Paris today as dominant, classy and respected champions, proudly wearing both the yellow and green jerseys (Vingegaart also won the polka dot best climber jersey)! Although the yellow jersey is worn by one rider, it is clearly a team effort, especially this year!

Watching the TdF this year, reminded me of the value of and need for sportsmanship, and the important role teamwork plays in achieving success. Both transcend the world of professional cycling and are valuable assets in all aspects of our lives. Sportsmanship can be translated into being ethical and fair, or simply doing the right thing, not only in sports but in our personal and professional lives. There are numerous books written about teamwork and examples of successes and failures. A few common factors I’ve observed in successful teams include the abilities of team members to work selflessly together, seeing the big picture and placing team results over individual gain.

How do you practice sportsmanship and teamwork in your daily life?

When on a team, how do you contribute? Do you place team results over your personal or professional gain?