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news
sw06_maserati_credit Alex Whitehead - SWpixGreat pro cyclists "born not made" says David Millar as he takes aim at pushy parents
David Millar has expressed concerns regarding the extent to which some parents push their children, reports The Times. The ex-pro and commentator believes that there should be no rush for children to take up competitive cycling early and suggests that those with “the endurance gene” can have success even if they start relatively late.
Speaking at the Edinburgh Book Festival, Millar said that you “can’t turn donkeys into racehorses,” and expressed his belief that much of what makes a professional cyclist is genetic.
A father of two sons, Millar said he was wary of becoming a “psycho father” himself but hoped his experience would mean he is quickly able to tell whether either has any promise.
“I get a little bit worried about the modern generation of parents pushing their kids so much. We have seen the amazing success [in cycling] . . . but that has come from hard work and serendipity. You can’t turn donkeys into racehorses. It is an endurance gene: that is the thing that you must have.”
Millar sees no reason for children to prioritise a particular sport and advocates trying all sorts of different activities to ensure a broader experience. “You can start at 15. Look at Chris Froome; he was nearly getting killed by rhinos aged 14. If you have energy to put into your kids, put it into learning lots of different sports.”
Earlier in the year, Millar took on a role mentoring riders on British Cycling’s men’s academy programme following its relocation to Italy. His past ban for doping has led some to argue that he is unsuitable for the position, but he believes his history will help.
“I have been there and done it all recently, good and bad. It will make that world seem real to them. I’m still close to what they are dreaming of. They can ask me things and they will know they will get real-life experiences as an answer. It’s not just a matter of telling them what not to do, but why.”
Speaking to The Telegraph about working with young riders last month, he said:
“I didn’t get my first road bike until I was 15. I had never ridden over 100 miles until I went over to France when I was 18. I hate the thought of 15-16-year-olds going out on five-hour rides. Twelve-year-olds in full Lycra on road bikes.
“I would like to get to the point where we are producing Peter Sagans; guys who are into mountain biking and BMX, so when they get to road bikes at 15 or 16 it’s all new. And then go on a track. And then get to the GB Academy and try to follow in footsteps of G [Geraint Thomas] or [Mark] Cavendish or [Peter] Kennaugh. It’s all set up for them here.”
Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.
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40 comments
Oh God, not this sh*t again...
I like him. I had my own misspent youth* and don't believe I should be forever judged by it. Having spent 10 years coaching youth sports I've seen "competitive dad" syndrome backfire as well.
*No performances were enhanced.
He takes himself a bit seriously sometimes but does offer interesting views when ned boulting lets him speak. Unfortunately for him, he'll never be allowed to forget past misdemeanours.
Why should he be allowed to forget doping, lying and getting caught?
Unfortunately for everyone else we have to put up with him being the commentator of choice of ITV
We're all flawed human beings. Get off your high horse. I can't imagine anything duller than a world where we all followed the rules and never did anything wrong.
spot on mate, no such thing as utopia
Not 'everyone else'. Many people can enjoy his commentary in and of itself, and still others see that period of cycling differently, and how riders were pressured to act.
To be fair, so far as I am aware, Millar has never asked anyone to forget. In fact unlike some others he has been quite open about the mistakes he made, and is now trying to avoid having others do the same.
+1
Don't disagree with the thrust of what he's saying, but “[you] can’t turn donkeys into racehorses” seems like a particularly clumsy line coming from him.
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