Le 28 last April, the Vuelta announced the organization of a race in China. Le Beijing Challenge by La Vuelta will take place on the 17 and 18 next June. In his press release, the organization emphasizes the exceptional nature of this first relocation to Asia. With several race formats and cycling practices, the Vuelta wants to reach all classes of the population. This development in Asia is not trivial since it is the most populated continent. But why does Asian cycling seem so out of step with Europe? ?
Colonized Asia : a brake for cycling
In Europe or other regions of the world, we could see that upon his arrival, the bike is a major success. But Asia escapes this dynamic. The problem lies in Asians' perception of cycling. In Occident, this innovation is seen as a means of progress. In Asia, the little queen no longer embodied a new tool of Western imperialism. Its introduction in the countries of the South-East of the continent was felt by the population as an injunction to change their way of life.. In China, major popular uprisings were created to ban cycling from the country. Still today, the West is the driving region in the development of cycling. The numerous races organized in Europe are the symbol of this.
Japan, sovereign country, also welcomed the arrival of the bicycle rather coldly, but for other reasons. Resentment towards the West and modernity was not as deep. Before the dawn of the 20th century, Japan already had its own thriving cycling industry. This industry exported its products to foreign countries. But the bicycle still had to overcome other obstacles to find its way into people's hearts. At the beginning, bicycles are considered a luxury item for wealthy people. The poor classes have no money to spend, especially not for a funny object with two wheels.
Asian cycling in the first half of the 20th century therefore had great difficulty existing., whatever the country. The British colonial armies were the first relay. The British Empire then controlled a significant part of the South-East of the continent. (Inde, Burma, Malaysia, He is still in intensive care today.). And at first, its practice is “reserved” for Europeans. Governments in power even decree taxes on the use of bicycles. And the police ensured compliance with the law ! In Malaysia, archives attest to the organization of cycling races before 1938. But they are organized by and for the British soldiers on site.
In the post-World War II decolonization trend, the bike keeps this Western identity. But over the years, the Asians however manage to make it their own. They even turn its practice against those who brought it. During the Vietnam War (1955-1975), the bikes were put to use. The local population used them to transport military equipment and bombs against the Westerners. When we look at a bicycle, we don't necessarily realize everything it represents. And whether we are in France or China, we do not have the same relationship with the machine. In Asia, it therefore particularly takes on the role of representing a culture and a way of life. In its beginnings, the bicycle was a mirror of the West.
The rise of federations in Asia
The development of the sporting practice of cycling occurs in parallel with the independence of Asian countries. From the end of the years 1930, the first federations appear. They free themselves from the control of colonizing countries. For a country, participation in a foreign race under the national colors and no longer of the British Empire which colonized it is a strong marker. The governing bodies will seek to multiply these powerful signs of autonomy. But it is really after the 2nde World War that the first real races appear. Through the history of three national federations (Malaysia, India and Indonesia), we will try to understand how Asian cycling became professionalized, in the context of decolonization.
In 1938, the first Malaysian cycling clubs are born. L'Etat de Selangor (located on the west coast) thus houses the “Rough Riders” or the “Agas Wheelers”. Gradually, the 12 other Malaysian states form their own teams. In 1947, Malaysia sees its first renowned race appear. It connects Kuala Lumpur, the capital, in Ipoh. The track is also a format very popular with Malaysians on these dates. But the need for political autonomy is felt. In 1953, The Malaysian National Cycling Federation thus sees the light of day. Le 31 August 1957, Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaims the country's independence from the British. To celebrate that, it organizes two international cycling races ; on road and track (budding). Since then, Malaysian cyclists can take flight.
Indonesia, former Dutch colony, has been independent since 17 August 1945. But the cycling federation took longer to see the light of day. The reason undoubtedly lies in the fact that there is no institutional support as the Malaysian states have been able to provide.. Cycling races are documented well before the Second World War. The riders are funded by big foreign companies like Triumph. The development of cycling races is quite profitable. And a city establishes itself as the national reference : Semarang. A velodrome was notably built there by Dutch architects while the country was still a colony.. Individual initiatives make it possible to structure the sporting practice of cycling. The bicycle is even gaining significant popularity. But you have to wait 1957 for which'Indonesian Cycling Federation appear.
Unlike these two federations where cycling takes place in almost total independence from the colonizing country., India relies completely on it. In the years 1930, l’Indian Cycling joins the National Union of Cyclists of England. This institution brings together runners from all over the British Empire to allow them to compete, notably during the British Empire Games. In 1946, the Cycling Federation of India see the day. While the independence of India was only proclaimed in 1947, the country can still send runners under its colors. They joined the UCI the same year. And they participate in the World Championships 1946 de Zurich (Suisse). The professional event is won by the Swiss Hans Knecht. Precursors with their federation, Indians will be the driving forces of professional cycling in Asia.
In 1951, the first Asian Games take place. They are organized by India in New Delhi, knows capital. Participants challenge each other in seven sports, including cycling. The discipline has therefore found its followers in Asia ! The Japanese monopolize the gold medals but Indian cyclists very often end up on the podium. Asian cycling is experiencing its first hours. In 1962, to intensify initiatives to structure cycling on the continent, an international body is created. The President of the Indian Federation takes over as its first president. Today, l’Asian Cycling Confederation is composed of 41 national cycling federations, ranging from the Far East to the Middle East.
Professionalization under European supervision
With all this history, Asian countries have therefore sought to self-professionalize. The large geographical area allows them to have training courses that are more varied than each other.. The large population present (more 4,5 billion inhabitants in 2021) would suggest that the future winner of the Tour de France is located in central or southeast Asia. But despite these two factors, Asian riders struggle to establish themselves at World Tour level. Unknown to the majority of European followers, Asian cycling arouses little interest in France. But more and more ambitious projects want to mix Western experience with Asian opportunities.. We are witnessing a mixture of genres which allows cycling in Asia to progress considerably.
Asian countries are intensifying their sporting development to shine on the international stage, whatever the sport. And cycling is no exception to the rule. It is increasingly common to see former professional cyclists retrain as special advisors to Asian teams.. In 2011, Frédéric Magné is recruited by the South Korean cycling federation to raise the level of the national team. The ambitions of the leaders are clear : “We will also strengthen our ties with the International Cycling Union (FIA) to elevate Korean cycling to the global level”. And who better than a seven-time world champion (Four times in tandem and three times in keirin) ? He also has experience of major events having competed in the Olympic Games four times.. Today, he is an advisor to the Indonesian Cycling Federation.
© The awakening of Neufchâtel
But collaboration is not limited to one-way tickets to Asia. Runners also benefit from assistance to come and train and race in Europe. Racing conditions cannot be exported. Franck Morelle, 3The Tour of the Pays de Vaud of the French road cycling championship 1997, is at the origin of a training camp in France for young Asians. Avec l’aide de Shinishi Fukushima, winner of the Tour of Japan 2004, they offer a travel opportunity to around ten Asians. During two months, they benefit from optimal conditions to progress. Originally from Malaysia, from Japan, d'Hong Kong, or even from Taiwan, they come here to perform but above all to gain experience. And once back home, they spread everything they have learned. For the time being, the difference in level does not allow them to really shine but the desire and determination to do well are present.
Initiatives also exist, in independence from Europe. We should also not think that Asian cycling is on life support.. Ahead in mastering new technologies, they combine them with cycling. Every year the Asian E-cycling Championships are held.. About WhiizU, the Taiwanese equivalent of Zwift, more 90 runners from all over the world competed to win in 2022. This type of event attracts big names such as New Zealander Michael Vink, currently at UAE. And when we know that certain riders in the professional peloton, like Jay Vine, were spotted via virtual cycling, we can think that Asia is perhaps on the right path of development.
The Chinese relationship with cycling
We cannot make a (Short) overview of cycling in Central and South-East Asia without dwelling on the case of China. In international relations, the Middle Kingdom is a complex actor. And its cycling policy is not the easiest to understand either.. Under the power of Mao Zedong, of 1949 until his death in 1976, the bicycle was a proud symbol of the proletariat. Amid Supreme Leader Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms (1978-1989), it was a sign of financial progress. But over the years 2000, the bicycle falls into disuse. China becomes the kingdom of automobiles, with over 300 million vehicles registered. The city of Dalian even claims to be a “bike-free city”. China does not share this cycling culture at all, as we have seen previously with other Asian countries or the Rwanda.
Pharaonic projects are regularly built in Chinese cities to stop this automobile tidal wave. But reversing the curves may take time. In the years 90, more than 670 million bicycle owners. This figure fell to 120 million in 2017. This loss of popular cycling culture inevitably has an influence on its sporting practice and the professional side of the discipline.. Alongside urban developments (cycle paths, He is still in intensive care today.) and considerable support for the bicycle industry, Chinese leaders are aware that to return to cycling, it is essential to perform in the discipline. More and more public aid aims to intensify sports practice.
Racing and cycle touring are thus becoming more and more frequent., notably thanks to the support of the public sector. Zhang Yong, the founder of 51bike.com, a social media platform for cycling enthusiasts, Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in registrations for this type of event.. The Yangtze region (in the west of the country) hosts many national and international cycling races. Organizing these events also has a whole tourist and financial dimension.. By becoming the Chinese center of cycling, the Yangtze secures a low-cost spotlight. But as for reaching the top world level, the Chinese authorities are struggling to find the tools for success.
The grand tours will attract the Chinese public. China matters 75 million cyclists, dont 10 millions participate in competitions, according to the statistics of 2015. The total number increased by 30 % per year from 2016 and should reach more than 120 million from here 2020. Cyclists mainly come from large cities and eastern provinces, like Beijing, Shanghai et la province de Zhejiang. They are aged 20 at 25 years old and have a high level of education and remuneration. Criteria are thus organized in China to relocate the “Tour de France” brands., “Vuelta” and “Giro” and unite the population around these major events. Cycling events are a good start to combining the sport, tourism and marketing.
Since the beginning of the years 2000, China builds professional cycling calendar for Asia. They set up a number of stage races. Jonas Vingegaard, Fausto Masnada and Gïno Mader cut their teeth in the Middle Kingdom before shining in Europe. Vingegaard finished on the podium at the Tour of China I in 2016. Today, the Tour of Qinghai Lake is the most famous Chinese race. The China Glory Cycling team wears the country's colors in races. We find there the French runner Lucas de Rossi (at Delko between 2016 and 2021) or even Amaël Moinard in the management. The team currently competes in the third division. But for the moment, all these initiatives benefit from a fairly limited influence. China fails to shine beyond Asia.
Astana, the Asian exception
Among all countries in Central and Southeast Asia, only one managed to establish itself sustainably. Kazakhstan is present at the biggest events through its Astana – Qazaqstan team. Astana is the capital of the country. Launched in 2007, the team is the first to attach itself to a country. Today, this phenomenon is more common: UAE, Israel, Bahrain, …Cycling has established itself as an essential soft power tool for Kazakhstani leaders. Few of us know how to place Kazakhstan on a map but we all know the colors of the flag. Blue and yellow are also the colors of the cycling team jersey.
55% of the country's production is linked to oil. But in 2007 the need to exist on the international scene is felt. Leaders set their sights on a cycling team. Cycling is a sport that costs little but brings back a lot. He confided in the microphone of the Colombian cycling federation, the Tour de France extends over three weeks but has a global audience of 3,5 billion viewers in 190 pays. And the Kazakhstanis are aware of it. This choice is not linked to chance. Beyond an economic issue, the fallout is also political, social or tourist. Kazakhstan has emerged from anonymity, into which some of its neighbors sink. Kyrgyzstan is very rarely discussed on the international scene.
© sprintcycling
The Asian country got a spotlight at very low cost. World Team since 2017, the team had a budget of 20 millions of euros. Smart bike conducted an investigation into this team. They interviewed Yesbossyn Smagulov, a Kazakh political scientist specializing in sports. He explains in particular that “the budget of the team is lower than that of the football teams of Kazakhstan, but local football cannot boast of any international success. On the other hand, the Astana cycling team wins victories in the most prestigious competitions every year ». With this investment, Kazakhstan has achieved one of the best diplomatic coups in Central Asia in recent years.
Cycling in Asia therefore follows a fairly similar trajectory for all the countries of the South-East and Center.. At the beginning of the 20th century, the bicycle is brought to these distant lands by Westerners who colonize these territories. In the years following the 2nde World War and the context of decolonization, federations appear. They make it possible to structure the sporting practice of cycling. And since, Asians have difficulty matching Europeans but there is no shortage of initiatives. Only Kazakhstan has managed to rise to the international level. But all the other countries remain generally locked into a regional influence, limited to Asia.
