ANALYSIS: Why does Europe continue to dominate the USA?

Cycling has long been a sport dominated by Europe. Whether it’s the legendary races that transcend sport like the Tour de France, the culture of cycling integrated into daily life, or the sheer volume of talented riders hailing from the continent, Europe stands as the undisputed home of professional cycling.

In contrast, the United States, despite being a sporting powerhouse, struggles to make its mark on the World Tour. In this article, we will explore the differences in cycling culture between Europe and the USA, as we look to understand the reasons behind Europe’s dominance and what can be done to close the gap.

UCI World Rankings

One clear indicator of the gap between European and American cycling is the UCI World Rankings. As of the latest rankings, there are no Americans in the top 10, and only two, Matteo Jorgenson (ranked 11) and Brandon McNulty (ranked 23), in the top 30. Meanwhile, Europe dominates the rankings, with eight out of the top 10 cyclists hailing from the continent. In fact, Slovenia, a country with just 2.1 million people, boasts two riders in the top six: Tadej Pogacar at number one and Primoz Roglic at number six. This is a striking comparison when you consider that the US, with a population of 333.3 million, has produced far fewer elite cyclists at the highest level.

The decline of American talent at the top of professional cycling is further reflected in the number of US-based teams in the World Tour. The USA currently has just two World Tour teams, EF Education-EasyPost and Lidl-Trek. This stands in stark contrast to previous decades, when teams like Motorola, Discovery Channel, and BMC Racing carried the American flag on the global stage. These iconic squads contributed to a golden era of American cycling, culminating in the successes of riders like Greg LeMond and the infamous Lance Armstrong. Today, however, the presence of American teams in the European peloton has dwindled, mirroring the country’s struggles to compete at the sport's highest level.

Differing attitudes towards cycling

One of the most significant reasons for Europe’s dominance in cycling is the continent’s deeply ingrained cycling culture. In countries like the Netherlands and Belgium, cycling is not just a sport, it’s a way of life. It sounds like a cliché, but in the Netherlands, for example, 53% of people use a bicycle as their main form of transportation at least twice a week. This compares to just 16% in the United States. The widespread use of bicycles in daily life means that children in these countries grow up cycling, developing skills and fitness levels from a young age that naturally feed into the competitive cycling scene.

Belgium, known for producing some of the greatest cyclists in history, exemplifies how cycling culture influences talent development. The country’s legendary races, such as the Tour of Flanders, have deep historical roots, and cycling clubs are a cornerstone of many local communities. This culture produces a steady stream of world-class riders who thrive in the toughest races on the planet. Meanwhile, in the USA, cycling remains a niche sport, with far fewer opportunities for young riders to get involved in competitive racing from an early age.

Is Urban Planning a factor?

Yes, another critical factor contributing to Europe’s dominance in cycling is urban planning. Many European cities were designed long before the advent of cars, making them ideal for cycling. Narrow streets, compact urban centres, and the close proximity of towns and villages mean that bicycles are often the most convenient and efficient mode of transportation. This fosters a strong cycling culture and provides natural training grounds for aspiring cyclists.

In contrast, most American cities were built with cars in mind. Suburban sprawl, wide highways, and a lack of cycling infrastructure make it difficult for cycling to become a primary mode of transportation. As a result, fewer people cycle regularly, and the sport struggles to gain the same level of cultural traction that it enjoys in Europe. While there are efforts to improve cycling infrastructure in cities like Portland and New York, the US still has a long way to go before it can match the cycling-friendly environments found in Europe.

The World Tour’s American snub

One of the most glaring differences between Europe and the USA in cycling is the absence of a Grand Tour or major stage race on American soil. Of the 35 events that make up the UCI World Tour calendar, not a single race takes place in the United States. This is a stark omission for a country with one of the largest populations in the world and a massive outdoor sports culture. The lack of a premier cycling event in the US not only reflects the sport’s relatively low profile in the country but also hampers the development of American riders, who miss out on the experience of racing in front of home crowds on the world stage.

Gone are the days when the Tour of California, the Tour de Georgia, and the Tour of Utah provided a strong presence for professional cycling in the US. These races once gave American riders the opportunity to compete at a high level without having to travel to Europe. Their absence is not just a gap in the calendar but a deeper indication of the challenges facing road cycling in the US.

European cycling dominance

To understand why Europe continues to dominate cycling, it’s important to look at the history of the sport. Cycling as a competitive sport originated in Europe in the late 19th century. The first Tour de France was held in 1903, and since then, the Grand Tours and the Monuments of cycling have remained firmly rooted in Europe. The sport's deep historical ties to the continent have created a lasting legacy that continues to shape professional cycling today.

In contrast, competitive cycling arrived in the US much later and has never gained the same level of popularity as in Europe. While the US has produced talented riders in the past, cycling has always played second fiddle to sports like American football, baseball, and basketball. As a result, the talent pool for cycling in the US remains much smaller than in Europe, where cycling enjoys a prominent place in the sporting landscape.

Can America reel in Europe’s breakaway?

So, what can be done to help the US catch up with Europe in cycling? One of the most important steps is to invest in grassroots development. Programs that introduce young riders to the sport and provide opportunities for competitive racing are essential for growing the talent pool. This requires not just financial investment but also a cultural shift, where cycling is seen as a viable sport for young athletes to pursue.

Improving cycling infrastructure in American cities is another crucial step. By creating safer and more accessible environments for cycling, more people will be encouraged to take up the sport, both recreationally and competitively. Initiatives that promote cycling as a means of transportation, as seen in countries like the Netherlands, could help foster a stronger cycling culture in the US.

Finally, the return of a major stage race to the US would provide a significant boost to the sport. A UCI World Tour race on American soil would not only attract top international talent but also inspire the next generation of American cyclists. While this may seem like a distant goal, it’s an essential step if the US is serious about closing the gap with Europe in professional cycling.

The gulf between European and American cycling is stark, but it’s not insurmountable. Europe’s dominance is rooted in a deep cycling culture, favourable urban planning, and a rich history of competition. The US, by contrast, faces challenges in all these areas, but with the right investments in grassroots development, infrastructure, and a major race, there is potential for the gap to narrow. Until then, Europe will likely continue to dominate the World Tour, leaving American cycling with much work to do.