Before World War II, the only sport in the U.S. more popular that cycling was baseball. Cyclists were once the highest paid athletes in the country, and thousands of fans went to cycling races. After the decline in the 50's and 60's, the 1884 Olympic Games in Los Angeles saw U.S. riders take nine medals including the first ever women's medal awarded for the road race. Interest in the sport took off and, it is one of the fastest growing amateur sports in America today. Greg Lemond's three Tour de France victories and Lance Armstrong's seven Tour de France wins (see recent blog posts below) continue to boost the sport, but there is still a continuous battle to regain the prominence cycling experienced before basketball and football.
According to USA Cycling, the governing body of bicycle racing in the U.S., the growth of competitive cycling continues to increase. Since 2002, membership of licensed racers has increased by 48%. Also, during the same time, the number of sanctioned events has risen 50%, while affiliated clubs have grown by 30%.
As we here in the U.S. continue to find different ways to stay fit, the sport of cycling offers a unique alternative to helping us acheive a more exercise oriented lifestyle.
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Interesting facts you have there. One of the reasons I think that baseball and football will always be more popular is that it is not a participant activity, but rather a spectator sport. It is much easier to watch from the sidelines--and you know how lazy we are!!
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