The Sounds of Cycling

We’re starting our latest thoughtpiece a bit differently today, paying homage to recently deceased legendary football commentator John Motson, who had an illustrious 50-year career with the BBC. The fact that his death was featured in primetime TV news down here in New Zealand clearly illustrates how commentators can become as much a staple of a sport as the players – especially when longevity is considered.

Cycling is no different.  For us, Phil Liggett remains the soundtrack to the last few decades of cycling, and while he works less often these days, it was a thrill for one of the Soigneur team to meet him at the Tour Down Under a few years back, and to see him return to our biggest local race earlier this year. 

No mention of Phil goes without paying due respect to his commentating partner Paul Sherwin of course, and Phil’s commentary is certainly missing that magic ‘something’ without Paul by his side.

And there’s more to the sounds of cycling than the coverage on TV or online.

There’s the beauty of that special ‘click’ of your cleats at the start of each ride. The sound of a mechanical derailleur clicking (always nicer than the ‘zzzzt’ of a Di2). The sound of a CO2 cartridge inflating your tyre perfectly in 2 seconds. That lovely sound when the sealed road changes into gravel.  The sound of aero wheels descending at speed. And let’s not forget the somewhat less enjoyable but no less uncommon 'mystery click’ that inevitably disappears as soon as you take it to your mechanic.

These cycling sounds can mean so much, it’s not surprising to learn that the same part of the brain that's in charge of processing our senses is also responsible, at least in part, for storing emotional memories. Smells and songs often evoke memories, so why can’t the sounds of cycling?

But that’s not all. 

There’s the sound of a mouse clicking at www.soigneur.co.nz.  The sound of the post arriving at your door. The sound of zipping up your new Soigneur jersey. And the sound of your cycling buddies marvelling at just how good you look. 

If it’s been awhile since you heard those wonderful sounds, just click here to get started.