Power, Pain and Professional Cycling

This insightful book presents a sociological study of professional cycling, examining developments in the sport since its emergence in the late 19th century. John Connolly thoroughly explores key aspects of professional cycling including the emergence of professionalism, organisational structure, doping, gender, and recent American involvement in the sport.

Power, Pain and Professional Cycling deftly outlines how and why Belgium, France and Italy initially dominated professional cycling and how the sport was shaped by power relations between those involved in the sport and in society at large. Tracing the interrelations between Americans and Europeans in the sport since the 1960s, Connolly documents the processes of stigmatisation and counter stigmatisation which occurred. He examines the ways in which changing power balances have reshaped both men’s and women’s professional racing today. The book also provides an insightful investigation into how feelings of shame associated with doping practices have developed and advanced; why this development was a fractured and uneven process; and why anti-doping functions emerged.



This book is a crucial read for academics and students specialising in sport, sport management, sport psychology and sport sociology. Its unique approach will also be of interest to professionals in the sports industry, particularly those with a keen interest in professional cycling.