It's a very naive article certainly, her amusement at how cavalier drivers can be when discussing their team and sponsors or exhibiting individuality tickles me given there has been an all but complete moratorium on personality in the sport for the past ten years.
Her comments on the history of cycling are either idealistic or plain ignorant, it was certainly a sport for peasants, but also the idle rich - bicycles became popular toys for the wealthy well before they were remotely available to the poor (to whom they would become almost indispensable).
She identifies herself a socialist right off the bat which I suspect is why the article is so contemptuous, having walked the paddock numerous times I can tell you it is enjoyable as hell if you're open to it, doubly so if it's a free ride as the author had!
Her comments on the history of cycling are either idealistic or plain ignorant, it was certainly a sport for peasants, but also the idle rich - bicycles became popular toys for the wealthy well before they were remotely available to the poor (to whom they would become almost indispensable).
She identifies herself a socialist right off the bat which I suspect is why the article is so contemptuous, having walked the paddock numerous times I can tell you it is enjoyable as hell if you're open to it, doubly so if it's a free ride as the author had!