A study indicates that France provides 7.65% of professional-level cyclists worldwide

In this Olympic year, a study by Global Odds Index attempted to understand the statistics involved in mastering a sport to an elite level and highlight the proportion of the rare individuals who achieve it. The chances of an athlete becoming professional were therefore calculated based on their country of birth.

Photo: Deceuninck Quick Step

To reach the pinnacle of any sport, one needs exceptional genetics and thousands of hours of training and practice. One must also add a whole set of innate physical characteristics that mean some people, and not others, have the tools needed to succeed.

Beyond physical qualities, the country of birth can influence the ecosystem that allows one to excel in a sport. Brazil, for example, produces elite footballers by the hundreds thanks to an almost religious love of football throughout the country, despite limited investment in training schools compared to other countries.

In many places, the popularity of a sport determines the amount of financial investment it receives. These factors combine to facilitate the progression of aspiring athletes in good conditions, or to hinder that of others.

Cycling is a sport whose amateur practice exploded in 2020 as people sought new ways to exercise and get around during the pandemic. 5.1 million bikes were sold in Germany alone. According to estimates, there are over a billion bicycles in the world, with the Netherlands having the most bikes per capita. Despite painful years marked by doping scandals, the world of professional cycling continues to ignite passions.

Each year, between 10 and 15 million spectators flock along French roads to watch cycling’s most famous event, the Tour de France, while approximately 20 million viewers follow the race worldwide. The professional circuit currently has some 1275 cyclists.

Percentages of professional cyclists by country of origin

Chances of a cyclist becoming a professional cyclist

This map shows the chances of being a top-level cyclist in each country. 1 in 1950 men born in Luxembourg in the study’s age group is a top-level cyclist, which is the best probability in the world.