Struggles of Short-Sighted Cyclists: Racing Without Glasses and the Risks Involved
In a recent conversation with a professional cyclist, the topic of a teammate with a notorious reputation for crashing came up. While the pro rider preferred not to disclose any names, it was revealed that this particular cyclist always wore glasses off his bike but chose to race without them. This decision was often a recipe for disaster, as his poor vision led him to misjudge gaps and make reckless decisions within the peloton. Sometimes luck was on his side, making him appear skilled in handling his bike, but more often than not, his actions resulted in multiple riders getting caught in mass crashes.
As a fellow cyclist who also struggles with short-sightedness, this story resonated with me. During my time as a sighted tandem pilot in Paracycling events, I couldn’t shake the feeling that if my visually-impaired teammate and I had switched roles, the level of danger wouldn’t have significantly increased.
Previously, I used to wear contact lenses for racing, but I despised them. There were instances where my sole motivation for reaching the finish line was to remove the lenses and, if possible, throw them into the nearest hedge. Nowadays, I’ve opted for glasses instead. However, cycling and glasses are not the most compatible pairing. Part of the issue lies in aesthetics. While cycling with sunglasses is manageable and doesn’t look too out of place, wearing non-tinted glasses in lower light conditions gives you a somewhat peculiar appearance. It’s challenging to race in clear lenses without resembling a disoriented Swiss cyclist from the ’80s who accidentally stumbled onto the course.
I can’t help but remain baffled by how riders from the 1950s, like Ray Booty, managed to pull off an effortlessly cool look with round horn-rimmed glasses. Even Laurent Fignon rocked wire-rim glasses in the ’80s, earning himself the nickname the Professor while still looking stylish. Sadly, such a feat seems unattainable in today’s cycling scene.
However, concerns about appearance pale in comparison to issues of vision. Rain, in particular, poses a significant challenge. Choosing to keep your glasses on during a downpour can lead to impaired visibility due to water droplets, while removing them leaves you at the mercy of your natural visual impairment. Either way, you reach a point where you regret not having an old frame-fit pump to probe the road for potential obstacles.
Another option is to ride without glasses entirely. For those fortunate enough to have 20/20 vision, it may be surprising to learn what people like me struggle to see. Cars, corners, and junctions are usually visible, but potholes become a mortal enemy for the short-sighted cyclist. Without glasses, locating potholes relies purely on touch. The same applies to gravel, grates, and manhole covers. While I acknowledge that these obstacles possess a certain tactility, it is far from an ideal method of detection.
In a competitive race, attempting to identify your team helper on the roadside becomes a daunting task. As a short-sighted rider, all team helpers blend together, and before you know it, you find yourself unintentionally mugging a complete stranger at high speed.
A few well-meaning friends have suggested laser eye surgery as a potential solution to my vision problems. However, these individuals are clearly non-cyclists. Any cyclist would immediately recognize the exorbitant cost of such a procedure and, instead, suggest investing in a nice pair of wheels with that amount of money.
Of course, new wheels will be a necessity sooner or later. It’s just a matter of time before I destroy my current set by hitting a hidden pothole.
In conclusion, the struggles faced by short-sighted cyclists who choose to race without glasses highlight the need for better solutions in the world of cycling eyewear. Whether it’s finding a stylish yet functional alternative or exploring technological advancements, addressing this issue could enhance both safety and performance for riders with visual impairments. Until then, it’s essential for short-sighted cyclists to take precautions, ride with awareness, and, if possible, invest in reliable eyewear options that cater to their specific needs.
