Superstition in cycling: Race number 13 as a lucky charm?

Superstition plays a surprisingly large role in cycling, especially when it comes to the unlucky number 13. Many professionals have developed their very own rituals to ward off supposed bad luck and mentally prepare themselves for important races. One widespread practice is turning over the start number 13, which is not only seen among amateur riders but also among top athletes. This tradition has become firmly established in the peloton over the years and is seen by many riders as an important part of their preparation. Whether it actually has an influence on performance cannot, of course, be scientifically proven. Nevertheless, many cyclists hold on to this custom as it gives them a sense of control and security.

Prominent examples of the starting number superstition

Two well-known cases in which professionals turned over the start number 13 are particularly worth mentioning. The Belgian classics specialist Tom Boonen, multiple winner of Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, was allocated the number 13 in one race. Without further ado, he decided to turn the start number upside down. Interestingly, Boonen won this race, which naturally fuelled speculation about the effectiveness of this ritual. Whether his victory was actually linked to the upside-down 13 or was simply down to Boonen's exceptional talent remains the subject of debate among cycling fans. Another prominent example was provided by German rider Marcus Burghardt. He also wore his race number 13 upside down at the 2019 Tour de France. Eleven years earlier, Burghardt had even won a stage of the Tour of France - albeit with the number 42 at the time.

Other superstitious practices in cycling

The inverted start number 13 is by no means the only superstitious ritual in cycling. Many riders have their own personal lucky charms that they carry with them to every race. These can be small objects that are stowed in the jersey pocket or special items of clothing that are worn underneath the racing clothing. Some athletes swear by certain routines before the start, such as putting on their shoes in a set order or inflating their tyres to a specific air pressure. Many cyclists are particularly careful on days like Friday the 13th. Some avoid risky manoeuvres or particularly demanding training sessions on such days. Others, on the other hand, see such supposedly unlucky days as an opportunity to tempt fate and perform particularly well. The individual approaches are as varied as the personalities in the peloton itself.

The psychological component of superstition

Although there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of superstitious practices, they still fulfil an important psychological function for many athletes. Rituals can help to reduce nervousness and convey a sense of control in situations that are influenced by many unpredictable factors. In cycling in particular, where crashes, technical faults or sudden changes in the weather can drastically affect the course of a race, such rituals provide a mental anchor. Sports psychologists emphasise that it is not so much the actual influence of these practices that matters, but rather the athletes' belief in their effectiveness. As long as a ritual helps a rider to feel mentally stronger and better prepared, it can certainly have a positive effect on performance. It is a kind of placebo effect that should not be underestimated in elite sport.

Tradition and modernity in cycling

Superstition in cycling is a fascinating example of how tradition and modernity come together in this sport. While bicycles are becoming lighter and more aerodynamic, training methods are constantly evolving and athletes' nutrition is being scientifically optimised, many professionals hold on to rituals that are sometimes decades old. This mixture of high-tech and folklore makes cycling a unique sport in which past and future go hand in hand. Ultimately, it is up to each rider to decide whether and which superstitious practices they want to incorporate into their race preparation. Whether with an upside-down 13, lucky charms or no rituals at all - in the end, it's only the legs and the will to succeed that count on the track anyway. With this in mind, we wish all cyclists a successful and, above all, accident-free ride, no matter what race number they may be wearing.