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Conversation starters for the GrouprideHow to survive awkward silences

Sandra Schuberth

 · 13.06.2026

Conversation starters for the Groupride: How to survive awkward silencesPhoto: KI-generiert
The World Cup is the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with fellow cyclists
You got up early especially for the group ride, made an effort to be on time, and have now been cycling silently alongside someone for ten minutes. You’re breathing. The tyres are whirring. Nothing else. Now there’s a particularly simple solution: the World Cup.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or couldn’t care less about football – the World Cup is on, everyone’s noticed, and three words are all you need to get the conversation started: “Are you watching the football?” After that, the conversation almost takes care of itself. Who won, who disappointed, whether Germany were knocked out earlier than expected this time. Everyone has an opinion; no one needs to be an expert. Or, if the other person isn’t a football fan, you can ask, “Why not?” “What sports are you interested in?” or bring up the political side of the World Cup.

And if the conversation starts to fizzle out: cycling offers a parallel for almost every World Cup debate. A favourite who dominates everything? Pogačar. An outsider who surprises everyone? You find one in every stage race. Tactics versus spectacle? A timeless topic, no matter the sport.

A group ride is actually the perfect setting for a chat – shoulder to shoulder, no pressure to make eye contact, a steady pace. You just need to break the ice. And right now, the round thing that needs to go in the square one is helping with that.

How do you break the ice on a group ride? Let us know in the comments – we can’t wait to hear your best icebreakers.

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Sandra Schuberth

Sandra Schuberth, sometimes an after-work ride, sometimes a training ride, sometimes an unsupported bikepacking challenge. The main thing is her and her gravel bike - away from the traffic. Seven Serpents, Badlands or Bright Midnight: she has finished challenging bikepacking races. Gravel and bikepacking are her favourite subjects, and her demands on equipment are high. What she rides, uses and recommends has to stand the test of time: not in marketing, but in real life.

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