Anna Weltman

Abstract

This study examines cyclists who have crashed and have subsequently returned to cycling after they have finished recovering. Past research on the sport of cycling has mostly been limited to physical rehabilitation and focused on elite (professional) cyclists. However, past research on amateur recreational cyclist studies indicates that along with physical coping and rehabilitation motives, there are psychological factors that influence decision making about whether an athlete will return to sport, namely resilience, self-efficacy, and goal-orientation. A total of 403 male and female road cyclists, mountain bikers, commuters, and triathletes completed a survey of 50 questions, of which 21 questions came from the Return to Sport After Serious Injury Questionnaire (RSSIQ) that examined associations between athlete motivations for returning to sport after injury and perceived psychological outcomes. The majority of the cyclists indicated that their fun, passion, and love for the sport were the main reasons for returning. Non-competitive recreational cyclists and commuters indicated transportation and commuting needs as their main influence, and more competitive cyclists expressed their resumption was to overcome fear of cycling or to avoid becoming 'quitters.' Potential applications lo research, coaching, and sport psychology interventions in the sport of cycling are discussed.… (plus d'informations)