Top 8 reasons to date a cyclist

The Tour De France has still got the nation pretty ‘pumped up’ and there are no signs the UK will ‘tyre’ of the cycling craze any time soon!

Whether you are a mountain bike speed-racer, part-time Boris Bike lover or haven’t sat in a bike saddle since your BMX days circa 1990, we’re urging you to ‘saddle up partner’ and check our 8 top reasons to date a cyclist:

 1. Cyclists are hot: According to a recent study, it’s no surprise that professional cyclists who are leading the pack are seen as more handsome than their slower counterparts. Women rated the facial attractiveness of all participants in the 2012 Tour de France, which was won by Bradley Wiggins. Interestingly, the top 10 per cent were rated on average 25 per cent better looking than the ones at the back.

2. Cyclists are cooler, smarter and more charitable: According to a study by Mindlab International for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), people consider cyclists to be 13 per cent more intelligent, 13 per cent cooler and 10 per cent more charitable than the average person. In the survey of 600 adults, almost two thirds even admitted to liking Lycra, and 23 per cent would choose to go on a date with a cyclist over a selection of other sportspeople.

 3. They live longer: Another recent study, involving 5000 healthy people who cycled every day, found that men/women who cycled quickly survived 5.3 years longer.

4. They never call in sick: Fed up of dealing with date’s who are constantly moaning they’re ill? According to statistics released by charity Sustrans, cycling to work halves people’s sick days so they’re more likely to be around for that (green juice) coffee break date!

 5. Cycling makes a fun date: Yes, you might get a bit saddle sore but dating a cyclist means you have no excuse not to join in, and it’s great for the thighs and bum too…

6. Cyclists are handy around the house: Years of pumping up tyres and sorting out bike-related maintenance means your date is probably pretty handy with a hammer and flat pack furniture.

7. Cyclists are stress-free: We know this is not always the case, but rigorous exercise has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety and lower blood pressure.

8. Three words: Lycra. Hides. Nothing.

Did we miss any? Do you feel all inspired to cycle or date a cyclist?

Tell us @lovestruck