To many this is proper cycling. To be a player you’ll need very deep pockets. Carbon fibre, titanium, 10 speed blocks and classic Italian brands like Colnago and Pinarello are the playground currency.

Whole days are spent, literally, on impossibly hard saddles hiding from your sworn enemy; the wind. Enter the warm embrace of the tea shop after a gruelling day and the pain instantly evaporates as the endorphins replace the bad times with a runner’s high like no other. One you’ve earned, with your own sweat and tears. Same time next Sunday? You bet!

The image: Clean cut and always coordinated.

Bike: Aspires to Colnago, Pinarello and DeRosa but probably rides a Trek or a Specialized.

Fashion: Colour coordinated lycra, peakless helmet and prescription shades.

Media: Cycling Weekly and cyclingnews.com.