Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the 50-year-old former governor of Ardahan province in northeastern Turkey, was removed from his post after sharing videos of himself cycling in black tights and a red top. The incident ignited debate about appropriate attire for public officials, with one Member of Parliament suggesting Cicekli be issued a fig leaf and another arguing that a governor in leggings would not be taken seriously.
Cicekli defended his actions by stating he was simply wearing sports attire for exercise. A petition signed by 10,000 people has called for his reinstatement.
The author, a self-proclaimed MAMIL (Middle-Aged Man in Lycra), who took up cycling in his early 40s, empathizes with Cicekli, acknowledging that while he owns a significant amount of cycling-specific clothing, its use is strictly limited to the road.
The Practicality and Perception of Cycling Apparel
The author explains that cycling attire, particularly Lycra, is functional equipment designed for performance. Loose clothing can cause chafing and drag, whereas snug-fitting garments reduce wind resistance and manage moisture, akin to a wetsuit. This technical advantage is lost the moment the cyclist stops pedaling. The context of wearing such clothing is crucial; while acceptable on the bike, it can be perceived as inappropriate in other settings, such as a village tea shop or, by extension, a professional environment.
Historically, public figures who cycle have navigated this issue by maintaining a distinction between their athletic pursuits and their public persona. Boris Johnson, for instance, was known to cycle in a suit and tie, presenting himself as a person on a bike rather than a dedicated cyclist. Jeremy Corbyn rode a Raleigh bicycle in sensible attire that offended no one. This approach, the author suggests, preserves an image of authority.
Authority, the author posits, is often symbolized by formal or even cumbersome decorations, such as a mayor's chain or a judge's wig. These items serve to depersonalize the officeholder, emphasizing their rank. Lycra, conversely, reveals the individual's physique without symbolizing anything related to their position, potentially undermining perceived authority.
While Cicekli's cycling wardrobe featured classic black and red, modern cycling bib shorts come in a wider array of colors, including lighter shades. The author notes that tighter fits, especially in lighter colors, can reveal more, a point he suggests Cicekli overlooked.
The article concludes by reiterating that while there is no issue with Cicekli cycling or even advocating for his return to office, the problem lies in wearing the Lycra off the bike. "From the moment you dismount, you are just a man in a shiny leotard holding a banana," the author states, emphasizing the need to change into appropriate attire for public appearances.