Black card isn’t the final solution but it’s a step forward

“Until the countdown to an event we are obliged to adhere to social conditioning even to the extent of chatting to the timekeeper, officials or other riders.

“Then you must eschew all of that and quickly become what is known in normal society as a sociopath — a person who follows their own ambition at whatever costs to others.” — Graeme Obree

Any hurler, footballer or manager who wants to cultivate the mindset of a successful competitor should get their hands on The Obree Way: a training manual for cyclists. The last chapter, The Dichotomy of Sport, is essential reading.