Sat Jul 05 12:00:00 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary and a news article version:**
**Summary:**
US National Champion Quinn Simmons, competing in the Tour de France, advocates for professional cyclists to embrace more personality and entertainment value, drawing inspiration from riders like Peter Sagan and the culture of other sports like hockey. He believes this would attract a larger, younger audience and improve the sport’s financial model. While acknowledging the importance of winning, Simmons emphasizes that performance should be paired with a unique and engaging persona. He is aiming to showcase this himself at the Tour de France, hoping to capitalize on the opportunity to perform well and become a star. He’s prepared to work for his team’s sprinter in the early stages but hopes for opportunities to pursue his own chances later in the race.
**News Article:**
**US Champion Quinn Simmons Calls for More “Show” in Cycling at Tour de France**
*Brittany, France* – American cyclist Quinn Simmons is making waves at the Tour de France not just for his stars-and-stripes jersey, but for his outspoken call for more personality and entertainment within the sport. The US National Champion believes cycling needs to inject more “show” into the professional circuit to attract a wider, younger audience.
“Sport is first about the performance but lets also give the people something to watch too,” Simmons told Cyclingnews. “When someone wins a Classic, they often say: ‘The legs were good, thanks to the team,’ But that’s boring for a 15-year-old kid watching at home.”
Simmons cites Peter Sagan, known for his flamboyant style and success on the bike, as a prime example. “Peter Sagan made me want to be a bike racer,” Simmons said. “He was a winner and a unique character.”
Simmons acknowledges the need to perform to earn star status. He enters the Tour de France in top form, after winning the US National Title and a stage at the Tour de Suisse. He hopes to both support his Lidl-Trek teammates and seize opportunities for his own success as the race progresses. He is one of five American riders competing in this year’s edition.
“The American influencers take the sport too far and forget you need to perform. First, you need to win the big bike races, then you can have a bit of style. I know I need to start winning big bike races.”
Simmons’ comments arrive at a crucial time for cycling, as the sport seeks to grow its fanbase and improve its financial model. The 2025 Tour de France provides Simmons with a perfect global stage to shine. As the race unfolds, cycling enthusiasts will be watching to see if Simmons can deliver on both the performance and the personality he advocates for.
First Piper 