By Bernie Legg, Cycling Correspondent
Flabby male cyclists wearing tight lycra clothing have become unlikely sex symbols for women across Britain, a shock new study reveals.
The sight of a Middle-Aged Man in Lycra, dubbed a MAMIL, has become commonplace on Suffolk’s roads as guys of a certain age try to get fit before it’s too late.
But while many women openly joke about the frightful image of a man bulging from all the wrong places in figure-hugging shorts, it transpires this is actually a massive turn-on for them – but they’re simply too bashful to admit it.
And the study discovered that road rage incidents, where drivers seemingly despair about cyclists slowing them up, is actually caused by male drivers becoming seriously jealous of those on two wheels.
Professor Didier Strava, of Suffolk University’s psychology department, which commissioned the research, said men in cars became aggressive when they realised their partners in the passenger seat were ogling male cyclists.
“The women go all-a-quiver when they see a middle-aged man on his road bike, wearing tight lycra shorts that leave little to the imagination, and tight cycling jerseys that show off all the flabby bits.
“To try and cover their emotions up, women we surveyed admitted that when they spoke with their friends they ridiculed how middle-aged male cyclists look, but in fact, they were secretly yearning for their ‘company’ because they were more manly than their husbands ever could be.”
‘Waving their underwear’
One MAMIL from Ipswich, who asked not to be named for fear of attracting too much female interest, said: “We’ve known this for years. As we cycle along the sleepy lanes of Suffolk, women hang out of their cottage bedroom windows cooing and waving their underwear at us.”
The 47-year-old added: “I even had one woman trying to stop me on a quiet road through Tunstall Forest urging me to join her and her friend in the bushes.
“It’s quite shocking – we are only out to have a bit of exercise. But not THAT sort of exercise.”
Suffolk Police confirmed there are a rising number of complaints from male cyclists about unwanted female attention.
A spokesman said: “We respect women’s rights to admire middle-aged men in lycra shorts. But we advise they simply look and don’t try and touch.”
This came as such a relief as I imagined I just looked like a twat to all concerned. Having said that, cycling clothing is great for cycling in, so I was undeterred by my low self esteem and, Hey!!! any machine that can allow me to haul my ageing hulk to the nearest pub/shop and not have a heart attack has got to be a good thing. For all you secret admirers out there, thank you, and to all their husbands, get on your bike mate! use it or lose it!!
Loved this article. Hilarious and informative; just found out I am a MAMIL! Keep up the good work!
Dear Andy,
I trust you are able to fight the women off when you’re out on your bike. There’s probably some sort of MAMIL support group out there to help if needs be.
Regards,
The Editor
I must say that MAMIL in your photo is particularly gorgeous
Dear Ms Cougar
Thank you for getting in touch. I can confirm that the gentleman in question is indeed a fine specimen, and was pictured here taking part in last year’s Stowmarket and District Cycling Club’s Three Counties Sportive.
However, I am afraid that privacy issues prevent me from passing on his details.
Kind regards,
The Editor