Whether you’re a die-hard fan or couldn’t care less about football – the World Cup is on, everyone’s noticed, and three words are all you need to get the conversation started: “Are you watching the football?” After that, the conversation almost takes care of itself.
Who won, who let us down, and whether Germany were knocked out earlier than expected this time. Everyone has an opinion; you don’t have to be an expert. Or, if the other person isn’t a football fan, you could ask, “Why not?” “What sports are you interested in?” or bring up the political side of the World Cup.
And when the conversation hits a dead end, cycling offers a parallel for almost any World Cup debate. A World Cup favourite who dominates everything? An underdog who surprises everyone? You see it in every race. Tactics versus spectacle? It’s a never-ending topic, no matter the sport.
A group ride is actually the perfect setting for a chat – sometimes riding wheel-to-wheel, sometimes side-by-side, with no pressure to make eye contact and a steady pace. You just need to break the ice. And right now, the round thing that has to go into the square one is helping with that.
How do you break the ice when you’re out and about? Let us know in the comments – we’re looking forward to hearing your best conversation starters.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
