000 01615cam a2200265 4500500
005 20250112034528.0
041 _afre
042 _adc
100 1 0 _aDauncey, Hugh
_eauthor
700 1 0 _a Ervine, Jonathan
_eauthor
245 0 0 _aObscene or Exemplary? Robert Marchand’s Cycling World Hour Record
260 _c2021.
500 _a87
520 _aThe cycling world hour record for riders over 105 years old set in 2017 by Robert Marchand was much discussed in France in a context of neoliberal discourses about work and retirement. Within a debate about work characterized by desires to encourage “active aging,” Marchand’s sporting athletic effort was variously perceived as exemplary hard work and productive old age, or as an obscene abuse of athleticism. This article examines the reception of Marchand’s record within the wider context of contemporary neoliberal trends in French politics, culture, and society. It considers Marchand’s working life, active sporting retirement, and left-wing politics. It shows how media coverage and public discussion of the sporting “work” of his “performance” exemplified competing discourses in France’s national discussions about neoliberalism.
690 _aneoliberalism
690 _asport
690 _aperformance
690 _arecord
690 _aMarchand
690 _aaging
690 _aFrance
690 _awork
786 0 _nFrench Politics, Culture & Society | 39 | 3 | 2021-12-28 | p. 46-72 | 1537-6370
856 4 1 _uhttps://shs.cairn.info/journal-french-politics-culture-and-society-2021-3-page-46?lang=en
999 _c168541
_d168541