By Samita Kalavagunta
*Editor’s note: Despite Samita not being in Journalism, each student was provided with EXPLICIT instructions to do ZERO research on their topic. However, Samita did in fact do research, so this is a reminder for all students to follow instructions*
First, what is cycle ball?
Cycle ball (also known as radball) is essentially soccer, but on a bike. The way to win is to score the most goals; however, the ball cannot come in contact with the player’s hands or feet!
There are two players per team; one forward, and one goalie. Players engage in 14 minute matches, divided into two sets. The court is 14 by 11 meters, and has 2 by 2 meter semicircle goals. Goalies are allowed to use their hands to block, but only within the goal lines.
To score, players must hit the ball with either their bike wheel, or their head. They will also be penalized for coming to contact with the floor at any given moment. Fouls result in free kicks, with 4 meter kicks being awarded for serious penalties.
Now, how do we become a ranked player?
To any aspiring cycle ballers at Westmont, I have unfortunate news. This sport is only particularly popular in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, and Japan. However, if you do find yourself in one of these countries, the first step would be to join a cycle ball club. At the club, one can train and attain a license to play. This is also where you can find your partner to help chase your cycling dreams.
With our freshly minted cycle ball license, we can now register to play in tournaments within the Union Cycliste Internationale, or UCI. To compete in official tournaments, you must register with your national cycling federation, which has to be a member of the UCI. Through tournaments like the UCI World Cup Series, you can compete with other cycle ballers. Ranks are based on points and are awarded at competition caliber and final team placement. Hopefully, if you’re any good, you’ll fly through the ranks.
So there we have it. To summarize cycle ball, it’s soccer on a bike, and the way to rank internationally is to compete in competitions. Hooray!