Is cycle sport encouraging uptake of cycling?

Dutch and Belgium roadies often stick to the extensive canal network and cyclepaths. There were probably hiding there! - that said, I'm sure they wouldn't turn their noses up at jumping on their commuting tanks and popping down to the shops, whereas a hardcore racing cyclist here might.

... and I'm sure if you were willing to travel within a 50mile radius of London you could do one race a day in this country, during the racing season.

Yes, exactly, much less snobby about 'practical' bikes.