The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of travel conditions on preferred destination, event, and travel characteristics in the context of Active Sport Event Travel Careers among cyclists who travel to take part in events. Travel conditions are circumstances surrounding a trip such as travel with family or the length of travel. A sampling frame of cyclists who participate in competitive events with travel of 50 miles one-way or an overnight stay was generated from cycling

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... ions. A final sample of N=1452 was collected via online survey. Data analysis consisted of a series of repeated measure ANOVAs and paired sample t-tests. The results indicated an individual's event, destination, and travel style preferences are dependent on whether he or she was traveling with a non-cyclist (e.g., family member) and the distance traveled. Prior research has suggested that for active sport tourists event criteria are more important than destination characteristics and travel preferences remain relatively stagnant with career progression. In contrast, the findings here suggest travel preferences vary based on travel conditions and that attractive destinations only become advantageous if event participants are traveling with non-cyclists or on trips involving longer distances. For instance when nonparticipant travel companions are included, the entertainment, attractions, and activities available in the destination become much more important to active event tourists. Communities seeking to attract sport tourists as a form of sustainable tourism development would be advised to organize events incorporating these preferences and to consider the influence of travel conditions.