Cycling Pulse

Wout van Aert, the Belgian cycling sensation, has been captivating cyclocross fans with his recent performances. The 28-year-old athlete, known for his versatility across disciplines, has showcased his prowess in some of the most challenging cyclocross events. His success not only highlights his competitive nature but also sets the stage for an exciting 2025 season. Van Aert's recent victories have solidified his standing as a top contender in the cyclocross scene. Notably, his triumph at the Superprestige Diegem in December 2022 marked a significant achievement, as it was his second victory within a two-day span. Competing against formidable rivals such as Mathieu van der Poel and Eli Iserbyt, van Aert demonstrated both skill and...

XDS Astana has made a notable roster change for the 2025 season, signing Haoyu Su, a promising young cyclist from China Glory-Mentech. This strategic move is indicative of the team's commitment to tapping into the expanding Chinese cycling market—a region that is increasingly recognized as a vital opportunity for professional cycling teams. Haoyu Su has demonstrated his potential in the last couple of years, catching the attention of cycling enthusiasts with impressive performances in various competitions. His accomplishments include a fourth-place finish in the Chinese national time trial championships and a commendable fifth-place finish on a stage of the Tour of Thailand, where he ultimately placed 20th overall. Additionally, he...

On November 14, 2024, a concerning incident unfolded at the Adelaide Superdrome when a cyclist sustained serious head injuries during a race. This event, held within Adelaide's largest cycling venue, has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with competitive cycling. Paramedics were dispatched promptly to provide medical assistance, indicating the seriousness of the situation. As of the latest updates, the cyclist's condition remains serious but stable; however, specific details regarding their recovery or potential long-term effects have not been disclosed. The lack of information leaves the cycling community and fans anxious, eagerly awaiting news of the athlete's progress. Injuries of this nature can have significant...

The Hunt 1000 is an annual self-supported bikepacking adventure that challenges riders to traverse a breathtaking 1,000-kilometer route from Canberra to Melbourne. This event not only tests physical endurance but also immerses participants in some of Australia’s most stunning high country landscapes, including the picturesque Kosciuszko National Park and the rugged Alpine National Park, with the remote Jagungal Wilderness adding an element of isolation and adventure. In 2024, the event wrapped up with a grand finish in Melbourne on November 30, where around half of the participants successfully completed the grueling journey. This year was particularly memorable due to the persistent rain that turned trails muddy, adding an extra layer...

The cycling world is buzzing with excitement following the recent announcement that Joe Pidcock, younger brother of Olympic champion Tom Pidcock, will join the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team for the 2025 season. This move not only strengthens the team’s roster but also brings a unique sibling dynamic to the competitive landscape of professional cycling. Joe Pidcock, at just 22 years old, has been carving out his own path in the sport. His previous experience with Trinity Racing in 2024 showcased his potential, especially with a notable victory at the Ronde de l'Isard, where he claimed a stage win. This past season has laid a solid foundation for Joe, but joining Q36.5 marks a significant leap in his career. This opportunity allows him to ride...

On December 18, 2024, GreenEDGE Cycling made waves in the cycling world by announcing a partnership with MAAP, an Australian cycling apparel brand. This collaboration marks MAAP's debut in the UCI WorldTour, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter for both brands. The partnership is not just a business arrangement; it embodies a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of design and performance in cycling. MAAP, founded in 2014 by Oliver Cousins and Jarrad Smith, has quickly emerged as a prominent player in the cycling apparel market. Known for its stylish designs and commitment to high performance, the brand has received accolades for its innovative collections and strategic marketing initiatives. This partnership with GreenEDGE...

Louisiana has earned a disheartening reputation as one of the most hazardous states for cyclists in the United States, a status that recent data continues to reinforce. With a staggering fatality rate and numerous infrastructure challenges, the state’s cycling climate raises significant concerns among cycling advocates and enthusiasts alike. In 2022, Louisiana recorded 45 bicyclist deaths, which represents 4.97% of the total fatalities in road crashes that year. This alarming statistic positions Louisiana as the second most dangerous state for cyclists in 2024. The majority of these fatalities occurred in densely populated urban areas, which account for 82% of cyclist deaths, underscoring the risks cyclists face when navigating through...

Pete Kennaugh and Alex Dowsett are set to make a significant impact at Astana Qazaqstan as they join the team's performance and race staff for the 2025 cycling season. The announcement, made on November 12, 2024, signifies a strategic move for the team, as they recognize the importance of optimizing performance in an increasingly competitive professional cycling landscape. Both Kennaugh and Dowsett bring a wealth of experience and expertise that can help Astana Qazaqstan enhance their race strategies and overall execution. Kennaugh, a distinguished cyclist in his own right, boasts an impressive record in professional cycling. Ranked 26th in the all-time standings for Great Britain, his achievements include several notable performances...

James Jones has etched his name into the annals of BMX history as a professional freestyle athlete hailing from Wales. His journey into the sport began serendipitously at the age of 14 when he stumbled upon a skate park near his football training grounds in Swansea. This chance encounter sparked a passion that would see him become a trailblazer in BMX, likely inspiring many young riders who follow in his footsteps. Since the inception of his BMX career, Jones has achieved remarkable milestones. He became a founding member of the Great Britain Cycling Team's BMX freestyle park program in 2018, a pivotal move that would help shape his professional path. His prowess quickly garnered attention on the international stage, marked by a gold...

Alejandro Valverde, a name synonymous with cycling excellence in Spain, is currently positioned as a frontrunner for the Technical Director role of the Spanish National Cycling Team. His illustrious career, characterized by an impressive tally of 133 race victories and numerous podium finishes, has made him a prominent figure in the cycling world. Valverde's achievements span two decades, culminating in a world championship win in 2018 alongside four Liège-Bastogne-Liège titles and five victories at Flèche Wallonne, not to mention his twelve stage wins at the Vuelta a España. His retirement in 2022 marked the end of his professional road racing career, but it seems another chapter is on the horizon. Despite stepping away from the...

Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation and reigning world champion, has officially extended his contract with UAE Team Emirates for an impressive six more years, securing his future with the team until the end of the 2029 season. This monumental announcement, made on October 24, 2024, not only marks a significant milestone in Pogačar's career but also highlights the ambitious vision of UAE Team Emirates as they aim to build a cycling dynasty. Since joining UAE Team Emirates in 2019, Pogačar has rapidly established himself as one of the most formidable talents in professional cycling. By the age of 20, he had already secured a reputation for excellence, culminating in multiple grand tour victories, including the Tour de France...

Davide Formolo, a prominent rider for the Movistar Team, found himself at the center of controversy during the 2024 Tour de Luxembourg when he was disqualified after Stage 3 due to his use of an illegal "super-tuck" position. This incident has sparked significant discussions about safety regulations in cycling, the enforcement of rules by the UCI, and the implications for both riders and teams moving forward. The crux of Formolo's disqualification lies in the technicalities surrounding the use of the super-tuck position. During high-speed descents, riders sometimes adopt this aerodynamic stance, which involves leaning forward and tucking their bodies to minimize wind resistance. However, this position has come under scrutiny due to the...

Puck Pieterse, the talented 22-year-old Dutch cyclist, is gearing up for her highly anticipated return to the cyclocross circuit at the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Namur on December 15, 2024. This marks the start of her 2024-2025 cyclocross season, which is packed with 11 races leading up to the World Championships in Liévin, France, scheduled for February 1, 2025. With her multifaceted background in cycling, Pieterse aims to make a significant impact in the sport this season. Pieterse's two-month break from competition has been longer than the typical off-season for many cyclists. This hiatus was largely due to her efforts to clinch the UCI Gravel World Championship title in October, coupled with a demanding schedule that included the...