Cycling Pulse

Brodie Chapman has made waves in the cycling community with her remarkable victory at the elite women's individual time trial during the 2025 AusCycling Road National Championships held in Perth, Western Australia. This triumph is particularly noteworthy as it marks her first Australian time trial championship, succeeding the legendary Grace Brown, who recently retired after an illustrious career that included an Olympic gold medal and a world title. The championship took place on January 9, 2025, over a demanding three-lap course measuring 28.8 kilometers at Bold Park circuit. Chapman's performance was impressive; she clocked in at 39 minutes and 53 seconds, averaging an astounding speed of 42.42 kilometers per hour. This outstanding...

Finn Fisher-Black's move from UAE Team Emirates to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for the 2025 season marks a significant chapter in the young New Zealand cyclist's career. At just 22 years old, Fisher-Black has already shown immense promise on the international stage, but his decision to leave one of the world's top teams underscores a crucial reality in professional cycling: the journey to stardom can often be as challenging as the races themselves. Signing with UAE Team Emirates midway through the 2021 season, Fisher-Black made an immediate impact, transitioning from the Visma-Lease a Bike development squad. His notable performances culminated in a strong showing at the 2023 Vuelta a España, where he narrowly missed out on a stage victory...

Alexey Vermeulen delivered a stunning performance at the Big Sugar Gravel event on October 19, 2024, marking a high point in his cycling career and a significant moment in the ongoing Life Time Grand Prix series. Vermeulen's victory in Bentonville, Arkansas, was characterized by strategic prowess and sheer endurance, as he outpaced runner-up Colby Simmons by eight seconds in a riveting finale. The 104-mile race unfolded with a complex set of dynamics where early leaders Matthew Beers and Michael Garrison initially created a 40-second gap over a tightly packed field of 31 riders. However, the race quickly evolved as competitors jockeyed for position. As the course shifted through challenging sections, including the steep-walled bluffs...

On October 24, 2024, Tadej Pogacar confirmed his status as one of the dominant forces in professional cycling with the announcement of a six-year contract extension with UAE Team Emirates. This agreement ensures that Pogacar will remain with the team until 2030, marking a remarkable 12-year tenure since he first joined the squad in 2019. This long-term commitment not only reflects Pogacar's loyalty but also highlights UAE Team Emirates' confidence in his exceptional talent and potential for future successes. Pogacar's career with UAE Team Emirates has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since his arrival, he has amassed an impressive total of 88 wins, including a historic 2024 season where he made headlines by capturing the Giro...

The Pro's Closet (TPC) has recently emerged from a turbulent period marked by significant financial struggles. As a leading online retailer of used bicycles, TPC benefited immensely from the pandemic bike boom, which saw a surge in cycling as a preferred mode of transport and recreation. However, as this boom subsided and the supply chain issues led to an oversaturated market, TPC's premium reseller business model became increasingly untenable. The company found itself grappling with mounting debt and a dwindling customer base, ultimately facing the grim prospect of closure. In September 2024, the situation reached a critical juncture when reports indicated that TPC could shut its doors if a buyer did not materialize within a short...

Belgium and the global cycling community are in mourning following the passing of Rik Van Looy on December 18, 2024, at the age of 90. Widely regarded as one of the greatest one-day cyclists in history, Van Looy's remarkable career and profound impact on the sport will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. Born on December 20, 1933, in Grobbendonk, Belgium, Van Looy's love for cycling began at a young age. His early years were characterized by a relentless passion for the sport, which he honed while working as a paperboy. Riding a heavy bicycle on the narrow roads of Belgium, he developed the strength and resilience that would define his illustrious career. His professional journey in cycling took flight in the late...

The cyclocross community is still reeling from the dramatic events that unfolded at the Exact Cross Beringen event on October 12, 2024. The race, known for its challenging muddy terrain and fierce competition, became the backdrop for an altercation that resulted in the disqualification of Eli Iserbyt, a top competitor in the sport. This incident raises questions about sportsmanship and emotional control in high-stakes racing. During the fifth lap of the race, Iserbyt and fellow competitor Ryan Kamp were involved in a crash on a particularly slippery descent. As their bikes became ensnared in the fencing lining the course, the situation escalated quickly. After managing to free himself, Iserbyt deliberately stomped on Kamp’s bike...

Tom Pidcock, a British cyclist born on July 30, 1999, has rapidly emerged as one of the most versatile and talented athletes in the cycling world. His proficiency across multiple disciplines—cyclo-cross, mountain biking, and road cycling—has not only earned him an impressive medal tally but has also made him a fan favorite. Beginning his professional career in 2021, Pidcock quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, boasting World Championship victories in all three cycling disciplines at junior and under-23 levels. Pidcock's accomplishments on the international stage include a remarkable feat in mountain biking: he clinched the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, a title he defended successfully at the 2024 Summer...

On December 3, 2024, professional cycling faced a significant scare following a serious training accident involving Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel. The talented 24-year-old was training in Oetingen, Belgium, when he collided with a postal vehicle after riding into the open door of a Bpost van. The incident left him with several serious injuries, including fractures to his rib, right shoulder blade, and right hand, along with contusions on both lungs and a dislocated clavicle that necessitated surgery. Following the accident, Evenepoel received immediate medical attention at the Erasmus Hospital in Anderlecht before being moved to the Herentals hospital for further evaluation. Surgeons operated late Tuesday evening to address his...

Groupama-FDJ is set to embark on a new journey in the 2025 cycling season with a notable shift in its technical sponsorship, having officially announced a partnership with the renowned Italian brand Miche. This decision signals a pivotal change for the French professional cycling team, which has long relied on Shimano's Dura-Ace components. With Miche now in the fold, Groupama-FDJ plans to utilize their innovative wheels and components from the Race Division line, marking a significant evolution in their equipment strategy. The announcement was made on January 1, 2025, setting the stage for an exciting collaboration that brings together Miche’s century-long legacy of Italian craftsmanship and Groupama-FDJ's quest for competitive...

The unveiling of the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Series has generated excitement among cycling enthusiasts worldwide. With a comprehensive calendar comprising 15 race weekends across 10 countries, this series is a testament to the sport's expanding global footprint. Mountain biking, once a niche activity, is experiencing a renaissance, and this year's series promises to showcase the breadth of talent and the diversity of landscapes that make the sport so exhilarating. The series kicks off in Brazil with two back-to-back weekends dedicated to cross-country events, a fitting start for a season that aims to highlight both new and established venues. The inclusion of locations such as Mairiporã and Araxá in Brazil represents a significant...

Paul Lapeira, the French national champion, has officially renewed his contract with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, ensuring his presence on the team until 2027. This renewal, announced on January 10, 2025, highlights not only Lapeira's commitment to his professional career but also reflects the team's ongoing strategy to build a competitive and cohesive unit in the world of cycling. Lapeira's decision to extend his contract appears to stem from a sense of satisfaction and confidence in the direction of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. He described the renewal process as a natural step, indicating that he had no doubts about his future with the team. Throughout his time with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Lapeira has been closely involved with...

Tom Pidcock has recently introduced the new Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team kit for the 2025 season, a significant leap forward in cycling apparel technology. This innovative kit promises to enhance the performance of elite cyclists through advanced aerodynamic features, superior comfort, and state-of-the-art thermoregulation. As cycling continues to evolve, the demand for high-performance gear that can provide even the slightest competitive edge has never been greater. One of the standout components of the new kit is the Dottore Pro bib shorts. These shorts have been meticulously designed to deliver ergonomic support while ensuring maximum comfort during rides. Tom Pidcock himself praised the Dottore Pro, stating that the comfort level was so...