Cycling Pulse

Lidl-Trek is gearing up for an exciting 2024 season, marked by significant roster changes and ambitious plans for competing in the prestigious Grand Tours. With an eye towards both performance and branding, the team continues to evolve, showcasing its commitment to building a strong foundation for the future of professional cycling. The 2024 season sees Lidl-Trek actively reshaping its roster to enhance its competitive edge. Notably, the team has secured key signings such as Søren Kragh Andersen from Alpecin-Deceuninck, a versatile rider well-regarded for his adaptability across various race types. Alongside him, Lennard Kämna joins from Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe, bringing his robust Grand Tour experience to the team. Perhaps the most...

Filippo Ganna, the Italian powerhouse known for his exceptional time-trialing skills, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his cycling career. Starting in 2025, Ganna plans to shift his focus towards road cycling, specifically targeting the prestigious spring classics, including the revered Paris-Roubaix and Milan-San Remo. This strategic pivot is influenced by a collaboration with Dutch coach Dajo Sanders, who is anticipated to bring innovative training techniques to enhance Ganna's performance on the road. The decision to concentrate more on road cycling comes as Ganna reduces his participation on the track, where he has made a name for himself as one of the world's best. While track cycling has granted him numerous accolades...

The rise of electric bikes, or e-bikes, marks a significant shift in how we think about personal transportation and its impact on the environment. These innovative machines not only offer an efficient way to navigate urban landscapes but also present a compelling opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the carbon footprint associated with their manufacturing and use raises important considerations for eco-conscious consumers. Manufacturing e-bikes involves a substantial carbon footprint, estimated to be between 134kg to 165kg of CO2 equivalent emissions per unit. This figure pales in comparison to the production of traditional vehicles; for instance, a small hatchback car emits around 5.5 tons of CO2e during its...

Wout van Aert, the Belgian cycling sensation, is poised to kick off his cyclocross season with a lineup of key events that promise to draw significant attention from fans and competitors alike. His first race back in the saddle will be at the UCI World Cup in Antwerp on December 4, 2024, marking a highly anticipated return following a two-month recovery period necessitated by a knee injury sustained during the Vuelta a España in September. This injury required careful management and a focused rehabilitation plan, which has now set the stage for his comeback. The World Cup in Antwerp is not only the season opener for van Aert, but it also serves as a critical element in a compressed cyclocross calendar that extends until January 26...

Steve Cummings, a well-respected figure in professional cycling, has recently announced his transition to the role of sports director for the Jayco AlUla team. This decision comes on the heels of a challenging period at Ineos Grenadiers, where he served as Director of Racing but faced difficulties marked by internal conflicts and team dynamics that ultimately influenced his departure. Cummings’ move is not merely a career shift; it represents a significant moment in his journey within the sport he has dedicated the last 15 years to. Cummings, now 43, has a storied career as a cyclist, known for his tenacity and strategic racing style. He notably clinched two stage victories at the Tour de France, showcasing his ability to perform at...

The excitement is building as the 2024 UCI Road World Championships approach, set to take place in Zurich, Switzerland, from September 21 to 29. This prestigious event will showcase the best cyclists in the world competing for the coveted rainbow jersey, symbolizing their status as world champions. Both the men's and women's road races promise to be thrilling contests, with challenging courses that require not only speed but also endurance and tactical prowess. The men's road race is particularly daunting, spanning a staggering 273.9 kilometers and featuring a total ascent of 4,470 meters. Starting in Winterthur, northeast of Zurich, the race includes a significant loop before heading toward Lake Zurich. Riders will then tackle a...

Hagens Berman Jayco has officially stepped into a new era as it becomes the development team for the Australian World Tour squad, Jayco AlUla. Announced on December 13, 2024, this partnership marks a significant breakthrough for young U.S. cyclists, opening doors to the prestigious World Tour level, which has long been the dream for many aspiring athletes in the sport. Established in 2009 as a feeder team for Team RadioShack, Hagens Berman Jayco has built a strong reputation for nurturing talented cyclists. Through the years, a roster of successful riders has emerged from the program, including names like Ben King, Taylor Phinney, and Tao Geoghegan Hart. Each of these athletes has moved on to achieve remarkable success in the...

The 2025 Vuelta a España is set to make history as it opens in the stunning Italian region of Piedmont, specifically in the vibrant city of Turin. This marks the first time the prestigious race will commence outside of Spain, a significant shift that highlights the globalization of professional cycling. Scheduled for August 23, 2025, the Vuelta's 90th edition promises to deliver an exciting and challenging start. The inaugural stage will depart from the Royal Palace in Turin and span 183 kilometers, featuring a climb over the Bienca-Tomalino Pass before concluding in Novara. This route not only showcases the breathtaking scenery of Piedmont but also poses a substantial challenge to riders right from the beginning. The following day...

Maxim Van Gils's recent move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe represents a pivotal moment in his career, marking a departure from Lotto Dstny to a team with grand aspirations and robust support. The decision reflects not just personal ambition but also the shifting dynamics of professional cycling, where financial backing and a strong team environment are increasingly crucial for success. The transition began officially on November 28, 2024, when Van Gils and Lotto Dstny mutually agreed to terminate his contract. This decision was largely influenced by financial challenges the team faced after the exit of co-sponsor Dstny, which significantly hampered their ability to retain top talent. In an ever-competitive cycling landscape, these...

Building and maintaining rider confidence is a crucial aspect of cycling that can significantly impact performance. While the specific legacy of individuals such as John Zeeman may not be well-documented in the context of rider confidence, the strategies that underpin successful cycling are universally relevant. Confidence is not just a mental state; it intertwines with physical skills, emotional resilience, and the overall mindset of the athlete. One effective method to enhance rider confidence is through the practice of deep belly breathing. This technique, often employed across various sports, helps calm the nervous system and improves focus. Riders who take a moment to center their breath before a ride can experience reduced...

Mauri Vansevenant's impressive solo victory in the third stage of the 2024 Škoda Tour de Luxembourg has not only marked a significant achievement for the rider but also added an exciting twist to the competition. The stage, which took place on September 21, covered a challenging distance of 201.3 kilometers from Rosport to Diekirch, featuring nearly 4,000 meters of vertical climbing. This demanding course is well-known for its steep climbs and technical descents, making it a battleground for riders looking to assert their dominance. Crossing the finish line 18 seconds ahead of Davide Formolo, Vansevenant’s performance showcased his exceptional climbing ability and tactical brilliance. His decisive move came just four kilometers from...

The cancellation of the Tour Colombia for 2025 is a critical development in the world of cycling, particularly for a nation that has produced an impressive lineage of cycling talent. The Colombian Cycling Federation made the announcement on November 28, 2024, attributing the decision to severe economic difficulties, including a staggering 66% cut in funding from the Colombian Ministry of Sport. The event, once a highlight in the cycling calendar, now faces an uncertain future. The Tour Colombia has been an important fixture for WorldTour racers looking to kick off their seasons in South America. For many top cyclists, the Tour Colombia offered not just competitive racing but also invaluable exposure to the mountainous terrains that are...

Enhancing peak power and sustainable power output is vital for cyclists, whether they are competing in sprints or endurance events. The ability to generate explosive bursts of speed is crucial in races, while maintaining power over longer distances can make the difference between victory and defeat. Strength training has emerged as a key component in developing these abilities, and understanding how it works can help cyclists improve their performance. One of the primary benefits of strength training is its impact on muscular efficiency. By engaging in strength workouts, cyclists can enhance their muscles' capacity to handle short, intense efforts. This improvement stems from several mechanisms. Neuromuscular adaptations play a...