Cycling Pulse

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...

Aleix Espargaró, a celebrated figure in the world of MotoGP with three impressive wins, has made headlines by announcing his transition to professional cycling. This unexpected yet exciting shift comes as Espargaró retires from full-time motorcycle racing earlier than anticipated, choosing to follow his longstanding passion for cycling. His retirement was officially revealed during his home Grand Prix in Catalunya, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his athletic career. Espargaró will join Lidl-Trek Future Racing, a development team that has already recruited 30 riders for the 2025 season. This affiliation not only allows him to gain valuable experience in a new sport but also provides an opportunity to work his way up the ranks...

The cycling world is witnessing a seismic shift as a new generation of riders redefines the sport. This transition presents significant challenges for established athletes like Primoz Roglič, who must adapt to evolving racing styles and strategies that younger competitors have introduced. The emergence of riders such as Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard has created an "always on" mentality in professional cycling, which places immense pressure on veteran racers to continuously innovate and improve. In a recent interview, Roglič articulated his understanding of these changes, acknowledging that the younger generation has adopted a racing approach characterized by relentless high-intensity efforts. This shift demands quick adaptations...

The recent call by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regarding the use of carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation in cycling has sparked significant discussion within the sport. During the UCI Women’s WorldTour and UCI WorldTour Seminar held in Nice, France, on November 26, 2024, the governing body expressed its deep concerns about the potential health risks associated with this practice and urged WADA to take a definitive stance against it. The controversy surrounding carbon monoxide inhalation is not new. Investigative reports, including those from *Escape Collective*, have unveiled that several prominent cycling teams, such as UAE Team Emirates and Israel-Premier Tech, have been utilizing carbon...

Nairo Quintana's recent contract extension with Movistar Team for the 2025 season has generated significant interest within the cycling community. Announced on November 14, 2024, this extension ensures that the Colombian climber will remain a prominent figure in professional cycling, bringing both his experience and determination back to a team that has been foundational to his career. Quintana's journey is marked by dramatic turns. After a disqualification from the Tour de France in 2022 due to a positive test for tramadol, he found himself without a team for a significant period. His return to Movistar at the start of 2024 was not only a homecoming but also a chance for redemption. The 2023 season was particularly challenging, as...

Maxim Van Gils, a promising 24-year-old Belgian cyclist, has found himself embroiled in a significant contract dispute with his current team, Lotto Dstny. Initially extending his contract until 2026 in the spring of 2024, Van Gils’s salary was set to reflect his performance. However, as he has emerged as a valuable asset in the fiercely competitive world of professional cycling, the dynamics of his situation have shifted dramatically. The controversy erupted on November 19, 2024, when Van Gils sent a formal letter to Lotto Dstny, requesting the unilateral termination of his contract. This unexpected move caught the team off guard and has since sparked ongoing discussions between Van Gils, his management, and team officials. Lotto Dstny...

The upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands, scheduled for June 24 to June 26, 2025, is set to be one of the largest security operations in the nation's history, a situation that could have profound implications for cycling events and public safety in general. As the Dutch police gear up for this monumental event, significant resources will be diverted towards ensuring the safety of attending heads of state, government officials, and their delegations. With such extensive deployment, the capacity of police forces will face considerable strain, potentially jeopardizing the organization and safety of cycling races during this period. In preparation for this summit, Dutch police have announced that they will be imposing vacation...

Greg LeMond, renowned as one of the greatest cyclists in history, continues to influence the sport long after his competitive days. A three-time Tour de France champion, LeMond has dedicated himself to advocating for greater transparency in cycling, particularly in light of the sport’s troubled history with doping scandals. In a recent interview on November 30, 2024, he proposed a groundbreaking measure that could reshape how performance is monitored in professional cycling: the mandatory release of riders’ VO2 max and haematocrit levels twice a year. LeMond’s proposal aims to establish a new standard for accountability in a sport that has often been marred by suspicion. By requiring cyclists to disclose these physiological metrics...

Sarah Gigante's recent contract extension with AG Insurance-Soudal for an additional two years marks a pivotal moment in her cycling career. Announced on October 11, 2024, Gigante expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Extending my contract with AG Insurance-Soudal is truly an honor and a delight. I’ve never been as happy or successful as I have been with this team." This sentiment reflects not only her personal satisfaction but also the transformative impact the team has had on her development as a cyclist. Before joining AG Insurance-Soudal, Gigante's time with Movistar was fraught with challenges. She faced a tough two-season stint that was marred by injuries and limited opportunities, managing just one win and fewer race days than she...