Cycling Pulse

Geraint Thomas, the celebrated Welsh cyclist and 2018 Tour de France champion, has been confirmed as the first starter for the 2025 Santos Tour Down Under. This announcement, made on November 26, 2024, adds significant excitement to an event that Thomas has participated in since its inception in 2007, marking his tenth appearance in this prestigious race. Thomas's career is nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, he has amassed an impressive array of accolades, including overall victories in notable stage races such as the Critérium du Dauphiné, Paris-Nice, and the Tour de Suisse, among others. His prowess extends beyond stage races; Thomas boasts two Olympic gold medals in team pursuit and three World Championship titles in the...

Ben O'Connor, the talented Australian professional cyclist, has set his sights firmly on the prestigious Tour de France for the 2025 season, aiming not just to participate but to contend for a podium finish. This announcement comes on the heels of a remarkable 2024 season in which he showcased his prowess in some of the most challenging races on the calendar, including a second-place finish at the Vuelta a España and a commendable fourth overall in the UCI world rankings. O'Connor's 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary. His standout performance at the Vuelta saw him securing his first Grand Tour podium, where he held the coveted red leader's jersey for an impressive 13 days. This achievement marked a significant milestone in...

The Hagens Berman Jayco Cycling Team has made headlines with the recent signing of Rubén Sánchez and Wil Holmes as it prepares for the 2025 season. This addition not only strengthens the team's roster but also reflects a strategic vision aimed at enhancing its competitive edge across various cycling events. With these signings, the team welcomes two riders who embody a combination of youth, skill, and ambition. Rubén Sánchez, at just 18 years old, has already made a significant mark in the cycling world. Hailing from Spain, Sánchez joins Hagens Berman Jayco from Cafés Baqué, bringing with him a wealth of experience from junior competitions. His track record includes standout performances at the European and World Junior Track...

Australian cyclist Grace Brown etched her name in the annals of cycling history with a stunning victory in the elite women's time trial at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships, held in Switzerland on September 22, 2024. This triumph not only marked a personal milestone for Brown but also served as a significant moment in the world of women's cycling, showcasing the evolution and competitiveness of the discipline. The time trial spanned a challenging 29.9 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Gossau to Zurich, where Brown demonstrated her extraordinary talent and determination. Completing the course in 39 minutes and 16 seconds, she clinched the gold medal with a decisive 17-second lead over Dutch cyclist Demi Vollering. Additionally, Brown...

Jimmy Whelan's recent decision to transition from professional road cycling to triathlon illustrates a growing concern among athletes regarding the health risks associated with their sport. Whelan, who has faced multiple hospital visits throughout his cycling career, has concluded that the physical toll of professional cycling is too great. His experiences reflect a broader issue within the cycling community, where injuries and health concerns are rampant. Since his start with Education First-Drapac in 2018, Whelan has been immersed in the high-pressure world of professional cycling. He was expected to rise through the ranks and compete at the World Tour level for several years. However, the reality of the sport is marked by frequent...

Lorena Wiebes, a name that has been buzzing in the cycling community, showcased her resilience by clinching a bronze medal at the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships held in Leuven, Belgium, on October 6, 2024. This event not only marked a significant moment in her career but also highlighted the growing allure of gravel racing, a discipline that is fast gaining traction among cyclists and fans alike. The race was a grueling 135 kilometers long, featuring a challenging mix of sharp cobbled climbs and lengthy paved stretches leading to the finish. Wiebes was part of an early breakaway group that included prominent riders such as Puck Pieterse, Marianne Vos, and Lucinda Brand. The Dutch team was well-represented, showcasing their strong...

Endura, a well-known British cycling clothing brand, has reported a staggering financial loss of £14 million for the 13-month period ending in February 2024. This significant downturn underscores the challenges many brands in the cycling industry are currently facing in a post-pandemic market. The primary drivers of Endura's losses are a substantial reduction in sales along with an impairment of inventory. Last year, Endura's sales figures reached nearly £41 million, a robust performance that reflected the cycling boom during the pandemic. However, the latest reports reveal a decline to £28.5 million, illustrating a dramatic shift in consumer behavior as the market stabilizes after the pandemic's initial excitement. The drop in sales...

Demi Vollering's transition to FDJ-SUEZ represents a pivotal moment in her cycling career, signifying not just a change of teams but a shift in her role within the competitive landscape of women's professional cycling. Officially signing a two-year contract that commences in 2025, Vollering will step into the limelight as the undisputed leader of FDJ-SUEZ, a role that positions her for significant opportunities in major races, including the coveted Tour de France Femmes. As Vollering joins a talented roster that includes notable riders like Évita Muzic and Juliette Labous, she enters a team that has demonstrated its potential for high performance. Muzic's impressive fourth-place finish at the Tour de France Femmes this past year...

The announcement of the Women’s Surf Coast Classic as part of the lead-in events for the 2025 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race marks a pivotal moment for women's cycling in Australia. Confirmed on October 22, 2024, this new UCI 1.1 ranked race is not only set to expand the cycling calendar but also to enhance the visibility and recognition of female athletes in the sport. Scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Women’s Surf Coast Classic will challenge riders with a 118-kilometer course that starts in the picturesque town of Lorne. The route features a demanding 10-kilometer uphill climb toward Dean Marsh, testing endurance and grit right from the outset. Following this significant ascent, cyclists will navigate the undulating...

Alan Hatherly, the South African mountain biking star and reigning XCO (Cross-Country) MTB World Champion, is poised to take on a new and exciting challenge as he joins the Jayco AlUla road team in 2025. This transition from the rugged mountain trails to the fast-paced world of professional road cycling marks a significant pivot in Hatherly's career, especially following a year that saw him clinch the 2024 MTB Cross Country World Championships and earn an Olympic bronze medal. Hatherly's trajectory in mountain biking has been nothing short of remarkable. With victories in major competitions, including the overall XCO World Cup classification, he has firmly established himself as a force in the cycling community. However, his...

The USA Cycling Foundation is gearing up for its third annual online auction, which will take place from November 5th to November 10th, 2024. This event has become a cornerstone fundraiser for the USA Cycling National Team, providing essential resources that support athletes as they pursue excellence on both national and international stages. The auction not only generates crucial funding but also fosters a sense of community among cycling enthusiasts, allowing them to engage directly with the sport and its athletes. The bidding period is strategically designed to provide ample time for participants to explore the unique items up for grabs. This year, the auction promises an exciting array of offerings, including VIP cycling...

The Wahoo Elemnt Ace has stirred excitement among cycling enthusiasts with its innovative features that promise to elevate the biking experience. As a new addition to Wahoo's esteemed Elemnt series, this bike computer is set to compete aggressively in the high-end market segment, particularly as other brands like Garmin and Hammerhead continue to innovate. One of the standout features of the Elemnt Ace is its built-in wind sensor. This technology, which can detect wind speed and direction, aims to enhance the accuracy of power calculations during rides. By integrating this data with factors such as gradient, speed, and the rider’s weight and height, cyclists can potentially receive a more precise analysis of their performance. However...

Eddy Merckx, a name synonymous with cycling greatness, has made headlines once again with a momentous admission regarding the current star of the sport, Tadej Pogacar. Following Pogacar's stunning victory at the 2024 UCI Cycling World Championships in Zurich, Merckx publicly stated that Pogacar is "better than me." This declaration carries a weight that few understand in the cycling world, as it comes from a man who is often regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time. The event on September 29, 2024, marked a historic milestone not just for Pogacar, but for the entire sport. With his triumph in the road race, Pogacar secured the coveted 'Triple Crown'—a feat that includes victories at the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France, and now...