Cycling Pulse

Lotte Kopecky continues to make waves in the cycling world with her recent performances, solidifying her status as one of the leading figures in women's cycling. While the latest reports indicate that she claimed victory at the 2024 Belgian Road Championships, details about whether she secured her sixth consecutive title in the time trial remain unclear. Nonetheless, her triumph in the road race by over three minutes demonstrates her exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Kopecky's 2024 road race performance was nothing short of spectacular. With 30 kilometers still to race, she launched a solo attack that left her competitors in her wake. This decisive move is a testament to her strategic acumen and physical endurance...

Madis Mihkels, a promising 21-year-old cyclist from Estonia, has officially joined the ranks of EF Education-EasyPost, marking a pivotal moment in his burgeoning professional career. The announcement made on November 7, 2024, not only highlights his recent achievements but also hints at the potential trajectory of his future in the sport. Mihkels has been a standout performer in recent cycling events, culminating in a third-place finish at the European Championships and an impressive top-ten finish at the prestigious Paris-Roubaix, both feats accomplished before he turned 21. These performances have made him one of the most talked-about young talents in the peloton, leading to his recent signing with EF Education-EasyPost—a team...

On September 29, 2024, Julian Alaphilippe's participation in the elite men's road race at the UCI Road World Championships in Zurich was abruptly cut short due to a crash that occurred early in the event. With approximately 218 kilometers remaining in the challenging 273.9-kilometer race, the incident not only ended Alaphilippe's aspirations for a third World Championship title but also underscored the unpredictable nature of professional cycling. The crash involved Alaphilippe, Pello Bilbao from Spain, and Portugal's João Almeida. While both Bilbao and Almeida managed to recover and continue racing, Alaphilippe's situation was more severe. Reports indicated that he suffered an injury to his left shoulder, necessitating immediate...

Zwift has taken a significant leap forward in enhancing the virtual cycling experience with the introduction of several exciting upgrades, particularly in the realm of bike customization. As the platform continues to evolve, it reflects a growing trend in gamification within the fitness industry, creating a more engaging and personalized training environment for cyclists around the world. One of the standout features of the latest update is the introduction of virtual bike upgrades through Upgrade Challenges. This innovative system allows Zwifters to enhance their virtual bikes by completing specific challenges, earning in-game currency known as Drops to unlock progressive upgrade stages. Each bike can be enhanced up to five times...

The Australian Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships recently took place in Canberra, showcasing not only the skill of its competitors but also the sport's growing popularity. Held on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal People, the event drew over 200 participants from across Australia and the globe, marking a significant milestone in the development and recognition of mountain bike orienteering as a competitive sport. Among the competitors was Jo Sheriff from New Zealand's South Island, highlighting the event's international appeal. This influx of diverse riders underscores the sport's charm, as it combines the excitement of racing with the cerebral challenge of navigation. Participants faced an intricate network of trails that...

Rapha, a name synonymous with high-end cycling apparel and lifestyle, is currently navigating a complex financial landscape that underscores the importance of intangible assets, especially goodwill. This non-cash asset, which arises during acquisitions, plays a pivotal role in Rapha’s financial health yet has also contributed significantly to the company's reported losses in recent years. With goodwill valued at over £100 million, the annual amortization expense of £12 million has placed a considerable strain on their financial performance, masking some of the underlying strengths of the business. Despite facing significant financial challenges, Rapha has managed to achieve positive EBITDA in select years, such as 2021, demonstrating...

The upcoming 2025 Life Time Grand Prix is creating waves in the cycling community with the announcement of several new riders set to debut in the series. This year marks a significant turning point for the series as it expands its roster with an impressive lineup of international talent. Among the notable debutants are Mattia De Marchi, Tsgabu Grmay, Courtney Sherwell, and Annabel Fisher, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and competitive spirit to the series. Mattia De Marchi, a three-time Traka 360 winner from Italy, is renowned for his exceptional performance in gravel racing. His experience in navigating diverse terrain and challenging conditions positions him as a strong contender in the 2025 series. De Marchi's...

Bob Parlee, the visionary founder of Parlee Cycles, passed away on September 23, 2024, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. He was 70 years old at the time of his passing, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the cycling industry. Parlee was not just a bike manufacturer; he was a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of what high-performance bicycles could achieve. Born in Wakefield, Massachusetts, Bob spent much of his adult life in Beverly, where Parlee Cycles remains headquartered. His foray into cycling came after an impressive career in high-performance boat building, where he honed his skills working with composite materials. This expertise laid the groundwork for what would become a revolutionary approach to bicycle...

Chantal van den Broek-Blaak has officially announced her contract extension with Team SD Worx-Protime for the 2025 cycling season. This decision is particularly significant as it marks her final year in professional cycling, concluding a remarkable journey that began with the team nearly a decade ago. Her extension reflects not only her commitment to the sport but also her desire to leave a lasting impact in her final year. Throughout her career, van den Broek-Blaak has established herself as one of the leading riders in women's cycling. With a resume that includes winning the World Championships in Bergen in 2017, as well as prestigious races such as the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Strade Bianche, and the Amstel Gold Race, her...

The decision by several top American gravel riders to skip the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships has brought to light the financial struggles and logistical challenges faced by athletes in a rapidly evolving sport. With USA Cycling offering minimal financial support for those nominated or automatically invited to international events, riders are increasingly opting out of global competition in favor of more favorable domestic series that align better with their financial realities and racing preferences. Athletes who participated in previous gravel competitions have found themselves caught in a difficult position. Notably, USA Cycling has announced that riders must cover all expenses associated with the World Championships, a reality...

Fem van Empel has once again proven her prowess in the world of cyclocross by securing her third consecutive European Cyclocross Championship title. This remarkable achievement took place during a fiercely competitive race in Pontevedra, Spain, on November 3, 2024, where the 22-year-old Dutch cyclist showcased her extraordinary talent and determination in a nail-biting sprint finish. The women's elite race was a spectacle of tactical racing, featuring strong contenders, including fellow Dutch riders Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Lucinda Brand. The course was designed to challenge the athletes, combining fast-paced sections with technical demands that tested their skills and endurance. From the start, van Empel, Alvarado, and Brand...

Wout van Aert, the three-time cyclocross world champion, is gearing up for his much-anticipated cyclocross season debut following a challenging year marred by injury. After enduring a serious crash during the Vuelta a España on September 3, 2024, that cut his road season short and left him temporarily unable to walk, Van Aert's return to competition reflects his resilience and dedication to the sport. The 2024 Vuelta saw Van Aert perform remarkably well before his unfortunate crash, capturing three stages and donning both the points and climbers’ jerseys. His performance up until stage 16 was nothing short of stellar, showcasing his versatility as both a sprinter and a climber. The crash not only halted his momentum but also...

Canyon Bicycles has recently made a significant move by partnering with REI Co-op to offer authorized bike services at select REI stores across the United States. This collaboration represents a strategic effort to enhance service coverage for Canyon bike owners, with an ambitious expansion plan that aims to reach over 190 locations by 2025. For cycling enthusiasts, this partnership is a promising development, as it brings expert maintenance and repair services closer to home. Effective immediately, authorized Canyon service is available at select REI locations in Southern California, Denver, and Washington D.C. This initiative includes essential services such as frame warranty claims and crash replacements, allowing customers to...