Cycling Pulse

Tadej Pogacar’s remarkable triple crown victory in 2024 has captivated the cycling community, marking a historic achievement not seen since 1987 when Stephen Roche last accomplished this rare feat. Pogacar’s impressive win not only included the prestigious Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France but also culminated with his triumph at the World Championship on September 29, 2024, in Zurich, Switzerland. Competing in a grueling 273-kilometer race, Pogacar finished with a time of six hours, 27 minutes, and 30 seconds, showcasing his unparalleled endurance and tactical prowess. The World Championship race was a true test of strength and strategy, featuring a challenging 27-kilometer circuit with steep climbs and descents that favored...

Max Walker, a promising 23-year-old British cyclist, has made headlines in the cycling community with his recent signing to EF Education-EasyPost on October 17, 2024. This move marks a significant chapter in Walker's burgeoning career, particularly following an impressive 2024 season that showcased his potential and skill across a variety of competitions. Walker’s journey to joining EF Education-EasyPost was not without its challenges. After graduating from the Trinity Racing development program, he initially struggled to find opportunities at the professional level. This led him to Saint Piran, a UK domestic team, before he ultimately signed with a development team for the latter part of 2024. His experiences through these transitions...

The possibility of Mont Ventoux featuring prominently in the 2025 Tour de France has cycling fans buzzing with excitement. Known colloquially as the "Giant of Provence," this iconic mountain is rumored to host a summit finish, marking its first appearance in the race since 2021. The prospect of tackling Mont Ventoux once again adds a thrilling layer of drama and strategy to the world’s most prestigious cycling event. Dominique Santoni, the president of the Vaucluse department, has been vocal about the strong likelihood of Mont Ventoux’s return, stating that there is a "very strong possibility" of a summit finish. Such a stage would not only revive the mountain's storied legacy but also offer a unique challenge to the riders. The last...

The recent announcement from the Q36.5 ProTeam regarding the closure of its Continental team marks a noteworthy moment in the cycling world, particularly within the context of African cycling. Team manager Kevin Campbell revealed this decision on October 10, 2024, bringing an end to nine years of operation. While the specifics behind this closure remain undisclosed, the implications it carries for the cycling community are profound. The Q36.5 ProTeam's Continental team has played a vital role in nurturing talent and providing competitive opportunities for riders, particularly from Africa. Over the years, it has participated in various races, helping to elevate the profile of African cycling on the global stage. The team's commitment to...

Stefan Küng's win at the Chrono des Nations time trial on October 13, 2024, in Les Herbiers, France, was a demonstration of precision, skill, and competitive spirit. This victory marked Küng's third title in this prestigious event, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top time trial specialists in the sport. The 45.4-kilometer course proved to be a battleground, with Küng edging out Australia’s Jay Vine by a mere 4 seconds, showcasing just how finely balanced the competition was. The event unfolded on a flat and fast route, ideal for time trial specialists. Early in the race, Mikkel Bjerg set a blistering pace, clocking the fastest time at the first intermediate checkpoint. However, he soon faced fierce competition as Küng...

Biking to work is rapidly gaining traction as a smart choice for those looking to cut back on transportation costs while adopting a more sustainable lifestyle. With the rising expenses associated with car ownership, such as payments, insurance, and maintenance, many individuals are discovering the financial advantages of cycling as an alternative commuting option. Recent data highlights that biking can save individuals thousands of dollars annually, making it an appealing choice for both personal finances and community health. In 2021, the average American household spent over $5,000 annually on car payments and insurance alone. By opting to bike instead, these expenses can be drastically reduced. For example, a study conducted in New...

On the evening of October 15, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Paris that has sparked outrage and concern among cyclists and advocates for road safety. A 27-year-old cyclist, part of a local cycling group, was fatally struck by a Mercedes SUV near the La Madeleine church in the 8th arrondissement. Preliminary investigations have led Paris prosecutors to open a murder probe, highlighting the complexities of urban traffic dynamics and the urgent need for enhanced cyclist protections. Witness accounts have painted a disturbing picture of the events leading up to the fatal collision. Reports indicate that an altercation occurred between the cyclist and the 52-year-old driver along Boulevard Malesherbes. Eyewitnesses claim that the SUV...

The cycling community is facing an urgent need for change as the lack of diversity in images of cyclists threatens to exclude many potential participants from the sport. The issue is not just about representation; it impacts real-world perceptions and decisions, influencing both individual choices and broader policy-making regarding cycling infrastructure. Images of cyclists predominantly feature white, able-bodied individuals, creating a visual narrative that cycling is an exclusive activity. This absence of diversity sends a discouraging message to those who do not see themselves reflected in these images, resulting in a psychological barrier that can keep minorities and people from low socio-economic backgrounds from considering...

Soudal Quick-Step has made a significant move as it completes its 2025 roster with the signing of 22-year-old Italian climber Gianmarco Garofoli. The announcement, made on October 14, 2024, highlights the team's commitment to nurturing young talent while aiming to enhance its competitiveness in grand tours. Gianmarco Garofoli is not a stranger to success at a young age. Having turned professional in 2023, he has already made his mark with impressive results, including top ten finishes at the Prueba Villafranca and two stage placements in the Vuelta a España. His climbing abilities and potential make him a valuable asset for Soudal Quick-Step, especially as the team prepares for a season that promises to focus heavily on grand tours...

The SRAM Red AXS 2024 groupset is a noteworthy advancement in the realm of high-performance cycling components, primarily focusing on weight reduction, improved shifting performance, and enhanced braking efficiency. As cyclists continuously strive for lighter and more efficient setups, the new SRAM offering rises to meet these demands, positioning itself as a standout choice among electronic road groups. One of the most significant improvements in the SRAM Red AXS 2024 groupset is its impressive weight reduction. With a claimed weight of just 2,496 grams, it is 153 grams lighter than its predecessor and surpasses Shimano's Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 by 67 grams, making it the lightest electronic road group available today. This weight...

Michael Rasmussen's recent critique of Chris Froome's tenure at Israel-Premier Tech has sent shockwaves through the cycling community. Describing Froome's signing as "the worst cycling signing in world history," Rasmussen’s comments reflect a growing frustration with the once-dominant rider's inability to reclaim his elite status. Froome, who joined Israel-Premier Tech in 2021 on a lucrative five-year contract estimated at $5 million per season, has struggled to make a significant impact since his arrival. Since signing with the team, Froome has not secured a single victory or even challenged for a podium finish in any stage race. The disparity between his current performance and his historical achievements is stark. In 2018, Froome...

Rein Taaramäe, the seasoned Estonian professional cyclist, has officially announced his transition to a new chapter in his cycling career with the signing of a contract with Japan's Kinan Racing Team. This move, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, marks a significant shift from a 16-year career at the WorldTour level, where Taaramäe competed with prestigious teams such as Cofidis, Astana, Team Katusha, and Intermarché–Wanty–Gobert Matériaux. At 37, Taaramäe's decision reflects a desire for new experiences and challenges. He cited his admiration for the Japanese lifestyle and racing culture as key motivators for this career change. Taaramäe's choice of Kinan Racing Team is particularly noteworthy; it is a well-regarded Japanese...

The landscape of professional cycling is ever-evolving, and the recent developments surrounding INEOS Grenadiers have raised eyebrows throughout the cycling community. The team, once a powerhouse in the world of cycling, now finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with internal turmoil and a noticeable lack of major investments from its owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Johan Bruyneel, a respected figure in cycling, has publicly voiced concerns about Ratcliffe's diminishing interest in the team, characterizing it as a "toy" that is becoming less appealing due to a failure to make significant financial commitments. INEOS Grenadiers has adopted a recruitment strategy focused on young talent rather than signing high-profile riders with hefty...