Cycling Pulse

Neilson Powless secured an exhilarating solo victory at the 2024 Gran Piemonte on October 10, marking a significant milestone for both the rider and his team, EF Education - EasyPost. This prestigious one-day race, now in its 108th edition, saw Powless navigating a challenging course that began with a mostly flat route before transitioning into hilly terrain, showcasing his versatility as a cyclist. The Gran Piemonte is steeped in history, having been established in 1911 and serving as a key indicator for riders in the lead-up to the Giro d'Italia. This year’s event was particularly thrilling, as Powless seized the moment following a critical crash that altered the dynamics within the peloton. While the initial flat stretch allowed...

The cycling world is currently at a crossroads, grappling with significant financial instability that has led to the collapse of several teams and left many professional cyclists searching for new opportunities. The reliance on sponsor funding has created a precarious environment, where shifts in economic conditions can spell disaster for even the most established teams. For instance, the recent collapse of the British women's cycling team Lifeplus-Wahoo in August 2024 highlights the financial pressures teams face. This team, along with others like the French B&B Hotels, succumbed to sponsorship issues, leaving many talented riders without contracts. In the realm of professional cycling, sponsorship is not just an endorsement; it is...

Derek Gee, a promising Canadian cyclist, has recently opened up about the challenges he faced during the latter part of the 2024 season, particularly concerning fatigue and maintaining his form. His candid reflections provide valuable insight into the often-overlooked struggles of elite athletes, shedding light on the physical and mental demands of professional cycling. Gee’s season started with a bang. He delivered impressive performances at key events, including a notable third-place finish at the Critérium du Dauphiné and an admirable ninth in the overall classification at the Tour de France. These achievements had set high expectations for the remainder of the season. However, as the summer progressed, maintaining that high level...

The Zwift Racing Score (ZRS), a groundbreaking shift in virtual racing categories, is set to officially replace the traditional FTP-based system starting October 7, 2024. This new scoring model promises to revolutionize how racers are categorized and recognized on the Zwift platform, making racing participation more engaging and competitive for cyclists of all levels. At the heart of the ZRS is a sophisticated calculation that leverages the maximum power outputs over specific time intervals. By focusing on 30 seconds and 10 minutes of maximum effort from the past 90 days, ZRS aims to provide a dynamic and more nuanced reflection of a rider's current fitness and performance. This approach is a significant departure from the static...

Campagnolo's latest innovation, the Super Record S Wireless groupset, launched on September 10, 2024, has already caught the attention of cycling enthusiasts and professionals alike. With an MSRP of $4,299 or €3,990, this new offering promises a competitive edge in the world of high-performance cycling components, merging advanced technology with a broader range of gearing options. One of the standout features of the Super Record S Wireless is its expanded gearing choices, which now include six chainring configurations. While the previous models offered options like 45×29, 48×32, and 50×34, the new groupset introduces 52×36, 53×39, and 54×39 configurations. This versatility caters to a wider array of cycling styles and terrains, making...

Sir Mark Cavendish, the legendary cyclist from the Isle of Man, has recently received the prestigious honor of knighthood, officially bestowed upon him by Prince William at Windsor Castle on October 2, 2024. This significant moment in Cavendish's life was met with heartfelt emotion as he described the experience as "super humbling" and "very, very special." The accolade not only celebrates his remarkable achievements in cycling but also recognizes his contributions to the sport and his country. Despite this momentous occasion, Cavendish's competitive spirit remains intact. He has not closed the door on future racing opportunities, revealing that he is still training and has several events scheduled for the year ahead. His excitement...

The recent 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zurich delivered a thrilling spectacle, particularly highlighted by Tadej Pogacar’s audacious attack that reshaped the race's dynamics. Remco Evenepoel, a prominent contender in the event, offered his thoughts on the implications of Pogacar's bold strategy, which he initially labeled as a "suicide attempt" when the Slovenian launched his move with 100 kilometers remaining. The race course itself was a challenging one, characterized by multiple accelerations and technical sections that tested the riders' stamina and tactical acumen. Evenepoel noted how the course facilitated energy conservation at certain points, allowing riders to sit in the draft before explosive efforts were required...

Niklas Behrens, the newly crowned U23 world champion, has made headlines with his recent signing to Team Visma | Lease a Bike, a Dutch WorldTeam, on a three-year contract that takes effect in 2024. This significant announcement, made on September 30, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in Behrens's burgeoning cycling career, which has seen remarkable growth in a relatively short span of three years. Before immersing himself in the world of cycling, Behrens dedicated his athletic pursuits to swimming and triathlon, showcasing his versatility as an athlete. His transition to cycling has proven successful, culminating in his stunning victory at the U23 World Championships. In a gripping two-up sprint against Martin Svrček from Soudal-QuickStep...

Tadej Pogacar's audacious and unexpected attack during the 2024 UCI Cycling World Championships in Zurich has made waves in the cycling community, reinforcing his status as one of the sport's elite riders. On September 29, 2024, Pogacar launched his bold move with a staggering 100 kilometers remaining in the grueling 273.9-kilometer race, catching the peloton, including top contenders Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel, completely off guard. Initially, Pogacar had devised a conservative strategy, planning to hold back until the final 30 kilometers. However, as the race unfolded and the lead group began to stretch away with a gap of approximately three minutes, he sensed an urgency that compelled him to act sooner than...

The men's road race at the UCI Road World Championships 2024 in Zurich is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown, featuring two of cycling's brightest stars: Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel. Both riders have established themselves as dominant forces in the sport, and the upcoming race promises to be a highlight of the cycling calendar. Tadej Pogačar enters the championship as the favorite, bolstered by his recent form and impressive track record. Known for his climbing prowess, Pogačar has a remarkable 100% win rate in one-day races that feature more than 3,000 meters of elevation gain. With the Zurich course presenting over 4,400 meters of climbing, it plays directly to his strengths. His recent victory at the GP Montreal further...

Elisa Longo Borghini's performance at the UCI Road World Championships held in Zurich on September 28, 2024, is a striking example of the tactical nature of elite women's cycling. Her aggressive solo attack with just six kilometers remaining in the race showcased her endurance capabilities and competitive spirit, marking a pivotal moment in a thrilling contest. As the race unfolded, Longo Borghini made a bold decision to launch a solo attack, creating a gap of 100 meters over her competitors. This move was not only a display of her physical strength but also a calculated strategy rooted in her identity as an endurance rider. Known for her ability to maintain high speeds over long distances rather than relying on explosive sprint...

Ben O'Connor's recent statements about Australia's prowess in road cycling paint a promising picture for the nation's representation at the Road World Championships. In an interview on September 27, 2024, O'Connor underscored the strength and depth of the Australian team, comprising a mix of high-caliber riders capable of excelling in various roles during the race. This collective talent includes notable names like O'Connor himself, Jai Hindley, and Jay Vine, all of whom have made significant strides in the competitive arena of professional cycling. O'Connor's personal journey has been remarkable, particularly highlighted by his impressive performance in the 2024 Vuelta a España. His victory in stage 6 showcased his ability to execute...

Julian Alaphilippe, a name synonymous with tenacity and flair in the world of cycling, has made a significant decision regarding his racing calendar for 2024. He will not participate in the Tour de France, a race that has been a cornerstone of his career, to prioritize his preparations for the road race at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This choice, announced by Soudal Quick-Step manager Patrick Lefevere, underscores Alaphilippe's commitment to achieving his Olympic aspirations, especially as he aims to compete on home soil. Historically, Alaphilippe has carved out a remarkable legacy in professional cycling. He has dazzled fans with his dynamic racing style, winning numerous prestigious races, including six stages of the Tour de France...