Cycling Pulse

Evenepoel's Quest for Glory: Can He Defend His Time Trial Crown at the 2024 UCI Championships? As the cycling world gears up for the 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zurich, all eyes will be on Remco Evenepoel, the defending champion of the men's time trial. Following his spectacular performance in 2023 in Stirling, Scotland, where he clinched gold and solidified his reputation as a relentless competitor, Evenepoel is eager to repeat his success on a new stage. The upcoming event, scheduled for Sunday, September 22, promises to be a thrilling showdown, with Evenepoel aiming to defend his title against a field of formidable challengers. This year, Evenepoel has exhibited ominously good form that places him firmly at the top of the...

Tadej Pogacar's recent victory at Il Lombardia on October 12, 2024, has solidified his place as a cycling legend. This remarkable win was his 25th of the season, showcasing not only his exceptional talent but also the strategic prowess of the UAE Team Emirates. Pogacar's achievement of winning Il Lombardia for the fourth consecutive year has seen him match the remarkable record set by Fausto Coppi almost 75 years ago, underscoring the magnitude of his accomplishment in the annals of cycling history. Il Lombardia, often referred to as the "Race of the Falling Leaves," is one of cycling's five Monuments, and winning it requires not just raw power but also a keen tactical sense. Pogacar's latest victory further adds to a season filled...

Elisa Longo Borghini's recent announcement of her move to UAE Team ADQ marks a pivotal moment in her illustrious cycling career. Effective from 2025, Longo Borghini has signed a three-year contract with the team, leaving behind six successful seasons with Lidl-Trek. This shift not only signifies a new chapter for the Italian rider but also reflects her aspirations to elevate her performance and leadership in the sport. Longo Borghini has been a force to reckon with in women's cycling, showcasing her prowess through a series of remarkable achievements. In 2024, she clinched the title at the Giro d'Italia Women after a commendable 13 appearances, highlighting her resilience and dedication. Additionally, her victory at the Tour of...

Cycling is an increasingly popular mode of transport and recreation in Japan, but with that popularity comes an undeniable increase in risks, particularly as the pandemic has seen a surge in the number of cyclists on the road. In response to alarming statistics associated with cycling accidents, Japan implemented strict new regulations on November 1, 2024, prohibiting cyclists from using mobile phones while riding. Authorities hope these measures will significantly enhance road safety and reduce the incidence of distracted cycling. The penalties for using a mobile phone while cycling are severe. Cyclists caught engaging in this risky behavior may face up to six months in jail or a fine of 100,000 yen, approximately $655. The stakes...

Lotte Kopecky and Remco Evenepoel have once again proven their dominance in the world of cycling, both being honored with the prestigious Crystal Bike awards for 2024. This year's ceremony, held on October 15, 2024, marked a significant milestone in both athletes' careers, with Kopecky securing her fifth title and Evenepoel his third. Their achievements not only highlight their individual talents but also reinforce Belgium's status as a powerhouse in cycling. Kopecky's fifth Crystal Bike title is a testament to her remarkable consistency and versatility over the past five years. In 2024 alone, she amassed an impressive 16 road victories, including standout performances in iconic races like the Strade Bianche and the Tour of Britain...

The cycling world is buzzing with excitement as the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team sets its sights on acquiring top talent from the INEOS Grenadiers roster, specifically targeting riders Tom Pidcock and Michal Kwiatkowski. Recent developments have intensified speculation surrounding Pidcock's future after his unexpected removal from the lineup for Il Lombardia, a decision that has raised eyebrows and pointed toward a potential fracture in his relationship with the team. Tom Pidcock, a rising star in British cycling, has shown extraordinary potential, capturing headlines with his dynamic riding style and impressive results in both classics and stage races. His withdrawal from Il Lombardia has been particularly telling. It was a surprising...

On November 1, 2024, the INEOS Grenadiers unveiled a significant addition to their roster for the 2025 season: Australian climber Lucas Hamilton. At 28 years old, Hamilton arrives at the team with seven seasons of World Tour experience, making him both a seasoned competitor and a mentor for the team’s younger talent. His career highlights include a stage victory at the Cop e Bart, impressive performances at Tirreno-Adriatico, the Czech Cycling Tour, and a commendable fourth-place finish at Paris-Nice in 2021. These achievements illustrate his capabilities as a climber and a reliable team player. Hamilton's signing aligns with the INEOS Grenadiers' strategy to enhance their squad. Performance director Scott Drawer emphasized the...

The world of professional cycling is undergoing a significant transformation, with a notable shift towards gravel racing, particularly among American riders. This shift has been catalyzed by the explosive growth of the sport in the wake of the pandemic, where gravel racing has offered a refreshing escape from the confines of daily life and a safe way to connect with nature. The allure of gravel racing is underscored by the doubling of gravel bike sales in both 2020 and 2021, and the momentum shows no signs of waning with participation peaking—Strava data reveals a staggering 55% increase in gravel rides in 2023, the highest growth rate on the platform. At the forefront of this burgeoning scene is the Life Grand Prix, a prestigious...

The anticipation for the 2025 Tour de France has been heightened with the recent announcement of the race route, unveiled on October 29, 2024. Covering a total distance of 3,320 kilometers, this edition promises a thrilling mix of stages that cater to a variety of cycling strengths. With two time trials and six summit finishes, it is set to challenge the riders and excite fans. The race will kick off on July 5, 2025, in Lille, marking a historic return to northern France for the Grand Départ. This decision follows two foreign starts in Bilbao and Florence, making the 2025 edition a homecoming of sorts. The opening stages are strategically designed to favor sprinters, with the first three stages placing an emphasis on speed and...

Remco Evenepoel has put an end to speculation surrounding his future in professional cycling by confirming his commitment to Soudal-QuickStep for the 2025 season. This announcement, made during a press conference in Zurich on September 27, 2024, comes as a relief to fans and team members alike, particularly after months of rumors linking him to a potential transfer to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. With his clear statement, "I'll stay where I am, that's pretty clear. No transfers," Evenepoel has reaffirmed his loyalty to the team and his desire to pursue ambitious goals alongside his current teammates. Evenepoel's decision to remain with Soudal-QuickStep is particularly significant against the backdrop of his recent success. His stellar...

The Brisbane Cycling Festival is making a much-anticipated return in 2025, marking its sixth edition with an exciting lineup of events scheduled from March 21 to April 13. This highly regarded festival is set to bring together cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, promising an engaging atmosphere filled with over 100 events that cater to both competitive and recreational riders. One of the festival's highlights is the Active Lifestyle Expo, which will find a new home at South Bank Parklands on April 12 and 13. This relocation aims to create a lively and vibrant setting that enhances the experience for both riders and spectators. The expo will feature a range of exhibitors showcasing the latest in cycling gear, health and...

Tom Pidcock, the double Olympic Mountain Bike champion, finds himself at a crossroads in his professional cycling career as uncertainties loom over his future with INEOS Grenadiers. His situation is increasingly complicated by transfer rumors and inconsistent performances, particularly in road cycling, raising questions about whether a change of scenery might be on the horizon. Recent reports indicate that Q36.5 Pro Cycling is keen to secure Pidcock’s signature for the 2025 season. The Italian team, backed by Red Bull, has made headlines with its ambitions, and discussions between Pidcock and Q36.5 have reportedly advanced as the season draws to a close. Pidcock's agent, Andrew McQuaid, has suggested that while talks are ongoing, a...

Tadej Pogačar has become a central figure in cycling, especially following an extraordinary 2024 season that has drawn comparisons to legends like Eddy Merckx. His recent performances have not only captured the admiration of fans and experts alike but have also sparked a wave of suspicion regarding doping, which has long shadowed the sport. On October 11, 2024, Pogačar addressed these concerns during an interview, presenting a compelling case for the legitimacy of his accomplishments. Pogačar's perspective on dominance in sports is a reminder that extraordinary talent often leads to exceptional performance. He likened his achievements to those seen in other competitive fields, where top athletes consistently push boundaries. This...