Cycling Pulse

Luke Rowe, the seasoned Welsh professional cyclist, has made waves in the cycling world with his recent announcement regarding a significant career transition. After 13 years with INEOS Grenadiers, Rowe will officially depart from the team on November 1st, 2024, to take on the role of sports director at Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. This move comes as Rowe seeks to embrace a new challenge while contributing his extensive experience to a team that is eager to solidify its presence on the international stage. Rowe's decision to leave INEOS Grenadiers two months ahead of schedule reflects his desire for a fresh start amidst a backdrop of underwhelming performance for his current team. Having been a pivotal figure in the classics, Rowe's...

Zwift is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a compelling promotion that is bound to excite both indoor cycling enthusiasts and newcomers alike. From now until October 7, 2024, customers who purchase any smart trainer from Zwift’s online store will receive a complimentary set of Zwift Play controllers. This initiative not only marks a milestone for the company but also enhances the immersive experience that Zwift offers to its users. The smart trainers eligible for this promotion include popular models like the Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One, the standard Wahoo KICKR, and the more advanced KICKR Move. Prices for these trainers range from $299 to $1349, making them accessible to various budgets. By adding both a smart trainer and the...

The pressure on young cyclists to succeed in the sport has become an increasingly prominent topic, particularly as athletes like Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel set remarkable standards. This pressure manifests itself in various ways, from the expectations placed on young riders by their peers and families to the relentless pursuit of performance metrics. While the thrill of competition can be motivational, it is essential to ensure that this enthusiasm does not devolve into undue stress, which can have long-term repercussions on a cyclist's well-being. Many seasoned cyclists and coaches emphasize the need for a balanced approach. George Hincapie, a former professional cyclist, stresses the importance of allowing young riders to...

The ongoing debate surrounding salary caps versus budget caps in professional cycling has gained significant traction, stirring discussions among teams, riders, and fans about how to address financial disparities within the sport. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has taken steps towards reform by recently announcing plans to implement budget caps, a move aimed at creating a more level playing field in the competitive environment of cycling. Proponents of salary caps argue that capping individual rider salaries could lead to increased equity in results. By limiting how much teams can spend on top-tier talent, the talent pool could be distributed more evenly, fostering a more competitive atmosphere and enhancing fan enjoyment...

Mathieu van der Poel stands as the overwhelming favorite to clinch victory at the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships, scheduled for October 6 in Halle, Belgium. Known for his remarkable versatility across cycling disciplines, van der Poel's pedigree includes multiple wins in prestigious one-day races, such as the Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders. However, this event presents a unique challenge, as he enters the gravel racing scene, an area where experience can be paramount. The course for the championships promises to be as demanding as it is picturesque. Starting from Possozplein in Halle, the route leads through the scenic Brabantse Woods before heading to Leuven. The men will face two laps of the course, while the women will...

Quinn Simmons' impressive 9th-place finish at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland, marks a remarkable comeback in the cycling world. Having been sidelined from competition for five months due to undisclosed reasons, Simmons' resilience and determination were on full display as he tackled the grueling 273.9-kilometer course. This year's championships presented a challenging environment for all riders, featuring seven laps of a technical Zurich circuit that included 4,470 meters of elevation gain. Simmons described the experience as "burning," highlighting the energy expenditure he endured during the race, which totaled a staggering 7,000 kilojoules. The course not only tested physical stamina but also demanded...

The cycling world is buzzing with excitement as the Tour de Tietema-Unibet team officially announces Unibet as their first title sponsor starting in 2025. Born from the dynamic and engaging YouTube channel of Bas Tietema, this ProTeam has quickly made a name for itself in the competitive landscape of professional cycling. This partnership is not merely a financial boost; it represents a strategic move to navigate the complexities of gambling-related sponsorships, particularly in light of the Dutch Gambling-Advertising prohibition. The history of this team is fascinating. Launched in 2023 as a UCI Continental team, it swiftly earned UCI ProTeam status by 2024, showcasing its potential and ambition. The return of Unibet to the cycling...

Campagnolo has made waves in the cycling community with the introduction of its Super Record S Wireless groupset, a product that redefines expectations for high-end performance at a competitive price. Announced on September 10, 2024, this groupset represents a significant advancement in technology, gearing options, and overall accessibility for cyclists ranging from amateurs to professionals. One of the standout features of the Super Record S is its pricing structure. With a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $4,299 or €3,990, the groupset is positioned as a more affordable alternative to its predecessor, the Super Record Wireless, which was priced at $5,399 or €5,200. This price drop is not merely a marketing tactic; it...

Sir Chris Hoy, renowned for his remarkable achievements in cycling, is currently confronting profound personal challenges that resonate beyond the sporting world. A six-time Olympic gold medalist, Hoy's legacy in track cycling is monumental; yet, it is his recent battles with terminal cancer and his wife Sarra's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis that are capturing attention and admiration. On October 19, 2024, Hoy publicly revealed his terminal cancer diagnosis, stemming from prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, presenting tumors in critical areas such as his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine, and rib. This announcement came after an initial statement in February 2024, where he expressed optimism about his treatment. The...

Eli Iserbyt, a prominent figure in the cyclocross circuit, has found himself at the center of controversy following a reckless incident during the Exact Cross event held in Beringen, Belgium, on October 12, 2024. Known for its challenging terrain, this race proved to be particularly tumultuous for Iserbyt and his competitor Ryan Kamp, culminating in a confrontation that has drawn significant attention from the cycling community and beyond. During the fifth lap of the race, Iserbyt and Kamp collided on a muddy descent while both were striving to catch up with the leading group. The crash led to a heated exchange between the two riders, but it was Iserbyt's subsequent actions that escalated the situation. In a moment of frustration, he...

Ellen van Dijk has solidified her place in the world of women's cycling with the recent announcement of her contract extension with Lidl-Trek through 2025. On October 2, 2024, Van Dijk expressed her enthusiasm for continuing with a team she considers her home, stating, "I am super happy to extend my contract with Lidl-Trek for one more year. I have been part of the Team since the very beginning, and it really feels like my home, it's where I belong." This sentiment reflects not only her personal bond with the team but also highlights her commitment to contributing to its ongoing success. Van Dijk's remarkable career is characterized by significant achievements, most notably her status as a three-time World Champion in the time trial...

Sofia Gomez Villafañe has made waves in the cycling world by securing her second overall title in the Life Time Grand Prix series, a prestigious achievement underscored by her thrilling victory at the Big Sugar Gravel race held on October 19, 2024, in Bentonville, Arkansas. This race, spanning 104 miles of challenging gravel terrain, has become a defining event in the series, and Villafañe's performance was nothing short of spectacular. As the race unfolded, Villafañe demonstrated both endurance and tactical brilliance. In the final two miles, she executed a decisive sprint that allowed her to break away from fellow competitors Melisa Rollins and Cecily Decker. Crossing the finish line 15 seconds ahead of Rollins and 24 seconds in...

Brisbane is set to become a focal point of the cycling world when it hosts the 2030 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Track Cycling World Championships at the renowned Anna Meares Velodrome. Scheduled for October 2030, this prestigious event promises to attract some of the best track cyclists globally, including elite athletes, juniors, para-cyclists, and masters, all competing for the coveted rainbow jerseys that signify world champions. The Anna Meares Velodrome, named after one of Australia’s most decorated cyclists, will serve as the venue for these championships, which mark a significant milestone in Australia’s sporting calendar. This will be the fourth time Australia has hosted Track World Championships for elites and masters...