Cycling Pulse

ROUVY, the Czech-based indoor cycling application, has recently made headlines with its strategic acquisition of FulGaz from The Ironman Group. This move, announced on January 21, 2025, is emblematic of ROUVY's ambitious plans to expand its influence in the virtual cycling arena. FulGaz, which has garnered a reputation since its inception in 2014 for offering immersive virtual training experiences featuring real-world cycling routes from over 40 countries, provides a solid foundation for ROUVY's growth. FulGaz's journey has seen significant milestones, including its acquisition by The Ironman Group in 2021. This previous acquisition aimed to bolster Ironman’s foray into the connected fitness domain, enhancing their digital offerings...

Zwift, the leading virtual cycling platform, has recently made waves with the announcement of a grand prize bundle giveaway valued at over £1,300, celebrating its 10-year anniversary. This impressive giveaway is a testament to Zwift's dedication to its community of cyclists who have embraced indoor training over the last decade. At the core of this prize is the highly anticipated Zwift Ride indoor bike, designed to enhance the indoor cycling experience to unprecedented levels. The Zwift Ride indoor bike is not just any regular trainer; it is an all-in-one setup that integrates a Wahoo KICKR CORE smart trainer with a highly functional frame. This innovative combination allows users to experience a realistic cycling simulation, complete...

Mauro Schmid, the reigning Swiss champion, has made a significant mark in the cycling world by securing his first victory for an Australian team at the 2025 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. This event, which unfolded on February 1, 2025, along the stunning coastal roads of Australia, showcased Schmid's exceptional talent and strategic racing. His win not only represents a personal milestone but also highlights the growing competitiveness of the sport on the global stage. The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is more than just a one-day road cycling event; it is a key fixture in the UCI World Tour calendar, attracting elite cyclists from around the world. With its challenging terrain and scenic views, the race is both a test of...

Brompton, the iconic British folding bike manufacturer, is facing a significant challenge as its profits plummet by over 99% for the financial year ending March 31, 2024. The company's net profit has dropped drastically, from £10.7 million in 2023 to a mere £4,602 this year. This alarming trend is reflective of broader issues within the global bicycle industry, including overstock, heightened competition, and aggressive discounting strategies that have become the norm amidst market saturation. One major factor contributing to Brompton's financial woes is the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdowns, cycling surged in popularity as people sought alternatives to public transport and outdoor recreational activities. This...

Laurence Pithie, a 22-year-old cyclist from New Zealand, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in professional cycling following a breakthrough season that has set the cycling world abuzz. His journey through the ranks of competitive cycling is not just marked by victories but also by a determination to challenge established names in the sport and to leave his mark on the prestigious Classics. Pithie's season kicked off with a bang at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in January 2024, where he clinched his first professional WorldTour victory. This win not only boosted his confidence but also marked him as a serious contender on the international stage. The significance of this achievement cannot be understated; it...

The issue of forced labor in Taiwanese bike factories has garnered significant attention, drawing the spotlight on the human cost behind the production of bicycles that are beloved by cyclists worldwide. Companies like Bianchi, Canyon, and Specialized, known for their high-quality bikes, are implicated in a system that often exploits vulnerable migrant workers from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The International Labour Organisation has reported severe working conditions that highlight a grim reality behind the scenes of the cycling industry. One of the most alarming aspects of this situation is the phenomenon of debt bondage. Migrant workers frequently incur crippling debts, sometimes as high as...

Tudor Pro Cycling is on an ambitious quest to elevate its status to that of a top ProTeam by the end of 2025. Under the guidance of cycling legend Fabian Cancellara, the team has set its sights on securing a guaranteed race program for 2026 and beyond, with aspirations to compete in all three Grand Tours as well as the major classics. This goal reflects not just a desire for competitive success but also a strategic vision to establish a solid foundation for future growth. The recent signings of Julian Alaphilippe and Marc Hirschi have generated significant excitement within the cycling community. Alaphilippe, a charismatic French rider known for his explosive climbing and sprinting abilities, has expressed his commitment to helping...

On January 4, 2025, a cyclist tragically lost their life in a collision with a car on Lake Manchester Road in Kholo, an area west of Brisbane. The incident, which occurred shortly after 7:00 AM, has brought to the forefront pressing concerns about road safety for cyclists, a topic that has increasingly gained attention as more people take to bikes for commuting and recreation. The cyclist involved in the collision suffered severe injuries, including head, chest, and abdominal trauma. Despite the prompt response from emergency services, the injuries proved fatal. This heartbreaking event underscores the vulnerabilities faced by cyclists on the roads, particularly in areas where infrastructure may not adequately support safe interaction...

A recent study has shed light on the brain activity patterns of female cyclists, revealing intriguing insights into their security awareness while cycling. Conducted in Tehran, Iran, this research employed virtual reality (VR) technology to simulate various cycling scenarios, allowing scientists to observe how cyclists' brains respond to perceived threats. With 52 participants equipped with a wireless EEG headset, the study not only highlights the innovative use of VR in cycling safety but also opens up new avenues for enhancing safety protocols for cyclists globally. The participants navigated through meticulously designed VR environments that mimicked real-world cycling conditions, including navigating left turns at busy...

Caleb Ewan's future with Jayco-AlUla hangs in a delicate balance, marked by uncertainty and speculation. As a sprinter known for his explosive speed, Ewan's current situation is particularly intriguing, especially given his contractual obligations and recent performance challenges. As of August 2024, Ewan was still under a two-year contract with Jayco-AlUla, which complicates any potential move to another team without the team's consent. This contractual situation limits his options and creates a sense of stasis that has left fans and analysts alike wondering what lies ahead for the Australian cyclist. Ewan's performance during the 2024 Giro d'Italia raised eyebrows. Once celebrated for his top-end speed, he struggled to find the form...

Mattias Skjelmose, a 24-year-old cyclist from Denmark, has been making waves in the competitive world of cycling, particularly as he gears up for the 2025 Tour de France. His journey highlights the intricate balance between personal ambitions and team strategies, particularly those of Lidl-Trek, the team he represents. Skjelmose’s trajectory has been anything but predictable, marked by impressive performances and challenging decisions. The 2024 season was a breakthrough year for Skjelmose, especially during the Vuelta a España, where he finished fifth overall and clinched the coveted best young rider's white jersey. This accomplishment showcased not only his climbing skills but also his ability to handle the pressures of a Grand Tour...

On January 16, 2025, the professional cycling world witnessed a significant development with the amicable settlement between SD Worx-Protime and former rider Amy Pieters, ending a protracted contract dispute that followed a tragic accident. This resolution allows Pieters to concentrate fully on her rehabilitation after suffering life-altering injuries from a severe training crash in December 2021. Amy Pieters, a celebrated cyclist and world track champion, was involved in a catastrophic incident during a training session in Calpe, Spain. The crash resulted in her being placed in a medically induced coma for nearly three months and left her with lasting brain injuries, affecting her speech and memory. These challenges abruptly ended her...

Jasper De Buyst, a professional cyclist from Belgium, is currently facing a significant challenge as he battles post-COVID 19 asthma. This condition, which emerged after his recovery from COVID-19, poses risks that could impact his performance and career in cycling. De Buyst's journey sheds light on not only the personal struggle of an athlete but also the broader implications of COVID-19 on sports and the ongoing health challenges that many in the cycling community are grappling with. Diagnosed with post-COVID 19 asthma, De Buyst faces the daunting possibility of losing up to 35% of his lung capacity. For a cyclist, where lung function and aerobic capacity are paramount, this diagnosis is a serious concern. However, De Buyst remains...