Cycling Pulse

Tom Pidcock's triumph in Stage 2 of the AlUla Tour on January 29, 2025, has resonated deeply within the cycling community, marking a significant milestone for both the rider and Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. As he executed a breathtaking uphill attack in the final 500 meters, Pidcock showcased not only his physical prowess but also his tactical intelligence, securing his first victory with his new team just days after making the switch from Ineos Grenadiers. This win holds emotional significance for Pidcock, who articulated how critical it was for him to excel with Q36.5. The pride in representing a new team, combined with the pressure of proving his worth, fueled his determination during the race. As he crossed the finish line, the relief...

Wilderness Scotland has made an exciting announcement for adventure enthusiasts and cycling fans alike: the introduction of two new gravel biking trips for 2025. These trips are designed for those who crave the thrill of exploration combined with the stunning natural beauty and rich history of Scotland. With its rugged landscapes and historic pathways, Scotland has emerged as a prime destination for gravel biking, catering to cyclists looking for both challenge and scenic wonder. The first of the new offerings is the Highland Gravel Trail, a week-long journey through the dramatic Highlands that promises a remarkable blend of gravel highways, forest tracks, and winding paths. Spanning from Milngavie to Aviemore in the Cairngorms, this...

Filippo Ganna, the Italian cycling sensation riding for Ineos Grenadiers, is setting his sights on a pivotal 2025 season after a year filled with near victories. Known for his powerful time trialing and impressive performances on the track, Ganna is now shifting his focus primarily to road racing, eyeing prestigious one-day events such as Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix. This strategic pivot marks a significant evolution in his career as he aims to convert podium finishes into coveted victories. The 2024 season was a mixed bag for Ganna. Although he showcased his talent by finishing second in both the World Championship and Olympic time trials and earning a bronze in the team pursuit at the Paris Olympics, he found himself yearning...

Jeff Bekos's remarkable journey across the United States on a bicycle is more than just a physical feat; it is a heartfelt mission fueled by personal experience and a desire to give back. In August 2024, Bekos completed an astonishing 4,600-mile bike ride to support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), an organization that played a critical role during his daughter Hailey's health crisis. Diagnosed in 2013 with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disease, Hailey's battle began with a sudden onset of symptoms that escalated into a coma lasting four months. During this challenging time, the Bekos family sought refuge at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, which provided vital support and comfort. Inspired by the...

Pello Bilbao, the talented Basque climber, has reinforced his commitment to the Giro d'Italia as Bahrain Victorious seeks to rejuvenate its fortunes following a tough 2024 season. Bilbao's declaration to focus on the Giro in 2025 aligns with his long-standing affinity for the race, which allows him to showcase his climbing prowess and target stage victories over a general classification pursuit. This strategic pivot not only highlights Bilbao's personal ambitions but also reflects the evolving goals of Bahrain Victorious as they navigate a challenging period in their history. The 2024 season has been a year of disappointments for Bahrain Victorious, marking a stark contrast to their previous successes. Despite notching 13 wins, the...

Recent studies have highlighted the significant emissions benefits of cycling and e-biking, marking these modes of transportation as essential in the quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance urban mobility. With cities grappling with pollution and congestion, the adoption of cycling and e-biking presents a viable solution to some of the pressing environmental challenges facing urban areas. A study from the Polytechnic University of Montreal reveals a striking comparison between e-bikes and electric cars. It reports that an e-bike produces approximately 13 grams of CO2 per kilometer, while electric cars churn out around 70 grams per kilometer. This disparity results in an emissions reduction of 82 to 85 percent when...

On November 14, 2024, a concerning incident unfolded at the Adelaide Superdrome when a cyclist sustained serious head injuries during a race. This event, held within Adelaide's largest cycling venue, has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with competitive cycling. Paramedics were dispatched promptly to provide medical assistance, indicating the seriousness of the situation. As of the latest updates, the cyclist's condition remains serious but stable; however, specific details regarding their recovery or potential long-term effects have not been disclosed. The lack of information leaves the cycling community and fans anxious, eagerly awaiting news of the athlete's progress. Injuries of this nature can have significant...

The Benidorm cyclo-cross circuit has rapidly established itself as a highlight of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, with the ninth round taking place on January 19, 2025. Set against the scenic backdrop of Costa Blanca, this year’s race showcased the unique challenges presented by the configuration of the course and the favorable weather conditions, drawing attention from both fans and competitors alike. Located at Parque El Moralet and Parque Foietes, the circuit is characterized by a blend of asphalt and technical terrain, creating a hybrid riding experience that demands both speed and skill. The course features a long, gritty ascent on a strip of asphalt that leads riders into the heart of Parque El Moralet, followed by a thrilling...

The recent announcement regarding the cancellation of the Tour of Scandinavia has sent shockwaves through the cycling community, reflecting a struggle that is all too familiar in women's professional cycling. The event, recognized as Scandinavia's sole World Tour stage race, faced financial hurdles that ultimately led to the dissolution of its parent company, Ladies Tour of Norway AS. The decision to call off the race, reached during an extraordinary general meeting on January 23, 2025, was deemed necessary to redirect efforts toward a more sustainable future. Historically, the Tour of Scandinavia began life as the Battle of the North, envisioned to be a ten-day race that showcased the stunning landscapes of Denmark, Sweden, and...

As of January 8, 2025, Garmin Connect has resumed normal operations following a significant outage that disrupted services for users worldwide. This disruption primarily affected those who rely on Garmin's devices for fitness tracking and data analysis, a critical aspect for cyclists and athletes alike. However, the relief of restored services is tempered by ongoing syncing issues with Strava, a platform many cyclists depend on for community engagement and performance tracking. This outage illustrates the increasing reliance of fitness enthusiasts on technology to measure and share their progress. Cyclists, in particular, have integrated smartwatches and fitness trackers into their routines to monitor metrics like heart rate, cadence...

Slovenia is setting its sights on a prominent spot in the cycling world by bidding to host the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2029. This ambitious initiative is fueled by the recent successes of the nation’s cycling prodigy, Tadej Pogacar, who has quickly risen to become one of the sport's most celebrated talents. As Pogacar gears up for what could be his fourth Tour de France title, the timing appears optimal for Slovenia to leverage its cycling heritage and the enthusiasm surrounding its star athlete. The push for this significant sporting event began on January 16, 2025, when a formal initiative was launched. Slovenians are hopeful that the prestige of hosting the Grand Départ will not only showcase their rich cycling culture but...

UAE Team Emirates has officially unveiled its squad for the upcoming Santos Tour Down Under, scheduled to take place from January 21 to 26, 2025. This race kicks off the 2025 WorldTour season, and the team is determined to start strong with a diverse and talented group of riders. At the helm is Jay Vine, who is not only an Australian climber but also the reigning champion of the Tour Down Under. His return to Adelaide comes after a successful 2024 season where he showcased remarkable resilience, bouncing back from a severe crash during the Itzulia Basque Country. Vine's impressive year included achievements such as winning the King of the Mountains classification at the Vuelta a España and a gold medal in the Mixed Relay Team Time Trial...

Matteo Jorgenson's decision to forgo the General Classification leadership role at the Giro d'Italia in 2025 has sparked discussions within the cycling community. This strategic choice, announced on January 23, 2025, reflects Jorgenson's commitment to skill development and experience accumulation in the lead-up to future grand tours, underpinning his long-term vision for success in the sport. As the defending champion of Paris-Nice, Jorgenson enters the 2025 season with a clear focus. His ability to defend his title at such a competitive race not only bolsters his confidence but also showcases his readiness to perform under pressure. The spring classics hold equal importance for him, as he seeks to balance his efforts between these...