Cycling Pulse

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...

Victor Campenaerts' journey through the year 2024 is a compelling narrative of resilience and personal growth against the backdrop of professional cycling’s relentless demands. As he navigated both personal changes and career uncertainties, Campenaerts exemplified the emotional highs and lows faced by many athletes at the pinnacle of their sport. The early months of 2024 were rife with uncertainty for Campenaerts. Despite reaching a verbal agreement to extend his contract with Lotto-Dstny, the complexities of finalizing the deal left him in a state of limbo. This uncertainty was further complicated by significant personal events, particularly the impending birth of his son with girlfriend Nel. As they prepared to welcome their first...

Davide Formolo, a prominent rider for the Movistar Team, found himself at the center of controversy during the 2024 Tour de Luxembourg when he was disqualified after Stage 3 due to his use of an illegal "super-tuck" position. This incident has sparked significant discussions about safety regulations in cycling, the enforcement of rules by the UCI, and the implications for both riders and teams moving forward. The crux of Formolo's disqualification lies in the technicalities surrounding the use of the super-tuck position. During high-speed descents, riders sometimes adopt this aerodynamic stance, which involves leaning forward and tucking their bodies to minimize wind resistance. However, this position has come under scrutiny due to the...

The recent announcement regarding the E3 Saxo Classic's title sponsorship extension through 2027 marks a significant moment in the realm of professional cycling. Made public on January 8, 2025, this development assures fans and participants alike that one of cycling's most prestigious cobbled classics will retain its identity and continue to thrive for at least the next few years. Scheduled for its 67th edition on March 28, 2025, the E3 Saxo Classic remains a highlight of the Flemish Cycling Week, which also includes other iconic races such as Gent-Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders. The course of the E3 Saxo Classic is notorious for its grueling nature, featuring approximately seventeen challenging hills and covering around 200...

The recent arrest of Kym Allen Parsons, infamously known as the Bicycle Bandit, has captured the attention of the public not only for the crimes he committed but also for the innovative methods employed by law enforcement to finally bring him to justice. This case has significant implications for both the fields of criminal justice and genetic research, particularly as it relates to how cycling culture intersects with crime and community safety. Parsons, a former police officer and firefighter, evaded capture for nearly two decades after a series of armed robberies targeting banks across South Australia from 2004 to 2014. His criminal escapades were characterized by his use of a bicycle to swiftly escape the scenes, demonstrating an...

Ally Wollaston made headlines in the world of professional cycling by clinching her first one-day World Tour victory at the 2025 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. This prestigious event took place on February 1, 2025, along the scenic southern coastline of Victoria, Australia. The race was not just a test of speed but also of endurance and strategic racing skills across a challenging 142-kilometer course that began and ended in Geelong. With 82 riders from 14 teams competing, the race included a mix of UCI Women's WorldTeams, ProTeams, Continental Teams, and even a national team, highlighting the growing depth and quality of women's cycling. The course's defining challenge was the notorious Challambra Crescent, featuring two steep...

The 2025 Giro d'Italia is set to make history by starting in Albania, a significant milestone for both the race and the country. The 108th edition of this prestigious cycling event will kick off on May 9, 2025, with an opening stage that runs from Durrës to Tirana, covering 164 kilometers. This inaugural stage not only marks the first time the Giro has begun in Albania but also showcases the country's dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage to a global audience. The opening stage is expected to be a challenging affair, featuring a total elevation gain of 1,800 meters. It will serve as an exciting introduction to the race, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling competition. For many riders, the first day will be a...

Endura, a well-known British cycling clothing brand, has reported a staggering financial loss of £14 million for the 13-month period ending in February 2024. This significant downturn underscores the challenges many brands in the cycling industry are currently facing in a post-pandemic market. The primary drivers of Endura's losses are a substantial reduction in sales along with an impairment of inventory. Last year, Endura's sales figures reached nearly £41 million, a robust performance that reflected the cycling boom during the pandemic. However, the latest reports reveal a decline to £28.5 million, illustrating a dramatic shift in consumer behavior as the market stabilizes after the pandemic's initial excitement. The drop in sales...

German cyclist Michel Hessmann has recently made headlines with his signing to the Spanish team Movistar, as he prepares to reenter the professional cycling scene after serving a doping suspension. This development has sparked interest and discussion within the cycling community, particularly as it highlights the ongoing challenges athletes face regarding doping regulations and their subsequent implications for career trajectories. Hessmann's journey in the cycling world has not been without its share of drama. On June 14, 2023, he tested positive for chlorthalidone, a banned diuretic, during an out-of-competition control. His initial suspension came from Jumbo-Visma, the team he was riding for at the time, which suspended him on...

As of January 23, 2025, Arnaud De Lie, a notable talent in professional cycling and a key cyclist for Lotto Dstny, is currently dealing with a knee injury that has led to a delay in the start of his season. Despite this hurdle, team management has reassured fans and followers that De Lie’s injury should not hinder his participation in the highly anticipated Opening Weekend of the cycling calendar. Knee injuries are not uncommon in the world of cycling, often resulting from the repetitive strain cyclists endure during training and races. De Lie's situation, characterized by persistent knee pain, necessitated a careful evaluation and modification of his training schedule. The Lotto Dstny team's optimistic communication about his...

The cancellation of the Veenendaal-Veenendaal cycling race in 2025 due to police shortages resulting from the NATO summit is a pressing issue for Dutch cycling. Scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2025, the NATO summit in The Hague will necessitate a significant police presence, leaving the Dutch Cycling Union (KNWU) in a precarious position as it attempts to navigate the implications for various cycling events across the country. The police shortage is expected to impact not only the Veenendaal-Veenendaal race but also nine other races classified above a .1 level during an eight-month window from January to August 2025. With events like the prestigious Amstel Gold Race at risk, the situation has raised concerns among race organizers who now...