Cycling Pulse

Visma-Lease a Bike has established itself as a formidable force in professional cycling, showcasing incredible talent and determination in recent seasons. With star riders like Jonas Vingegaard and Wout van Aert, the team enjoyed significant success, notably dominating the 2023 Tour de France. However, the 2024 season has presented a slew of challenges that have tested the team's resilience and adaptability. Jonas Vingegaard, the reigning champion, confirmed his participation in the 2024 Tour de France alongside van Aert on June 20, 2024. With ambitions of clinching a third consecutive yellow jersey, Vingegaard's journey has not been without its hurdles. Following a crash at the Tour of the Basque Country, there were legitimate...

Michael Mørkøv, a veteran in professional cycling, has recently articulated his views on the contentious issue of doping within the sport. His perspective, shared on January 9, 2025, suggests a belief that organized doping has been effectively eradicated from the peloton. While Mørkøv's conviction is certainly noteworthy and reflects a hopeful outlook for the sport, it raises questions against the backdrop of a persistent and complex doping culture that still looms in professional cycling. Mørkøv's stance that organized doping no longer exists starkly contrasts with various reports and analyses indicating that doping, although evolved, remains a significant concern. The 2015 Cycling Independent Reform Commission (CIRC) report...

Marion Sicot’s case has brought renewed attention to the persistent issue of doping in professional cycling. The former French professional cyclist's ongoing trial for doping offenses highlights not only the individual struggles athletes face but also broader systemic problems within the sport. Sicot's journey into the heart of doping allegations began with her positive test for erythropoietin, commonly known as EPO, during the 2019 French National Road Championships. EPO, a hormone that increases red blood cell production, is notorious in cycling for its performance-enhancing capabilities. The consequences of Sicot's actions extended beyond her immediate career, as she faces serious charges that include importing and possessing...

Sam Welsford has made significant waves in the 2025 cycling season, with a remarkable performance at the Tour Down Under that has both fans and analysts buzzing. His latest victory, which marked his third stage win in this prestigious race, has not only showcased his prowess as a sprinter but has also reaffirmed his ambitions for a berth in this year’s Tour de France. On January 26, 2025, Welsford demonstrated his sprinting excellence on a challenging 90km street circuit, completing an impressive 20 laps. His success can be attributed, in part, to the exceptional teamwork displayed by his lead-out teammate, Danny van Poppel, who played a crucial role in positioning Welsford for the final sprint. Welsford surged past competitors...

Tom Pidcock's recent move to the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team marks a pivotal moment not only for the rider but for the team itself. This transition, highlighted by Damien Howson, is expected to usher in a new era of competitiveness and performance enhancement as Pidcock brings his wealth of experience and skill to a second-division team striving for recognition in the cycling world. Pidcock, a versatile athlete known for his prowess in road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking, will undoubtedly elevate Q36.5's standing in the sport. His previous tenure at the Ineos Grenadiers, a powerhouse in professional cycling, provided him with invaluable exposure to high-stakes racing and a rigorous training environment. Howson's insights on...

The cycling world is abuzz with excitement as the Zerode G3 prepares for its debut in the 2025 UCI Downhill World Cup, specifically in the pursuit of the coveted Gates 100K Belted Purse. This innovative bike, developed from high-pivot 6066-T6 aluminum and featuring a cutting-edge Pinion C1.6 gearbox coupled with a Gates Carbon Drive belt, promises to change the game for downhill racing. MS-Racing, a well-respected team in the downhill circuit, has chosen the Zerode G3 to compete for this prestigious prize, marking a significant partnership between elite racing and advanced technology. The announcement of this partnership on January 15, 2025, set the stage for a new era in downhill racing. Gates Corporation’s commitment to promoting...

Tom Pidcock achieved a remarkable milestone in his cycling career by clinching the overall victory at the 2025 AlUla Tour, an event that has rapidly gained recognition on the international cycling calendar. This victory, which took place on February 1, 2025, not only marks Pidcock's first-ever elite stage race win but also highlights his impressive performance with the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, a squad that has been making waves in professional cycling. The AlUla Tour was characterized by its challenging routes and unpredictable conditions, making it an ideal proving ground for riders looking to showcase both their physical and tactical prowess. Pidcock's overall victory was cemented through a combination of strategic racing and strong...

Christopher Juul-Jensen, a professional cyclist with Team Jayco AlUla, embodies a harmonious blend of dedication to sport and commitment to family life. His training philosophy has earned him respect not only within his team but also in the broader cycling community, where the balance between personal life and professional success is often a delicate one. Born in Ireland and later transitioning to Denmark, Juul-Jensen’s upbringing in two distinct cultures has shaped his identity and approach to cycling. He began forging his path in a country renowned for its cycling infrastructure and talent development. This background laid the foundation for what would become a successful career, marked by his substantial contributions to Team Jayco...

Groupama-FDJ, one of the prominent teams in professional cycling, recently announced a noteworthy shift in technical sponsorship for the 2025 season. The team is transitioning from its long-standing relationship with Shimano to forge a new partnership with the Italian brand Miche. This move signifies a strategic change in approach and equipment, aimed at enhancing performance in the highly competitive World Tour circuit. The partnership with Miche will see Groupama-FDJ outfitted with a range of high-performance wheelsets and components. Central to this collaboration are Miche's wheelsets, specifically from the Race Division line. Among them, the Kleos wheel family includes options tailored for various racing conditions. The RD 36 model...

Tom Pidcock, the British cycling prodigy riding for the Q36.5 Pro Cycling team, made headlines on January 29, 2025, with a spectacular victory in Stage 2 of the AlUla Tour. This triumph, marking his first stage win with Q36.5 and his sixth overall in professional road racing, showcased Pidcock's remarkable talent and tactical acumen. The second stage presented a grueling 158-kilometer route, featuring a hilly circuit that culminated in a steep ascent to Bir Jaydah Mountain. However, due to unsafe road conditions on the descent, race organizers made the decision to neutralize the competition after the first lap. This move prioritized the safety of the riders, an increasingly vital consideration in modern cycling events, and led to the...

Pete Kennaugh and Alex Dowsett are set to make a significant impact at Astana Qazaqstan as they join the team's performance and race staff for the 2025 cycling season. The announcement, made on November 12, 2024, signifies a strategic move for the team, as they recognize the importance of optimizing performance in an increasingly competitive professional cycling landscape. Both Kennaugh and Dowsett bring a wealth of experience and expertise that can help Astana Qazaqstan enhance their race strategies and overall execution. Kennaugh, a distinguished cyclist in his own right, boasts an impressive record in professional cycling. Ranked 26th in the all-time standings for Great Britain, his achievements include several notable performances...

Miguel Indurain, a legend in the world of professional cycling, has expressed unwavering confidence in Tadej Pogacar as a major contender for the 2025 Tour de France. Indurain, who boasts an impressive five Tour victories, made these remarks in July 2024, highlighting Pogacar's extraordinary potential to not only challenge for the title but possibly eclipse Indurain’s own record. This endorsement is significant, especially considering Indurain's deep understanding of the sport and his experience navigating the rigors of elite cycling. Pogacar's recent performances certainly justify Indurain's faith. Over the course of 2024, Pogacar delivered a stunning season with 25 wins, including prestigious titles in the Italian Giro, the Tour de...

As of January 2025, the cycling landscape will witness a notable transformation with the rebranding of Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL to Team Picnic PostNL. This shift not only signifies a change in sponsorship but also introduces a fresh approach to the team’s jersey design. The announcement has generated excitement within the cycling community, as it aligns with broader trends emphasizing sustainability and innovative marketing strategies in sports. The new title sponsor, Picnic, is a Dutch food delivery company that is making waves with its eco-friendly business model. Known for its commitment to sustainability, Picnic operates on an online-only purchase model and utilizes an all-electric last-mile fleet, effectively reducing its...