Cycling Pulse

Remco Evenepoel has once again proven his mettle as one of the finest time trialists in the world by successfully defending his title at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships, held on September 22 in Zurich, Switzerland. This event, a staple in the cycling calendar, showcased not just the skill of its competitors but also the resilience required to excel under pressure. Evenepoel’s victory adds a significant chapter to his burgeoning career, which is already decorated with Olympic gold medals and a myriad of national and international honors. The time trial course in Zurich posed considerable challenges, featuring three intermediate checkpoints that tested the riders' speed and endurance. The first checkpoint, situated at 12.5...

Gianni Savio, a legendary figure in Italian cycling, passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 76 after a prolonged illness. His contributions to the sport are profound, spanning a remarkable career that began in the early 1980s and lasted over four decades. His journey from a sponsor executive to a revered team manager encapsulates the spirit of cycling's evolution, both in Italy and on the international stage. Savio's entry into professional cycling began in 1982 when he joined Galli, a company based in Turin known for producing high-quality bike components. His transition to a managerial role came in 1985 when he took the helm at Santini-Selle Italia. It didn't take long for his influence to be felt, with Daniele Caroli's...

Remco Evenepoel's performance at the 2024 Il Lombardia showcased both resilience and strategic prowess, reinforcing his status as one of cycling's elite despite not securing the win. Tadej Pogacar, the day's dominant force, ultimately crossed the finish line solo, leaving Evenepoel to claim second place, approximately three minutes and 16 seconds behind the Slovenian star. This result emphasizes not only Pogacar's formidable climbing ability but also Evenepoel's determination to compete at the highest level. In the aftermath of the race, Evenepoel's post-race interview reflected a mix of satisfaction and resolve. He articulated that he extracted the most from his efforts throughout the day. Recognizing Pogacar’s unparalleled...

Ingrid Components has emerged as a notable player in the cycling industry, especially with the recent unveiling of their new MTB Trigger Shifter. Known for their high-quality, made-in-Italy components, Ingrid's focus on mechanical shifters has sparked considerable interest among cycling enthusiasts. The design and functionality of these shifters have received a range of opinions, reflecting both excitement and criticism from the cycling community. The new shifters feature an innovative construction that combines CNC-machined 7075 alloy with 3D-printed PA12 plastic. This unique blend not only enhances the durability of the shifter but also promotes a modular design that prioritizes adjustability and serviceability. One of the standout...

On the final day of their training camp in Calpe, Spain, the DSM-Firmenich PostNL cycling team faced a significant setback when three of their riders were involved in crashes, reigniting discussions surrounding safety in professional cycling. While crashes are a known risk in the sport, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities cyclists face daily, even in controlled training environments. The affected riders—Chris Hamilton, Oscar Onley, and Tim Naberman—represent a mix of experience and emerging talent. Chris Hamilton suffered the most severe injury, fracturing his left collarbone, which required surgery shortly after the incident. This injury not only disrupts his immediate training but could have lasting...

The 1998 Tour de France stands as a watershed moment in the annals of professional cycling, largely due to the doping scandal that engulfed the Festina team. This scandal not only highlighted the pervasive use of performance-enhancing drugs in the sport but also shattered the public’s trust in professional cycling. Brian Holm, a retired Danish cyclist and former team director, has reflected on this dark chapter, offering a unique perspective shaped by his own experiences within the sport. The events leading up to the scandal began on July 8, 1998, when ***** Voet, a soigneur for the Festina team, was apprehended at the Belgian border. Authorities found him in possession of a significant stash of various performance-enhancing...

The cycling world has always been a breeding ground for speculation and controversy, particularly when it comes to the integrity of performances on the bike. One of the most enduring debates centers around Fabian Cancellara's victory in the 2010 Tour of Flanders. Tom Boonen, a celebrated figure in Belgian cycling, has been vocal about his doubts regarding Cancellara's triumph, specifically suggesting that mechanical doping may have played a role. In a recent interview, Boonen revisited the topic, stating, "Yes, but it's not for me to say. I finished second, and it's the one in second who has to say the situation is not normal." His comments highlight the complexity of the issue, as he acknowledged the challenges of proving such...

UAE Team Emirates has made headlines with the announcement of a groundbreaking 6-year partnership with XRG, an international energy and chemicals investment company. This collaboration not only elevates XRG to the role of Co-title Partner and Official Energy Partner but also signifies a major step towards sustainability in professional cycling. Starting in the 2025 season, the team will officially be known as UAE Team Emirates XRG, marking a new chapter in its history. The partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to achieving Net-Zero emissions by the end of 2030. This ambitious goal is part of a broader initiative aimed at mitigating climate change, an issue that has garnered increasing attention in recent years. The team...

Mark Cavendish, one of the most celebrated names in cycling, is set to receive the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor comes as a fitting recognition of his extraordinary career, characterized by unparalleled achievements, including an astounding 35 stage wins at the Tour de France. The award ceremony will take place on December 19, 2024, at 19:00 GMT, broadcasted live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, celebrating a career that has inspired countless fans and athletes alike. Cavendish's professional journey began in 2005, and in his debut season, he quickly made a name for himself by securing eleven victories. Over his illustrious career spanning more than two decades, he has not only set...

David Millar's cycling apparel brand, CHPT3, has officially entered voluntary liquidation, marking a significant moment in the cycling industry. This closure is a reminder of the volatile nature of the business landscape, especially in a sector that has seen both remarkable growth and challenging downturns in recent years. Founded by Millar, a celebrated professional cyclist, CHPT3 was known for its premium cycling wear that catered to dedicated enthusiasts and serious athletes alike. The company has ceased all operations following the decision made by its directors to initiate a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). This process involves dismantling the company under the guidance of appointed liquidators, in this case, Wilson Field...

The recent partnership between the XDS Astana Team and the X-Lab AD9 race bike presents a pivotal moment for the world of professional cycling. As XDS, a prominent Chinese bicycle manufacturer, steps onto the global stage through this collaboration, it brings with it a wealth of ambition and technological innovation. The introduction of the X-Lab AD9 is not only a showcase of advanced engineering but also a testament to the brand's commitment to competing at the highest levels of the sport. The Astana team, which has a storied legacy in professional cycling since its founding in 2006, has celebrated numerous victories in renowned competitions, including multiple Grand Tours. The team has been home to cycling legends like Alberto...

On September 24, 2021, the Belgian federal government took a bold step toward transforming the nation's transportation habits with the introduction of "BE CYCLIST." This comprehensive action plan aims to promote cycling as a viable and appealing mode of transport. With 52 specific measures designed to increase cycling participation, the initiative represents a significant shift in Belgium's approach to mobility and sustainability. One of the standout features of the "BE CYCLIST" plan is the introduction of tax exemptions for employees who commute by bicycle. By allowing a tax exemption of 24 cents per kilometer, the government encourages more workers to consider cycling as a practical alternative to driving. Currently, around 571,000...

The anticipation surrounding the cycling world is palpable, particularly with the recent leak of the 2025 UAE Team Emirates jersey design. This new look, showcasing a striking combination of black and white interspersed with cloudy patterns on the forearms and lower torso, marks a significant shift in the team's visual identity. While the official announcement from UAE Team Emirates is still forthcoming, this early glimpse hints at a strategic refresh that may reflect broader trends in professional cycling attire. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, they have already made headlines by commencing pre-season training and announcing their roster on December 8, 2024. This includes key figures such as Tadej Pogačar, whose...