Cycling

What is Cycling? How does Cycling work? Get ready to learn about Cycling and discover how to be a fan, player, or coach. Start your journey to understanding Cycling here.

What is cycling?

Cycling is a sport with a lot of history, and its fast development has encouraged people all around the world to get a bike and participate in the great sport.

The bicycle was invented in 1817 by a German baron by the name of Karl von Drais. The bike of that time did not have chains or pedals, instead you would have to sit on the frame and push with your feet.

Then, in the 1860s a French inventor named Pierre Lallement developed a bike with pedals attached to the front wheel. This bike was well known for its giant front wheel. Later, in 1885, English inventor John Kemp Starley created a bike with two equal sized wheels a chain drive system. This design has remained similar in the modern day bikes.

The sport of cycling was officially established when the first competition was held on May 31, 1868 in Paris, France. Twenty-eight years later, it was introduced to the Olympics in Athens, Greece. Different variations of cycling have emerged since then. These include track, road, mountain biking, and bicycle motocross (BMX).

Track

Track is usually held in a velodrome, which is a stadium with steeply banked curves. In this competition, the key is to catch up to your opponents and have the shortest time.

Road Cycling

Road cycling is typically done in the streets and can cover more than 250 kilometers for men, and more than 130 kilometers for women. The objective is to have the fastest time in the race.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is done on tougher terrain, with large ascents and descents. This challenges your strength and stamina and sees who can get across the finish line with the fastest time.

BMX

Bicycle motocross (BMX) are usually short distance races that challenge bikers to ride over large ramps, banks, bumps, and flat sections.