If you love cycling, you may want to enjoy it not only in pleasant weather but also during the winter season. Are you a member of any cycling groups? Or perhaps you’re an athlete looking for alternative ways to train during the winter? By reading this comprehensive article on cycling, you can discover new information and insights about the sport.
What is a Bicycle?
A bicycle is not only a means of transportation but also a tool used for sports and recreation. People interested in cycling compete with various models on different tracks, and cycling is also a part of triathlon races. Before diving into this globally popular sport, which has earned its place in the Olympics, it’s worth exploring the history of the bicycle.
While the most primitive form of a bicycle was used in China around the 12th century, the first design resembling today’s bicycles was exhibited in Paris on April 6, 1818. German Baron Karl Drais von Sauerbronn designed a wooden, pedal-less bicycle called the “Laufmaschine” or “Running Machine.” To move forward, riders had to push with their feet on the ground. Although similar designs were made earlier in 1791 by Conte de Sivac with the “Celerifere” and in 1816 by J. Nicephore Niepce, it was Sauerbronn’s design that became popular as a leisure vehicle of the time.
After the invention of the bicycle with a crank pedal design around 1869, it quickly gained popularity, especially in European countries. Figures like the Scottish Kirkpatrick Macmillan and the French brothers Pierre and Ernest Michaux improved the pedal design, contributing to the widespread use of the bicycle. By 1874, H. J. Lawson’s invention of the bicycle chain and John Dunlop’s invention of inflatable tires in 1888 brought the bicycle closer to its modern form.
The first professionally recognized bicycle race was held in Paris on May 31, 1868. Athletes competed in the Parc de Saint-Cloud race, covering a 1,200-meter track. The race was won by British cyclist James Moore, who rode an iron-wheeled wooden bicycle, which is now a valuable historical artifact on display in a museum in England.
What is Cycling as a Sport?
The development of cycling as a sport emerged following the invention of the two-wheeled modern bicycle design. Public interest in bicycles, coupled with their widespread use and informal competitions, contributed to the rise of this sport. As bicycles became more accessible, an increasing number of young people developed an interest in cycling, leading to the emergence of talented individuals. Professional cycling races have a history of approximately one hundred years. The growing number of cycling competitions held around the world has also increased the number of professional and amateur athletes participating in the sport.
The bicycles used in races vary in design depending on the type of course. Competitions are categorized as individual time trials, mountain biking, track cycling, road cycling, cyclocross, and BMX races. Cycling is one of the three sports that make up the triathlon and is included in the Olympic Games. All competitions are organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). European countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany lead in the cycling competitions. It is no surprise that the founding countries of the first cycling federation, ICA (International Cycling Association), included Italy, Switzerland, and Belgium, along with the United States. Eight years after ICA’s establishment, the UCI was founded in 1900.
Cycling offers various race types, allowing athletes to participate in activities that align with their interests. Road cycling races are organized in both team and individual categories, with subcategories such as one-day races, classics, stage races, time trials, grand tours, and criteriums. Track cycling races are held on velodromes and wooden tracks, with events for individuals, pairs, teams, and different groups. Track cycling races take place on dirt tracks ranging from 70 to 90 meters in length, using specially designed bicycles. These bikes differ from standard ones, particularly because they lack brakes and rear gears. Another race with design variations is motor-paced cycling, where athletes add motorized equipment to their bicycles to increase speed.
Cyclo-cross, also known as bike cross, has an interesting origin. Most cycling races are held in spring, summer, and fall due to seasonal conditions, while athletes train during the winter to prepare for competitions. Cyclo-cross was born out of the desire for excitement during winter training for road racers. These winter training sessions, held on trails, forest paths, and steep hills, eventually evolved into a sport. In cyclo-cross, athletes alternate between carrying and riding their bikes to complete a 2-3 km course within 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the race. Although mountain biking is similar, it requires a higher level of technical skill and comes with specific challenges. It includes categories such as cross-country, downhill, 4X, and four-cross.
BMX racing, a sprint event, is held off-road. Competitors must possess technical skills to control single-gear bicycles on dirt tracks. Similarly, bicycle trials involve navigating natural and artificial obstacle courses without touching the ground, showcasing the rider’s control and technique. Riders are judged based on how they perform the maneuvers, with the highest scorers being declared the winners.
Triathlon Bike Course
Triathlon is a sport that requires superhuman effort and demands that athletes prove their strength across various disciplines. Triathlon events hold a philosophical approach, where the primary goal is not necessarily to win but to complete the challenging course. In a decision by the International Olympic Committee, the Olympics now start with triathlon instead of equestrian events. The triathlon includes the disciplines of swimming, cycling, and running, all of which must be completed as part of the Olympic triathlon. However, depending on the country’s conditions, alternative disciplines may sometimes be added in place of cycling or swimming. The three disciplines must be performed consecutively without breaks, and the event is held in two formats: sprint and Olympic distances. The triathlon distances and courses are as follows:
- Sprint Distance: 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run
- Olympic Distance: 1500 m swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run
The triathlon bike course begins after the swim segment. It is mandatory to wear a helmet and have the race number visible from the back. Each bike must be placed at a designated transition area before the race. Athletes are not allowed to mount their bikes until they exit the transition zone. According to triathlon bike course rules, competitors must stay at least 10 meters away from the racer in front. If this rule is violated, the athlete must either overtake the other competitor or increase the distance. A second violation results in a 1-minute penalty.
Which Muscles Does Cycling Work?
Cycling provides both cardio and strength training, targeting various muscle groups throughout the body.
- Legs: Pedaling directly engages the front and back of the legs. The thigh muscles, hamstrings, and calves are the most affected by this activity. Additionally, the glute muscles are activated while pedaling. During fast and intense pedaling, the calves take the lead, while the thighs and hamstrings are more engaged during slower and longer rides.
- Core and Lower Back: As you ride a bike, the core and lower back muscles work continuously to maintain balance. These areas stabilize the body and provide the necessary balance during cycling. On rough terrains or long-distance rides, the core and lower back muscles engage more intensely.
- Arms and Shoulders: The arms and shoulders are also involved while cycling, especially during uphill climbs or sudden stops, though they are generally less stressed compared to the legs.
In summary, cycling activates various parts of your body effectively. It boosts energy levels while strengthening muscles. Regular cycling tours can improve your overall health and muscle balance.