Cycling

by James Bow

The invention of the bicycle gave people the freedom to move around with speed at little cost. As science technology has advanced, so too have the speed and skill of the people who compete on the different types of cyclosport.

From BMX and cyclocross to mountain biking and road racing, competitive cyclosport demands a remarkable level of fitness and skill from the rider and reliability and outstanding performance from the bike.

Cycle science

Bicycles have come a long way since Baron von Drais invented his "running machine" in 1817. Modern bikes are amazing machines made from the latest materials. They rely on basic scientific principles. Simple gears allow riders to scale even the steepest mountain roads and race down the other side at breathtaking speeds. And if the bike has come a long way, think about the human machine that propels it along at such an incredible rate. Coaches are turning to science to come up with the best training plan to get the most from the riders. Cyclists are now jumping higher, racing faster and performing amazing tricks.

Different disciplines

There are many different types of cyclosport, from the acrobatic feats of bicycle motocross (BMX) and mountain biking to the bursts of acceleration on the track and the long distance challenge of road racing.

In road racing, the cyclists set off in a group and race along the open road to the finish line. Teams of cyclists ride in pace lines to take advantage of slipstreaming, in which riders at the front reduce the wind resistance on the riders behind.

BMX racing

Bicycle motocross (BMX) races are on dirt tracks, with jumps, mud traps and banked corners, among other obstacles. Races usually last just 30-40 seconds. BMX riders often perform acrobatic tricks such as backflips. These were first done on the dirt track. As they became more popular, ramps called fun boxes and pipes were built for freestyle competitions.

Off road cycling

Mountain biking races can be cross-country, downhill, uphill or slalom. In all these races, the riders push their bikes across punishing terrain. In slalom, a cyclist must move his or her bike around a series of gates like an alpine skier. Mountain bikers must repair their own bikes during a race, but cyclocross racers can use up to three machines, switching when their bikes get too clogged with dirt. They push their bikes up short, steep hills and cycle along muddy paths through woodland trails.

On the track

Track cyclists take the race indoors on a purpose-built velodrome with banked curves. These allow the cyclists to corner at top speed. Starting gates hold back cyclists until the race begins. Bikes are fixed gear, so riders must keep turning the pedals until the race is over.

Fact-Tour de France

The 100th Tour de France, held in 2013, was 3,403 kilometres (2,115 miles) long. It was won by Chris Froome, the second consecutive British cyclist, after Bradley Wiggins had accomplished the feat the previous year, when their average speeds were 40.5 and 39.8 kilometres per hour respectively. Truly amazing!

Glossary:

Cyclosport: any sport that involves using bicycles, such as BMX, mountain biking or road racing.

Slipstreaming: when a cyclist tucks in behind another rider to save energy by cutting down on drag.

Velodrome: a purpose-built indoor arena for bike racing. Modern velodromes have steeply banked oval tracks.