Road cycling is characterized by long races on highways. Despite the difficulties faced, athletes are rewarded by the beautiful scenery along the way. Endurance is undoubtedly a crucial factor in race and time trial competitions. Stay here and learn all about Road Cycling today!
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All about Road Cycling: history of the sport
On May 31, 1868, this sport had its first competition in the history of cycling, held in Paris, in the Saint Cloud park, with the victory of a Briton called James Moore;
The following year, Moore won again, completing a 123 km route between Paris and Rouen in 10 hours and 25 minutes.
The sport began to become popular in Brazil when, in 1895, the first official competition took place in the Brazilian velodrome, with around 30 cyclists;
Initially known as the Paulista Velodrome, due to its association with the Paulista Athletic Club, it was located on Rua da Consolação in São Paulo.
In 1896, Speed Cycling made its debut at the Olympic Games in Athens, in the first edition of the Modern Era, with an 87-kilometer lap starting from the Greek capital, passing through Marathon and returning to the starting point.
However, he did not take part in the three subsequent editions (Paris 1900, St. Louis 1904 and London 1908), returning in Stockholm 1912 and remaining ever since.
Only in 1984, in Los Angeles, were women allowed to compete in an Olympic cycling event.
The International Cycling Union was founded in 1900, and it wasn’t until the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin that Brazil had cycling representatives.
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All about road cycling: race structure, rules and equipment
The bikes weigh less than 7 kg, mainly due to the use of carbon frames. To reduce air resistance, the handlebars are lower, forcing riders to lean over.
The competitions are divided into men’s and women’s categories and consist of two types of races:
- Line Race: the cyclist who crosses the finish line first wins, with distances of 241.5 km for men and 141 km for women.
- Counterclockwise: the winner is the one who completes the course in the shortest time. The distances are 54.5 km for men and 29.8 km for women.
All routes must be at least 10 km long. In some cases, part of the race may take place on a circuit, with a minimum of 3 km.
The distance varies according to the number of laps the cyclists have to complete:
- 3 km to 5 km – 3 laps
- 5 km to 8 km – 5 laps
- 8 km to 10 km – 8 laps
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The rules of road cycling are laid down by the International Cycling Union (UCI) and vary according to the type of event (road race or time trial). Here are some of the main regulations:
Road Race Rules
Objective: the objective is to be the first to cross the finish line after covering the total distance of the race.
Distances: distances can vary, but are generally around 200-250 km for men and 120-160 km for women.
Start: races can have a mass start, where all cyclists start at the same time.
Path: the path must be clearly signposted, and cyclists must follow the designated route.
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Time Trial Rules
Objective: the aim is to complete the course in the shortest time possible.
Start: cyclists set off individually at regular intervals (usually 1 to 2 minutes).
Distances: typical distances are 30-50 km for men and 20-40 km for women.
Equipment: time trial bikes have specific designs for aerodynamics. Use of aerodynamic helmets and body-fitting clothing.
Path: cyclists must follow the designated path and may not receive outside help.
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Security rules
Support Cars: support cars follow the cyclists to provide technical and medical assistance. Support cars must follow specific rules so as not to interfere with the race.
Food and Hydration: cyclists can receive food and drink during the race, usually in specific areas designated for this purpose.
Penalties: infringements of the rules can result in penalties, ranging from warnings to disqualifications. The most common include unsportsmanlike conduct, use of unregulated equipment and interference with other cyclists.
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All about Road Cycling: top athletes
Road cycling’s leading athletes throughout history include several notable figures, both past and present. Here are some of the most outstanding cyclists:
Eddy Merckx (Belgium):
- Considered by many to be the greatest cyclist of all time.
- He won the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia five times.
- He won the Vuelta a España three times.
Bernard Hinault (France):
- He won the Tour de France five times.
- He won the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España twice.
Miguel Indurain (Spain):
- He won the Tour de France five times in a row.
- He won the Giro d’Italia twice.
Fausto Coppi (Italy):
- He won the Giro d’Italia five times.
- He won the Tour de France twice.
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Jacques Anquetil (France):
- First cyclist to win the Tour de France five times.
- He won the Giro d’Italia twice and the Vuelta a España once.
Chris Froome (United Kingdom):
- He won the Tour de France four times.
- He won the Vuelta a España and the Giro d’Italia once.
Vincenzo Nibali (Italy):
- He won the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia (twice) and the Vuelta a España.
Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia):
- He won the Tour de France twice.
- Known for his versatility and climbing and time trial skills.
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Primož Roglič (Slovenia):
- He won the Vuelta a España three times.
- Giro d’Italia champion.
Peter Sagan (Slovakia):
- Three-time world road champion.
- He won several important classics and stages in grand tours.
Marianne Vos (Netherlands):
- Multi-world road and cyclocross champion.
- Olympic gold medalist and winner of several major races.
Anna van der Breggen (Netherlands):
- Olympic and world road champion.
- She won the Giro Rosa (the women’s equivalent of the Giro d’Italia) several times.
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Lizzie Deignan (United Kingdom):
- World road champion.
- Winner of several important classics, including the Tour of Flanders.
Annika Langvad (Denmark):
- Multi-world mountain bike and road champion.
- Winner of several international cycling competitions.
All about road cycling: curiosities
Here are some interesting facts about the sport!
- In the pioneering race between cities, held in France in 1869, James Moore covered 123 km in 10 hours and 25 minutes;
- The inaugural Olympic competition took place in Athens in 1896;
- The longest and most challenging road race in the Olympics took place at the 1912 Stockholm Games, lasting over 10 hours and covering a total distance of 320 km.
Did you enjoy learning all about the Olympic discipline of Road Cycling? Then get to know the others that will be at Paris 2024:
