Cycling is a competitive sport that involves the use of bicycles in various race formats. There are several types of racing events, including road bicycle racing, track cycling, cyclo-cross, mountain bike racing, BMX, and cycle speedway. Non-racing cycling sports include artistic cycling, cycle polo, and freestyle BMX. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the global governing body for competitive cycling, while the International Human Powered Vehicle Association regulates human-powered vehicles, imposing fewer design restrictions than the UCI. The UltraMarathon Cycling Association oversees long-distance cycling races.
Cycling is recognised as an Olympic sport, with bicycle races held globally, especially in Europe. Prominent countries in the sport include Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Road bicycle racing is popular, featuring events like the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España. Track cycling, held in velodromes, involves both individual and team events. Cyclo-cross and mountain biking focus on off-road courses, while BMX racing involves sprints on dirt tracks.
The history of cycling as a sport began in 1868 with the first recorded bicycle race in Paris, won by Englishman James Moore. The UCI was founded in 1900 to regulate cycling, replacing the earlier International Cycling Association. Cycling has been featured in every Summer Olympic Games since the modern Olympics began in 1896.
In addition to racing, cycling serves as a recreational and transportation activity, especially in Europe and Asia. Countries like the Netherlands have a strong cycling infrastructure, and bicycles remain an important mode of transport in regions such as Southeast Asia and China.
Cycling also faces issues with doping, notably in the Tour de France, where drug use scandals have been common in professional races.
There are several types of cycling sports, each with distinct characteristics and rules. The main types are as follows:
Road Cycling: This involves racing on paved roads and includes different formats such as single-day races, time trials, and multi-stage races like the Tour de France. Riders often compete in teams or individually, and events are held worldwide.
Track Cycling: This takes place in velodromes, which are indoor or outdoor tracks with steep banking. Events include sprints, team pursuits, and keirin races. Track bikes are specially designed without brakes or freewheels.
Cyclo-cross: Cyclo-cross is a form of off-road cycling, where riders navigate a mix of terrain, including grass, mud, and gravel. Courses often include obstacles that require riders to dismount and carry their bikes. Races are usually held in autumn and winter.
Mountain Biking: Mountain bike races are held off-road on rugged terrain. Key types include cross-country, downhill, and enduro racing. These races test riders’ technical skills on rough trails with steep climbs and descents.
BMX Racing: BMX involves short sprints on dirt tracks with jumps and tight turns. Riders use small bikes with a single gear. BMX racing is an Olympic sport.
Cycle Speedway: This is a form of bicycle racing on short, flat, dirt tracks. Riders compete on a track around 70–90 metres in length.
Gravel Racing: Gravel racing is relatively new and involves racing on mixed terrain, mainly gravel roads. These races can be long, often over 100 miles.
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