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Everyone has already heard of the Tour de France. Maybe you are even one of the millions of TV viewers who faithfully follow the peloton of riders on the Grande Boucle every year in front of their television? But do you really know road cycling?
A bit of history
We have to go back to 1868 to find traces of the very first bike race in history, which was held in Paris. In the following years, the discipline developed in other European countries.
By the end of the 19th century, road cycling was recognized as a professional sport and became an Olympic discipline from the very first edition of the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.
In 1900, the UCI (International Cycling Union) was founded by the national federations of France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland and the United States with the aim of promoting and developing cycling internationally.
One sport... but different disciplines
Road cycling is the main discipline practiced within the FFC (French Cycling Federation), but behind this name lie different forms of riding.
Indeed, road bike riding can be done solo or in a group, with friends or in a club, for leisure or in competition. In short, cycling is truly open to everyone, from 7 to 77... while of course respecting the rules of the road.
Competitive cycling
In competition, road cycling also comes in several categories: road races (one-day races - like Paris-Roubaix, or stage races - like the Tour de France) and time trials (individual or team).
While the major races broadcast on television are of course reserved for professional riders gathered in World Teams, Pro Teams and Continental teams, it is possible to take part in many amateur bike races that are ranked by category. And whether among professionals or amateurs, there is a calendar dedicated to women’s cycling.
Finally, if competition does not interest you, you can simply enjoy your rides and admire the scenery without worrying about performance. Every cyclist has their own way of riding!
As you can see, road cycling has something to satisfy everyone. So if you have been inspired by recent exploits from riders such as Julian Alaphilippe, reigning world champion, don’t hesitate to get into cycling.
