Cycling is a sport trained with bicycles and that, on almost all occasions, aims to cover a specific route.
Currently, cycling is also quite amusing or even a way to get around to work, school, etc. All this is thanks to the advances made in the world of bicycles and their high popularity.
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History Of Cycling
The history of cycling ages back to the end of the 19th century. It is because bicycles began to develop more rapidly in an attempt to perfect this means of transport.
These developments made it possible to achieve higher speeds with increasingly lighter and less expensive bicycles.
The sport had English origins, but the main tests arose in France from early on. It adhered very well to this modality, and the participants took advantage of the mountainous terrain. Moreover, it allows them to test themselves.
Forms Of Cycling
Over the years, more and more differences in this sport emerged, which also changed the characteristics of the bicycles. So, they are better at adapting to a specific activity.
The main variants of cycling are the following –
Road Cycling
It is the oldest, and it was where cycling began to emerge. The tests are carried out on the road with light and aerodynamic bicycles so that the cyclists can reach higher speeds and cover greater distances.
When it comes to cycling, most people associate this variant with it, and its popularity is immense, with the Tour de France as one of its high points each year, which is considered the most important event on the world circuit.
Mountain Bike (Mountain Cycling)
This one is more recent, and within it, many minor variants change the terrain of its route. And the characteristics of the bicycles require different techniques and capacities.
This variant has the characteristic of not being an exclusive road test, commonly practiced on all types of terrain. But, for example, such as pine forests or even on streets with stairs and sidewalks, it also has the characteristic that it is to go up or down in the vast majority of types.
Some Of The Forms Of This Variant Are
- Cross-country
- Trip Trail
- Downhill
- Freeride
- Regularity Enduro.
Track Cycling
It is the least famous of the other forms. It is done on a circular track, usually inside a pavilion, with several variants, but the main objective is to complete the test in the shortest time possible.
Cycling Teams
The main element for the practice of cycling is the bicycle, as is apparent. However, some protection elements remain recommended in conditions that are a bit rough for the human body.
Protection Gloves
These serve to protect your hands in the event of a fall. It also improves the grip of the palm of your hand with the handlebar, covering the same palm and not the fingers.
Casco
As it could not fail to be, the helmet should not be missing, usually using this to protect your head in the incident of a fall. It is vital, and not wearing the helmet represents a significant risk.
Clothing
The bikers’ clothing is also quite different from usual. What stands out is that they adapt well to your body, thus reducing any unnecessary wind resistance. In addition, they remain with a material that regulates your body temperature and protects you from prolonged exposure to the Sun.
Equipment And Specialties
As a general rule, despite cycling being an individual sport, not everyone’s primary goal is to win. It may seem baffling, but the team usually runs to help the team leader win the event.
They are helping him in various ways, the most common being to control the competition’s attacks. Also, to shield his leader from the wind and thus save his resources.
Cyclists themselves have different specialities and abilities. Let’s see some of them –
Sprinter – A Cyclist, has a great explosive force and can reach high speeds at short distances. Usually, the team works for him to win the stage if it is favorable to him. However, he is not necessarily the team leader.
Climber – These are usually relatively light cyclists with good physical capacity, being quite resistant. Her speciality is climbing mountains, often serving as a shield for her leader in the mountains.
Complements – They are often the team leaders. They are cyclists who do not have anything in which they stand out but are of a high level and manage to execute all the tasks of the race well and have an excellent physical and technical capacity.
Rules And Care In Cycling
These rules and precautions apply to race participants and some in fun cycling.
In the race, cyclists have specific places to supply themselves, but they can also do so on the move by going to their team’s support car. Usually, a cyclist goes and brings the rest of his teammates who go with him. However, it is no longer allowed to refuel after a certain point in the stage.
At the end of the race, at the moment of the sprint, the cyclist cannot make a sudden change of direction in the direction of blocking the opponent’s path with him nearby and can be disqualified, as this endangers the physical integrity of the cyclist. The opponent runs the risk of walking at very high speeds.
Conclusion
It is important to always be careful on the route, and it is advisable to know it, to avoid possible falls in more dangerous places and not cause the chain to fall. Always wear protective gear, whether racing or just recreational cycling.
