Author: M. Özgür Nevres

I am a software developer, a former road racing cyclist (at the amateur level), and a science enthusiast. Also an animal lover! I write about cycling on this website, cycling-passion.com. I also take care of stray cats & dogs. Please consider supporting me on Patreon.

Tour de France Races

Tour de France Explained for Newbies

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date July 5, 2025
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The Peloton during the Tour de France 2015 — The Peloton, a large group of cyclists tightly packed together, climbs the challenging Col d'Aspin during the 2015 Tour de France, showcasing a striking blend of teamwork, strategy, and endurance. Image source: Deposit Photos

Every summer, millions around the world tune in to watch the Tour de France, the biggest bicycle race on the planet. You might have caught glimpses of cyclists racing through breathtaking mountain passes, or seen the winner in a yellow jersey sprayed with champagne on the podium. But what is this event really about? Why do cyclists push themselves to the absolute limit for three relentless weeks? In this Q&A guide, we break down everything you need to know to fully appreciate the Tour de France.

BikesOnline Carlsbad: Your Premier Cycling Destination in San Diego County

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date June 15, 2025
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Nestled just minutes from Carlsbad’s stunning beaches and the iconic Flower Fields, BikesOnline Carlsbad brings the joy of cycling to Southern California with an impressive selection of premium bikes, expert services, and a passion for the riding community. Whether you’re seeking your first bike, upgrading to a professional-grade machine, or looking for the perfect e-bike to explore San Diego County’s diverse terrain, our team is ready to guide your journey on two wheels.

Paris-Roubaix Classics History and Legends Races

Top 19 fastest Paris-Roubaix editions

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date April 14, 2025
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Fastest Paris-Roubaix ever: Mathieu van der Poel wins Paris-Roubaix 2024 with a record average speed of 47.8 km/h.

Here are the top 18 fastest Paris-Roubaix editions – the winner, average speed, winning time, and weather conditions.

The average speed of the fastest Paris-Roubaix ever (2024 edition) was 47.8 km/h (29.7 mph), won by the Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Deceuninck.

Tags Fabian Cancellara, Francesco Moser, Johan Museeuw, Noël Foré, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Roubaix 1959, Paris-Roubaix 1960, Paris-Roubaix 2013, Pino Cerami, Rik Van Steenbergen, Tom Boonen

History and Legends

Fausto Coppi in Africa [A Very Rare Photo]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date January 4, 2025
1 Comment on Fausto Coppi in Africa [A Very Rare Photo]

Fausto Coppi in Africa with a Crocodile — The image shows Fausto Coppi resting in the African wilderness, just 10 days before his untimely death in 1960. Although his face is not visible, the cycling legend's unmistakable posture and hair style makes it impossible not to recognize him. Immersed in the untamed natural surroundings, Coppi is seen curiously observing a crocodile nearby, a hauntingly serene moment that captures his iconic presence even in his final days.

The last photograph of Fausto Coppi as a healthy man was taken shortly before his tragic and premature death on January 2, 1960, 65 years ago. Captured during his stay in Africa, just 10 days before his passing, the image shows the ‘Campionissimo’ immersed in the wild, untouched nature. He is seen resting, with a curious gaze toward a crocodile not far from him.

Races

Jacques Anquetil During the 1965 Bordeaux-Paris

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date December 13, 2024
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The Bordeaux-Paris was a unique and grueling competition, distinguished by the use of a dernys (motorized pacing bicycles) in the second half of the race. First held in 1891 and last run in 1988, it holds a revered place in cycling history as one of the oldest and most prestigious races on the international calendar. It is remembered particularly for two remarkable circumstances: it is one of only two major “mythical” races that Eddy Merckx, widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time, never won (the other being Paris-Tours). Additionally, the race is celebrated for the extraordinary victory of Jacques Anquetil in 1965.

Bicycles and Equipment Cyclists and Teams Races

Colnago Unveils New Aero Bike for Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates: Colnago Y1Rs

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date December 9, 2024
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Colnago Y1Rs aero bike, designed for UAE Team Emirates and Tadej Pogačar — Colnago's new Y1Rs aero bike, designed for UAE Team Emirates and Tadej Pogačar, promises a 19% aerodynamic improvement over their previous bike, Colnago V4R. With enhanced stiffness, distinctive aero features, and reduced drag, it offers cutting-edge performance. At 50 km/h, it saves 20 watts of power, making it a game-changer for flat races and classics. This sleek machine could be the key to UAE Team Emirates' dominance next season. Price starts around €10,000. Fast, fierce, and ready for victory!

In the world of professional cycling, where mere seconds can determine victory or defeat, every technological advancement counts. Colnago, a name synonymous with cycling excellence, has just unveiled its latest innovation: an all-new aero bike designed for UAE Team Emirates and their star rider, Tadej Pogačar. This new release marks a significant milestone for Colnago, which had long faced criticism for not having a competitive aero bike in its lineup. With promises of improved aerodynamics, greater stiffness, and enhanced efficiency, this cutting-edge machine is set to redefine speed and performance on the road. As cycling fans eagerly await its debut in the upcoming season, the question remains: Could this be the bike that gives UAE Team Emirates the edge they need to dominate the peloton again this year?

Cycling Glossary Races

What is a Domestique in Cycling? [Explained]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date October 6, 2024
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Sepp Kuss riding as a domestique in support of Jonas Vingegaard at the 2023 Tour de France, with Tadej Pogačar on Vingegaard's wheel. Photo by Shougissime - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

A domestique (domestic) is a rider in professional road cycling who works for the benefit of their team and leader, rather than trying to win the race. The term is derived from French and translates to “servant”. The roles of a domestique may include setting the pace to tire out rivals, providing slipstreams for team leaders to ride in, chasing breakaway riders, providing mechanical or physical assistance, and carrying supplies like water and food from the team car during the race.

UCI Worlds Races

UCI Elite Men Road Race World Champions: The Complete List

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date September 29, 2024
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Tadej Pogačar won the men's road race at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships, held on 29 September 2024 in Zürich, Switzerland. He launched an impressive attack 100 kilometers from the finish line. — Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) won the men's road race at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships, held on 29 September 2024 in Zürich, Switzerland. He launched an impressive attack 100 kilometers from the finish line.

The UCI Road World Championships are the annual world championships for bicycle road racing organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Here’s the complete list of the UCI Elite Men Road Race World Champions.

The first professional world championship took place in July 1927 at the Nürburgring in Germany, where legendary Italian Alfredo Binda won the professional men’s race.

Tags Louison Bobet, Mark Cavendish, Union Cycliste Internationale

Races Cycling Glossary Tour de France

What is a Satellite Rider? [Explained]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date July 24, 2024
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Satellite riders - Tour de France 2011 — In Stage 18 of the Tour de France 2011, Andy Schleck's teammates, Joost Posthuma, and Maxime Monfort, took on the roles of satellite riders, joining the early breakaway.

In professional cycling, understanding the tactical interplay and roles within a team is crucial to comprehending the overall dynamics of the race. Among these roles, the job of a “satellite rider” is particularly interesting and instrumental in shaping the course of a race. Here we will explore the functions of a satellite rider, explain their strategic value, and illuminate their impact on the race.

Tour de France Bicycles and Equipment History and Legends Races

Tour de France Winner Groupsets [Year by Year, from 1937 to 2024]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date July 21, 2024
9 Comments on Tour de France Winner Groupsets [Year by Year, from 1937 to 2024]

Tour de France winner groupsets: Tadej Pogačar wins the Tour de France 2024 using a Colnago equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace groupset

Tour de France is the world’s most popular and prestigious bicycle race. Wining “the Tour” is a great victory for cyclists, as well as groupset producers. Here are the Tour de France Winner Groupsets, since 1937, year by year (also the average speeds of each year’s winner).

Tags Gino Bartali, Simplex, Vittoria Margherita