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.

Races

Do professional cyclists enjoy the views during the race? [Explained]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date July 17, 2023
No Comments on Do professional cyclists enjoy the views during the race? [Explained]

The Peloton and view of mountains - Tour de France 2015 — The peloton climbing the road to Col D'Aspin, a harsh climb in Pyrenees Mountains during the stage 11 of Le Tour de France 2015. Are they enjoying the views? I don't think so. Image source: Deposit Photos

Cycling is often associated with nature, tranquility, beautiful views, and the open road. But when it comes to professional cycling, the narrative changes significantly. The typical imagery of a cyclist pedaling through serene landscapes with the time and mind to appreciate the surrounding beauty isn’t always the reality, especially during competitive races. The experience, as described by professional cyclists, is akin to being in a high-speed, tactical battlefield, and less about appreciating nature’s aesthetics.

Here’s why cyclists ride in a big bunch [peloton explained]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date July 17, 2023
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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

Professional road cycling is an intriguing mix of individual grit, team strategy, and a meticulous understanding of aerodynamics. Central to these elements is the formation known as the “peloton,” a French term meaning ‘platoon’ or ‘pack.’ It usually translates into English as the “main bunch”. In cycling, the peloton is the large group of cyclists bunched together, a spectacle familiar to fans of races like the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, or the Vuelta d’España. But the peloton is more than a visual spectacle; it’s a dynamic, energy-saving tactic critical to race success.

Cycling Glossary Races

What is a domestique in cycling? [Explained]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date July 6, 2023
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Sepp Kuss, a key domestique from Team Jumbo-Visma, powerfully leading the way for his team leader, Jonas Vingegaard, during the challenging Stage 5 of the Tour de France 2023. A testament to the invaluable role of teamwork in professional cycling.

A domestique 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.

Races Cycling Glossary

What is the “Washing Machine Effect” in cycling? [Explained]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date June 6, 2023
No Comments on What is the “Washing Machine Effect” in cycling? [Explained]

Image source: Tour de France 2017, Champs-Elysées on Deposit Photos

The “Washing Machine Effect” is a term used in cycling circles to illustrate the intense and dynamic nature of a bicycle race, specifically within the main group of riders known as the peloton. This phenomenon encapsulates the rapid shifts in positioning, abrupt changes in speed, and sudden strategy alterations that lead to a turbulent, swirling effect, just like clothes in a washing machine. Understanding the intricacies of this effect is key to comprehending the strategic complexities inherent in professional cycling.

Training and Nutrition

With greenteg’s CALERA technology, athletes can get accurate core body temperature monitoring on the wrist

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date March 31, 2023
No Comments on With greenteg’s CALERA technology, athletes can get accurate core body temperature monitoring on the wrist

greenteg CALERA technology develops the most accurate sport wrist algorithm that gives athletes more convenience in measuring core body temperature. — greenteg's CALERA® technology develops the most accurate sport wrist algorithm that gives athletes more convenience in measuring core body temperature.

greenteg’s CALERA® technology develops the most accurate sport wrist algorithm that gives athletes more convenience in measuring core body temperature.

Bicycles and Equipment History and Legends

Dura-Ace History [1973-2023]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date January 31, 2023
13 Comments on Dura-Ace History [1973-2023]

Dura-Ace is the admiral ship of Shimano, the Japanese (now multinational) manufacturer of cycling components (and some other things like fishing tackle and rowing equipment). Here is a brief history of the Shimano Dura-Ace.

Tags Giro d'Italia 1988

Cycling Climbs History and Legends Races Tour de France

Top 200 fastest climbs on the Alpe d’Huez [All-time list] [2022 update]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date July 20, 2022
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Marco Pantani on Alpe d'Huez, Tour de France 1997.

L’Alpe d’Huez is a ski resort at 1,250 to 3,330 meters (4,100 to 10,930 ft) in the Central French Western Alps, in the commune of Huez. The maximum elevation of the legendary climb is 1,815 meters (5,955 feet). The climb is used regularly in the Tour de France, including twice on the same day in 2013. Despite it is certainly not the toughest climb in the French Alps and in Europe, it is one of the most iconic climbs of the Tour de France. Here are the top 200 fastest climbs on the Alpe d’Huez.

Tour de France Races

Mother in polka-dot jersey on a road bike pulling her kid uphill

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date July 10, 2022
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A Mother in polka-dot jersey on a Cannondale road bike pulling her kid uphill before a Tour de France 2022 is the best thing you’ve seen today.

Cycling Wear & Shoes Races Tour de France

Tour De France Launches New “Maillot Jaune” Brand

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date June 10, 2022
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Maillot Jaune, Tour de France & Santini — Maillot Jaune is a special collection that celebrates the uniqueness of the Tour de France, developed by Santini to offer cyclists a range of minimalist technical cycling wear.

A special collection that celebrates the uniqueness of the Tour de France, developed by Santini to offer cyclists a range of minimalist technical cycling wear from the exclusive new “Maillot Jaune” brand.

Triathlon Cycling Wear & Shoes

Santini X IRONMAN: the new co-brand collection developed with pro triathletes

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date June 9, 2022
No Comments on Santini X IRONMAN: the new co-brand collection developed with pro triathletes

Santini continues evolving its triathlon expertise with a new collection comprising the Aahonui and Ika Ika lines, featuring the instantly recognizable M-Dot logo: Santini X IRONMAN is designed especially for athletes tackling the toughest of all triathlon events.