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Cycling Climbs Races Vuelta a España

Alto de l’Angliru: the hardest climb in cycling’s Grand Tours

Alto de l’Angliru, also known as La Gamonal is a very steep mountain road in Asturias, near La Vega-Riosa, in northern Spain. Dubbed as the “hardest climb in the Vuelta a España“, where it is often used, the Angliru is considered one of the most demanding climbs in professional road bicycle racing.

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Tour de France Cycling Glossary Races

Arrière du peloton, Tête de la course, and other terms you see on the screen while watching the Tour de France [Explained]

As the peloton breezes through quaint villages and over breathtaking mountains, the Tour de France offers a captivating spectacle. Yet, for the uninitiated, the screen is filled with French phrases like “Arrière du peloton” and “Tête de la course”, which can leave viewers puzzled. These terms not only add a dash of cultural flavor but also narrate an intriguing commentary on strategies and endurance. In this article, we’ll unravel the meaning of these French phrases commonly used during the Tour, providing an insider’s view into the drama, tactics, and fierce competition that characterize this iconic cycling race. You’ll soon find these terms as engaging as the race itself, painting a vivid picture of the unfolding athletic saga.

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Cycling Glossary Races

What is a Puncheur in Cycling? [Explained]

The world of cycling is as diverse as it is exhilarating, with athletes mastering unique specialties to make their mark in the peloton. Among them is the puncheur, a rider perfectly suited for rolling terrains and short, steep climbs. The term puncheur, translating from French as “puncher,” captures their explosive energy and aggressive racing style. So, what exactly makes a puncheur stand out? What are their key attributes, and why are they so crucial to the dynamic world of road cycling? Let’s take a closer look.

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Races Cycling Glossary

What is Grupetto in cycling? [Autobus explained]

Beneath the exhilarating thrill of professional cycling lie layers of strategy and camaraderie that are often overlooked by the casual observer. One such example is the phenomenon of the Grupetto, also known as the Autobus. Stemming from Italian origins, the term Grupetto literally translates to a “small group,” while Autobus denotes a vehicle carrying many passengers. Both these names point to Grupetto’s fundamental purpose in the world of competitive cycling: a collective effort toward survival.

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Races

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

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.

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Cycling Glossary Cycling Tips Races

Here’s Why Cyclists Ride in a Big Bunch [Peloton Explained]

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.

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Races Cycling Glossary

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

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.

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Cycling Climbs History and Legends Races Tour de France

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

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.

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Tour de France Races

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

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.

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Cycling Wear & Shoes Races Tour de France

Tour De France Launches New “Maillot Jaune” Brand

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.