Category: Races

Tour de France Explained for Newbies

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date July 5, 2025
4 Comments on Tour de France Explained for Newbies

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.

The Evolution of Chateau d’Ax-Salotti: A 1990 Season Retrospective

Post author By James Delgado
Post date May 4, 2025
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June 29, 1990 - Salotti - Chateau d'Ax Team Presentation at the Tour de France 1990. Pink and blue geometric splinter paint scheme bikes for every rider. (Image from www.sirotti.it)

Cycling has always been a sport of evolution and innovation, and the Chateau d’Ax-Salotti team exemplified this spirit during their remarkable 1990 season. This retrospective delves into the highlights of that transformative year, exploring the pivotal races, standout performances, and the enduring legacy of a team that left an indelible mark on the cycling world.

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

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.

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.

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 History and Legends Races

Col de Tourmalet [Amazing photo from the 1953 Tour de France]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date January 11, 2024
No Comments on Col de Tourmalet [Amazing photo from the 1953 Tour de France]

An amazing photo from the 1953 Tour de France: Atop the misty heights of the Col du Tourmalet, a legendary pass in the challenging Pyrenees, thousands of enthusiastic spectators eagerly gathered. Their anticipation reached a fever pitch as a group of cyclists burst into view, swiftly traversing the mountainous terrain.

Paris-Roubaix Classics History and Legends Races

Bernard Hinault and Francesco Moser, 1981 Paris-Roubaix

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date December 8, 2023
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Francesco Moser and Bernard Hinault during Paris-Roubaix 1981

A beautiful photo of the two cycling giants: Bernard Hinault and Francesco Moser, during the 1981 Paris-Roubaix. The photo was taken by Albert Van Donghe. Hinault won the race prevailing in front of former four times winner Roger De Vlaeminck and reigning triple winner Francesco Moser on a rainy and muddy day. Ironically, Paris-Roubaix was the race that Bernard Hinault hated the most and despite that, he managed to win with the world champion’s rainbow jersey on his back.

Cycling Climbs Races Vuelta a España

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

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date September 13, 2023
1 Comment on 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.

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]

French cycling terms: The Breakaway, Tête de la course, during the Tour de France 2015 — The Breakaway "Tête de la course" on Col D'Aspin during stage 11 of the Tour de France 2015. Image source: Deposit Photos

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.