Cyclists are the individuals who are engaged in cycling as a sport. When considered a sport, bicycle racing consists of various categories of racing such as road bicycle racing, cyclo-cross, time trialling, track cycling, mountain bike racing and cycle speedway. Bicycle racing is an Olympic sport and is popular in several countries, especially in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. It is also a Summer Paralympic sport. International competitive cycling events are governed by the Union Cycliste Internationale. Bicycle racing as a sport is of relatively recent origins and developed during the later part of the 19th century. Riding a bicycle competitively is very challenging. Add to that the fact that bicycle racing is not as glamorous as other sports like football or basketball. Professional cyclists follow a rigorous training regime that includes several miles of cycling and endurance training sessions at the gym. They also engage in exercises such as running and hiking. Cyclists have to consume a disciplined diet that is rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Cycling is one of the most physiologically demanding sports and cyclists need endurance, speed, technique and skills to excel in this field. Read on to learn about the life and works of various famous cyclists from all over the world.
Lance Armstrong became one of the most inspirational stories after he survived cancer and went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France races from 1999 to 2005. He was considered one of the greatest road racing cyclists ever before he was stripped of all of his achievements starting from August 1998 due to his involvement in a doping scandal.
