Epic Types Of Cycling Sports From Downhill To BMX

Even though cycling has had various roles since its invention, we mostly use it for sporting activities today. After its prototype in the 19th century, it gradually turned into its present form. Its one-wheel version is called a monocycle, and its three-wheel version is called a tricycle. There are several epic types of cycling sports, and with the rapid technological changes nowadays, it will probably continue to expand!

The History Of Cycling

The beginnings of cycling point back to ancient times. According to Chinese sources, similar structures to the ancestor of the bicycle had been used two thousand years earlier. Herodotus also mentioned two-wheeled machines used by the Arabs to send messages. Plutarch also mentions them in his work, claiming that messengers used similar vehicles during military operations. The memory of the ancient device slowly became forgotten, although Leonardo da Vinci was also preoccupied with the idea. 

Then, Karl Drais began to execute his idea, and in 1817 he presented his two-wheeled invention, which had a handlebar and a saddle. However, there was no one who supported his ideas at first. It was not until 1819 that they recognized his work and started to produce the vehicles. Over time, the bicycle went through several stages of development until it reached its present form. The International Cycling Federation was formed in 1893, then became the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) in 1900. 

The first cycling race took place in 1868, and the most famous and prestigious road cycling race today, the Tour de France, was first held in 1903. They organize annual World and European Championships in all cycling types. The first World Bike Championships were held in Chicago in 1893, and the first UCI Road World Championships took place in 1921 in Copenhagen. At the Munich Olympics in 1972, cycling competitions were also considered world championships. As time went by, bicycles became the center of many epic types of cycling sports!

Epic Types Of Cycling Sports

Thanks to technical development, more and more epic types of cycling sports emerged. The lighter structure and the well-equipped vehicles made it possible to compete in complicated terrains. That is how cyclocross, marathon cross, downhill, and trial sports could be born. Since cycling is one of the most health-supporting sports, doctors recommend it for all genders and ages, and since there are so many types, everyone will find one that suits them. 

All forms of cycling move the entire body, placing less strain on the joints, like running, where they have to bear the weight of the body. The construction of innovative bicycles and, of course, the invention of adjusting them to different terrain conditions and speeds allowed our bodies to enjoy the sport freely without unnecessary strain, even in a forest or on a mountain. There are single and team categories. For example, an individual race is a downhill competition, where participants have to conquer lots of obstacles from the top of the mountain to the bottom. Then, there is the team version, where cyclists take turns during the distance.  

The Oldest Cycling Sport

The oldest competitive sport is road cycling, and its best-known race is the Tour de France. They organize races according to whether the competitors start at the same time or one after the other has to complete a pre-determined distance or do a certain number of laps on a street track. Of course, they run time trials as well, where the winner is who completes the distance in the shortest amount of time. For this, they use special aerodynamic jerseys, bicycles, and helmets. 

A special tool for one of the epic types of cycling sports, which is road racing, is the road bike. Every detail of the vehicle is designed to be fast. It has a light frame and thin wheels, but even the handlebar and the hunched posture of the rider allow the athletes to race with as little air resistance as possible, reaching speeds of up to 55 km / h in a race. You can check out the next Tour De France race between July 1st and 24th and the participants’ odds at 22Bet Sportsbook!

Track Cycling

It developed from road cycling but cycling track racing has become an independent sport in terms of equipment, purpose, and sight. Interestingly, the concrete or hardwood track, velodrome, is not flat but has an angle between 15 to 47 degrees. The track racing bikes are also quite unique, as they have no brakes or derailleurs, but they are very light.

The subgroups of the track races are sprint and endurance races, which exist in both individual and team categories. Of course, sprint races are about covering the distance in the shortest time, but there are also unique types like the keirin. In this race, motorbikes escort the riders almost all the way, and they are only allowed to sprint in the last 600 meters. Endurance races include flying laps, individual pursuit, knockout races, etc. You can find the whole list at online sportsbook sites in France!

Epic Types of Cycling Sports

Many types of off-road cycling have developed, and several are pretty new. Cyclocross cycling is a cross-country race, meaning that the distance the athletes have to cover has characteristics that make it necessary to frequently dismount and even lift and carry their bikes. There are both natural and built obstacles in the race. Of course, there are outside factors too, like the weather conditions, such as snow, mud, etc.

Riders with mountain bike bicycles participate in competitions of various lengths and terrain difficulties, such as XCO and XCM. The difference lies in the distances, but level differences and natural obstacles are in every race. Skills are specifically tested by the two types where participants roll down a slope during the entire competition.  Here are some cycling betting tips from real professionals!

The 4X is a knockout race where four bikers ride on the track at once, featuring bumps and sharp curves. It depends only on the skills of the competitors how fast they can overcome the complex track down the hill during a DH, downhill race. These epic types of cycling sports are pretty dangerous extreme sports. You can find news and videos about brilliant jumps and terrible accidents at online sportsbook sites in France!

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Competitions of Skills

Classic BMX cycling is a cross between off-road and skill-racing. The race takes place on a track that has tough elements, requiring tricks. The goal is to show speed and also skills. The BMX street version already focuses on obstacles, where riders perform tricks on every surface they can find. In trial races, the goal is to keep the cyclist’s feet off the ground and not step out of the BMX course. 

They have to go through built obstacles or try to keep their balance in various circumstances. Indoor bikers have two categories: artistic indoor cycling and cycle-ball. The former combines the characteristics of gymnastics and cycling, displaying varying postures and movements on the bike to perform the moves on an artistic level. Cycle-ball players have to kick the soccer ball with their wheels indoors. All of these epic types of cycling sports are spectacular! You can look up the upcoming BMX and cycle-ball events at 22Bet Sportsbook!