Latest news with #TourdeFrance
SBS Australia
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
Stage 19 - Winning Moment - Giro d'Italia 2025
The SBS Cycling Podcast is a punchy podcast covering the world of professional cycling, coming to you during the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España.
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
This City Was Just Named Most Bike-friendly in the U.S.—and Its Most Popular Routes Are Scenic and Peaceful
Sometimes, the best way to get to know a new destination is by hitting its streets on two wheels. We're, of course, talking about taking a cycling journey. Whether cruising in the slow lane or passing people on a road bike like you're in contention for the Tour de France, getting to see the world on a bike is a special experience. But there are some destinations that are just a little bit better than others for this kind of adventure. In late 2024, buycycle, a marketplace for pre-owned premium bikes, shared the results of its study looking into the best cycling cities in the U.S. for 2025. It came to its conclusion after analyzing cycling destinations across major U.S. cities with populations over 300,000 based on the PeopleForBikes City Ratings 2024 report. That report assessed the SPRINT score, which broke down factors like "safe speeds, protected bike lanes, intersection treatments, network connections, and trusted data," according to buycycle. It then used those ratings and Google Search Volume data from Nov. 1, 2023, to Oct. 31, 2024, for cycling-related queries to rank the top 10 city cycling destinations. And after all that work, it named Portland, Oregon as No. 1. "The city of Roses, Portland, is a cyclist's paradise, offering a blend of scenic routes and bike-friendly culture," the team explained, noting the city earned a SPRINT score of 59. "The city boasts an extensive network of bike lanes, making it easy for riders to navigate through the vibrant neighborhoods." It added that some of the city's most popular routes include scenic rides along the Willamette River and peaceful escapes in Forest Park. "Portland's commitment to sustainability and its active cycling community make it a top destination for both daily cyclists and avid riders alike," it added. Joining Portland on the list is New York City, which took home second place and scored high marks thanks to the paths in Central Park and rides along the Hudson River Greenway. It's followed by San Francisco, which buycycle noted is "known for its steep hills, scenic waterfront, and famous landmarks," which offers a "one-of-a-kind cycling experience." Denver, Colorado, and Minneapolis, Minnesota round out the top five, offering diverse landscapes all their own. See the full list, along with route recommendations, at
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Tour de France breaks with 50-year-old tradition and raises safety concerns
PARIS (AP) — Breaking with tradition at the Tour de France is stirring controversy. Since race organizers announced plans last week to climb the iconic Montmartre hill in Paris during the final stage in July, the cycling world has been abuzz. Could the climb actually decide the Tour winner? Or disrupt the final sprint by injecting tactical uncertainty into what is usually a celebratory day? Well, that remains to be seen. But one thing seems certain: The stage will be a spectacle. At last year's Olympics, massive crowds lined the streets of Montmartre — the area in the northern part of Paris that is popular among artists and offers grand vistas of the city — to cheer on riders. Inspired by the frenetic atmosphere and willing to build on the momentum, Tour organizers said this month that riders competing in cycling's biggest race this summer would climb the Montmartre hill and pass beneath the Sacré-Coeur basilica before 'battling it out on a stage that may break from the traditions established over the past 50 years in the heart of the capital.' Traditionally, the Tour final stage is largely processional until a sprint decides the day's winner on the Champs-Élysées. Last year's final stage was held outside Paris for the first time since 1905 because of a clash with the Olympics, moving instead to Nice. The world famous avenue is back on the program this year for the conclusion of the 3,320-kilometer (2,060-mile) race. The inclusion of the steep Montmartre climb could dramatically change the dynamics of the stage. If the hill features just a few kilometers from the finish line, or is climbed several times, pure sprinters will likely be dropped before they can compete for the stage win. And if the general classification remains tight ahead of the final stage, the yellow jersey itself could be decided in Paris. Riders not happy Full details of the route will be presented at a news conference on Wednesday. With a peloton roughly twice as big as it was at the Olympics, organizers are working with Paris authorities and the Prefecture of police to ensure the security of the race on the narrow and cobbled streets of the area. But some top riders have already expressed their lack of enthusiasm about the addition. 'Montmartre was nice to do in the Olympics, it seemed good, a lot of people, a really good atmosphere,' two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard told reporters this week. 'But when they came to the Montmartre, there was only 15 riders left in the bunch. And when we do the Tour de France, there will be 150 guys fighting for positions on a very narrow climb. It could end up being more stress than they want to have.' Even Remco Evenepoel, who won the Olympic men's road race in Paris last year and the gold medal in the time trial, is also opposed to the idea. 'There will be enough battle for positioning in the first week of the Tour,' he told sports media Sporza. 'With Montmartre added, that would mean we have to do the same on the last day. We will be tired enough by then.' Evenepoel also lamented the fact that sprinters would be robbed of a rare chance to claim a prestigious win on the world famous avenue. 'They get a big chance every year to sprint for a stage win on the Champs-Elysées,' he said. 'That chance is then taken away from them. In my opinion, Montmartre is an unnecessary obstacle.' Marc Madiot, who manages the Groupama-FDJ team, said bad weather on the final day could make the stage more treacherous. 'Imagine a slight rain in Paris; it's not going to be easy for the riders,' he told RMC Radio. 'Do we want a show? Do we want to visit Paris? Do we want to commemorate the Olympics? If we expect a real race, we could be disappointed. And if we do get a real race, we put everything that has happened in the last three weeks in jeopardy.' The Tour starts from the northern city of Lille on July 5, and the women's race kicks off on July 26 from the Brittany town of Vannes.
SBS Australia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
Stage 18 - Winning Moment - Giro d'Italia 2025
The SBS Cycling Podcast is a punchy podcast covering the world of professional cycling, coming to you during the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España.
ITV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- ITV News
Isle of Man raceway renamed in honour of cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish
Sporting legend Sir Mark Cavendish will return to the Isle of Man raceway where he "fell in love with cycling" as a young boy to see it renamed in his honour. Children from every school on the island have been invited to attend the launch of the Sir Mark Cavendish Raceway at the National Sports Centre in Douglas — the culmination of a community project involving thousands of young people. The Manx Missile said: 'I fell in love with cycling right here. It's where it all began for me, so it's a very special place. I am deeply moved by the thought and detail that has gone into every element." One of the most decorated riders, Sir Mark turned professional at 18 and claimed 165 career wins, including a record 35 Tour de France stage victories. Schoolchildren and members of Sir Mark's former cycling club will have the chance to watch him complete a timed 'hot lap' of the 1km circuit, before joining him for a special ride-out lap. A giant artwork featuring the names of hundreds of pupils will also be unveiled, alongside a new podium, custom finish line, and permanent signage. At the heart of the display is an inspirational quote: "I dreamt of being like my heroes." This powerful message, drawn from Sir Mark's own reflections before childhood races, inspired the entire project. Children have played a creative role throughout — nominating their own heroes, designing banners, and submitting questions for Sir Mark. Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: 'This exciting project shows that with belief and determination, anything is possible. Sir Mark is a fantastic role model, and young people are truly at the heart of this — just as he wished.' The launch event will take place from 10:15am to midday on Friday, 27 June.
