For most of us, cycling is a distant, even obscure sport. We know very little, if anything, about it. While a bicycle is a familiar object, one we learn to ride as children and continue to enjoy time on as adults, it is not often one we associate with athletic activity. Super athlete Lance Armstrong has brought some attention to the sport in recent years with his superior performance at the Tour de France and other cycling events. Nevertheless, it remains low on the radar of most sports fans around the world.
The lack of attention paid to cycling does not reflect a lack of importance or deserving. In fact, the sport is extremely interesting to follow and truly beneficial to practice.
Cycling was originally created, of course, as a form of getting from one place to another more than anything. While it remains both a transportation and recreational activity, it is becoming increasingly valued as a sport on a competitive level.
The earliest races took place in the 19th century, with large races becoming popular in the 1890s curing the “Golden Age of Cycling” in Europe. In fact, cycling was a quite popular sport until the mid-20th century. Today, cycling is largely known for the Tour de France, which started in 1903. It is featured in the Olympics, giving viewers another chance to experience it. Beyond these two events, however, it is a minority sport.
There are many different types of races and competitions. Events may last for minutes, hours and even days, and competition may be individual or team. Mountain biking has become increasingly popular in recent years (even being included as an Olympic sport), as have road racing and indoor dome competition.
Nowadays, cycling is moving beyond the world of professional racers and becoming popular among a wide array of amateur athletes and sports enthusiasts. It is an excellent way to spice up a cardio work-out.
The sport offers tons of benefits, just like most physical activity. It is linked to improved physical and mental health.
Like running, cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness. It benefits the legs, buttocks and abdomen among other parts of the body while getting heart rates up to burn calories and to lose fat. Easier on the joints than impact sports, cycling is a great cardio alternative for those with arthritis or past sports injuries. Because it is generally practiced sitting down, it is an activity within reach of all.
This sport can be practiced both indoors in gyms and in increasingly popular spinning classes. Outside, the options are endless. Cycling is a relaxing and beneficial activity ideal for a weekend afternoon.
If you don’t know much about cycling yet, it may be time to start doing some research. Check your TV Guide to find out when an event will be featured on ESPN or another sports channel, and head to your local bike shop to see what equipment it has to offer. You may be surprised to find out how much you enjoy this lesser-known sport.
Damian Papworth enjoys cycling, both as a leisure activity and in weekend competition. He understands how crucial hydration in the sport is so he launched the Cycling Water Bottle website. You can visit it at http://cyclingwaterbottleshop.com
