Cycling history Archives

23AprApril 23, 2025

Threading the Yellow Line: The Evolution of the Tour de France Jersey, 1903 to Today

The Tour de France is more than a race—it's a cultural monument. And while the mountain passes, drama, and legends draw millions, nothing symbolizes the Tour quite like the maillot jaune: the iconic yellow jersey. But the story of the yellow jersey isn’t static. From wool to aerodynamic synthetics, from bare basics to sponsor-packed canvases, the jersey has evolved alongside the sport itself—mirroring changes in technology, style, and cycling culture. At Pulling Turns, we believe jerseys aren’t just clothing—they’re living history....

By adminCycling historytour de france, wool0 Comments

21AprApril 21, 2025

The Forgotten Tours: Exploring Cult Races Through Their Jerseys

When we think of cycling history, certain races loom large: the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, the Vuelta a España. These Grand Tours have shaped legends and inspired the most iconic kits in the sport. But beyond the famous climbs and yellow jerseys, there’s a deeper, richer tapestry of races—forgotten tours, cult classics, and regional showdowns—that left their mark in a different way. At Pulling Turns, we believe every jersey tells a story. And sometimes, the most fascinating ones come...

By adminCycling historydauphine libere, tour de romandie0 Comments

07AprApril 7, 2025

Dancing on the Cobbles: What It Takes to Conquer Paris-Roubaix

There’s nothing in cycling quite like Paris-Roubaix. Nicknamed “The Hell of the North,” this iconic race isn’t just a test of strength or tactics—it’s a brutal, bone-rattling battle against the road itself. Or rather, against the lack of road. While most races are fought on smooth tarmac, Paris-Roubaix throws in over 50 kilometers of pavé—ancient, jagged cobblestones laid down long before modern road construction was a thing. They look like the remains of a Roman road. They ride like a war...

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04AprApril 4, 2025

Exploring Tuscany’s Strade Bianche: A Cyclist’s Journey Through Time and Terrain

Tuscany's "Strade Bianche," or "white roads," are a network of unpaved gravel paths that weave through the region's rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval villages. These roads, characterized by their light-colored gravel, offer cyclists a unique blend of historical ambiance and challenging terrain. A Ride Through History The Strade Bianche have deep roots in Italian cycling lore. Historically, these roads were essential routes connecting rural communities, and they have remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Cycling on these paths evokes images of past...

By adminCycling historystrade bianche, tuscany0 Comments

31MarMarch 31, 2025

The Tour of Flanders: The Ultimate Belgian Cycling Monument

The Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) is one of the most prestigious and grueling one-day races in professional cycling. Held annually in Belgium, this race is a cornerstone of the Spring Classics and a true test of endurance, skill, and strategy.

The History of the Race

First held in 1913, the Tour of Flanders has grown into one of the five Monuments of cycling, alongside Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Giro di Lombardia. Known for its brutal cobbled climbs...

By adminCycling historymerckx, tour of flanders0 Comments

20MarMarch 20, 2025

Cyclists in the Resistance and the Front Lines: The Forgotten Heroes of World War II

During World War II, cycling was not just a sport—it became a means of survival, resistance, and even espionage. While Europe was engulfed in war, some of the world’s top cyclists put aside their racing ambitions to fight, resist, and even save lives. From smuggling messages to serving on the battlefield, these riders became unsung heroes.

Gino Bartali: The Secret Messenger

One of the most remarkable stories is that of Gino Bartali, an Italian cycling legend who used his fame...

By adminCycling historybartali, robic, vietto0 Comments

16MarMarch 16, 2025

The History Behind the Most Iconic Tour de France Jerseys

Since its first edition in 1903, the Tour de France has been the pinnacle of cycling, a legendary race where champions are made, and history is written. But beyond the epic climbs, breakaways, and sprint finishes, the jerseys worn by riders have become symbols of greatness. Each jersey tells a story—of triumph, perseverance, and cycling heritage. Let’s dive into the history behind the most iconic jerseys of the Tour de France.

1. The Maillot Jaune – The Yellow Jersey of...

By adminCycling historyiconi, jerseys, tour de france0 Comments

05MarMarch 5, 2025

The Story Behind the Peugeot Cycling Team Kit

Some cycling jerseys are more than just fabric—they are symbols of an era, a legacy worn by legends. Among them, few are as timeless and recognizable as the Peugeot cycling team kit. With its black-and-white checkerboard design, the jersey became one of the most iconic looks in the sport, worn by some of the greatest cyclists in history.

A Jersey Born from Tradition (1901 – The Early Years)

The Peugeot cycling team is one of the oldest and most successful...

By adminCycling historymerckx, peugeot, simpson, thevenet0 Comments

03MarMarch 3, 2025

Famous Cyclists and Their Signature Looks

Cycling is more than just a sport—it’s a spectacle, a blend of endurance, strategy, and unmistakable style. Throughout history, certain cyclists have left their mark not only with their performances but also with their iconic looks. Their jerseys, accessories, and unique fashion choices have become symbols of entire eras, inspiring generations of fans and riders.

Eddy Merckx – The Molteni Orange Powerhouse

No name in cycling carries as much weight as Eddy Merckx, and his Molteni Arcore jersey is just as...

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26FebFebruary 26, 2025

Memorable Climbs and Key Stages of Paris-Nice: The Legendary Battles on the Road to the Sun

Paris-Nice, known as the "Race to the Sun," has long been a battleground for some of the greatest cyclists in history. This early-season stage race, held every March, has shaped champions and delivered unforgettable moments. Among the many challenges along the route, several climbs have played decisive roles in the race’s outcome. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic ascents and key stages that have defined Paris-Nice over the years.

Col d’Èze: The Final Test...

By adminCycling historyparis nice, sean kelly0 Comments