Cycling history

The Most Iconic Maglia Rosa in Giro d’Italia History

Few garments in sport are as iconic as the Maglia Rosa – the pink jersey worn by the leader of the Giro d’Italia. Since its introduction in 1931, the jersey has come to symbolize not just leadership, but also legacy, elegance, and Italian cycling heritage. While many editions of the jersey have captivated fans, one design in particular stands out as the most beloved and emblematic: the 1998 Maglia Rosa, worn by Marco Pantani.

Why the 1998 Maglia Rosa...

Read more...

Through the Blizzard: Bernard Hinault’s Legendary Triumph at the 1980 Liège–Bastogne–Liège

When cycling fans talk about the most heroic performances ever witnessed on two wheels, the 1980 edition of Liège–Bastogne–Liège — known as La Doyenne ("the oldest") — always comes up. It was more than just a race; it was a battle against the elements, a brutal epic that turned into the stuff of legend thanks to one man: Bernard Hinault. On April 20, 1980, the Ardennes were battered by an unrelenting snowstorm. Out of the 174 riders who started, only 21...

Read more...

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....

Read more...

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...

Read more...

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...

Read more...

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...

Read more...

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...

Read more...

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...

Read more...

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...

Read more...

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...

Read more...