Pedal Vehicle Sports

Cycling (Road, Mountain, and Track) Cycling is a dynamic and versatile sport that comes in various forms, such as road cycling, mountain biking, and track cycling. Each discipline involves riding bicycles but in distinct environments and with different goals: Cyclocross Cyclocross (CX) is a form of bicycle racing that combines elements of road cycling, mountain biking, and cross-country running. Races typically occur in autumn and winter (September to February in the Northern Hemisphere) on short, technical courses (2.5–3.5 km or 1.5–2 miles) featuring varied terrain like pavement, grass, mud, sand, steep hills, and obstacles. Riders must dismount and carry their bikes over barriers or unrideable sections, making it a test of endurance, bike-handling skills, and agility. Races last 40–60 minutes for senior categories, with laps completed within that time. Gravel Cycling Gravel cycling is a form of cycling that combines elements of road biking, mountain biking, and adventure riding, typically performed on gravel roads, dirt paths, and mixed terrain. It emphasizes versatility, endurance, and exploration, appealing to cyclists who enjoy both challenging surfaces and scenic, off-the-beaten-path routes. BMX (Bicycle Motocross) BMX, or Bicycle Motocross, is a cycling sport that involves racing or performing tricks on specialized, small-framed bicycles with 20-inch wheels. Originating in the 1970s in California, BMX draws inspiration from motocross, featuring high-energy, fast-paced competition. It is divided into two main disciplines: Recumbent Biking Recumbent cycling is a form of cycling where riders use recumbent bicycles, which position the rider in a reclined or semi-reclined seated posture with legs extended forward, unlike the upright position of traditional bicycles. This design prioritizes comfort, aerodynamics, and reduced strain on the body, making it popular for long-distance touring, commuting, and riders with specific physical needs. Handcycling Handcycling is a form of cycling where athletes use their arms and upper body to propel a three-wheeled, hand-powered cycle, known as a handcycle. It is primarily designed for individuals with lower limb disabilities, such as paraplegia, amputations, or mobility impairments, but is also enjoyed by able-bodied athletes for its unique physical challenge. Handcycling combines elements of cycling, strength training, and endurance, and is recognized as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport. Unicycle Sports Unicycle sports encompass a variety of competitive and recreational activities performed on a unicycle, a single-wheeled vehicle powered by pedaling. Unlike traditional cycling, unicycling requires exceptional balance, core strength, and coordination, as riders must maintain stability without handlebars or additional wheels. Unicycle sports range from artistic performances to high-speed races and team-based games, appealing to a diverse community of enthusiasts. Velomobile Racing Velomobile racing is a competitive sport where athletes race human-powered, enclosed recumbent tricycles or bicycles, known as velomobiles, designed for aerodynamic efficiency and speed. These “bicycle cars” feature streamlined fairings (typically made of carbon fiber or fiberglass) that reduce air resistance, allowing riders to achieve higher speeds than traditional bicycles. Velomobile racing emphasizes endurance, speed, and tactical riding, often over long distances or in time trials, and is part of the broader human-powered vehicle (HPV) racing community.