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2008 Olympics>Previews
UPDATED: August-7-2008  
Cycling
 

Origin

Bicycles were first developed in the mid-18th century and have long since been used as a form of transport. Originally, the front wheel was much larger than the rear wheel, and the rider was elevated a great deal, thus making the bike difficult to control and therefore very dangerous. In 1885, J.K. Starley of England devised the more modern bike with a chain and gearing that allowed the wheels to be of equal size. Although bicycle races had been held on the old "penny farthings", the new bikes stimulated the growth of bicycle racing as a sport.

From 1880 to 1900, cycling became immensely popular both in Europe and the United States. The sport was primarily a professional one at that time. The sport continues its grip on the European continent to this day, but bicycle racing ceased to be a popular sport at about the time of the depression in the United States. Only the American Olympic victories at Los Angeles in 1984 and the recent Tour de France exploits of Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong have again stimulated interest in the United States.

(BOCOG)

Preview for Team China

Due to the fact that the women's 500m time trial, an advantageous event for the Chinese cyclists in the past, is to be replaced by bicycle motor cross (BMX) at this year's Olympics, the Chinese cycling team have pinned their hopes on the cycling track and mountain bike events. Guo Shuang, Gold medallist of the 500m time trial and sprint at the Doha Asian Games, has taken the lead in China's national team, and hopes are high that she will take gold.

(Source: Xinhua)

 


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