1 minute read
INDOOR CYCLING
Prepare to be wowed by the audacious acrobatics of Artistic Cycling and the bicycle kicks of Cycle-ball
Artistic Cycling
Advertisement
Riders perform handstands on handlebars and ride their saddles like surfboards in spectacular feats of bravery, balletic balance and physical strength.
The rules are similar to gymnastics. Riders – solo, in pairs, or teams of four – have 5 minutes to string together a series of tricks set to the music of their choosing. A panel of judges scores each routine based on the variety of tricks (or ‘exercises’, as the judges call them), degree of difficulty and execution. Points are lost for incomplete attempts, mistakes, feet touching the floor and falls. The rider (or team) with the highest score wins.
CYCLE-BALL
In the beautiful game on bikes, riders must use their wheels to control, pass and strike the ball – no feet allowed. Played at pace with tackles flying in fast and incredible skills on show, the riders take bicycle kicks to a whole other level.
Tenacity and technique will be put to the test in two-aside 14-minute matches on a small rectangular court where the most goals wins. Possession is key, and the most skilled riders keep the ball glued to their wheels to avoid losing it to a well-timed tackle. Expect spectacular saves and two-wheeled worldies from the first whistle to the last.
RIDER TO WATCH RAMONA DANDL (GER)
With a silver medal already under her belt, the German artistic cyclist is aiming for gold at the Champs. Her superstar skills showcase feats of bravery and balance as she returns to wow this year’s audience.
Did you know?
Impress your pals with your cycling knowledge
Where It Began
Artistic Cycling was invented by circus artists in 1888 as a new way to show their acrobatic skills. Cycle-ball was first played in 1893.
Catch This
The ball is approx 17cm in diameter, weighs approximately 550 grams and is traditionally filled with horsehair!
The Bike
Known widely as ‘fixies’, fixed-gear bikes are the bike of choice for both Cycle-ball and Artistic Cycling. With no gears or brakes, they allow riders to go forwards, backwards, any which way they choose.
