What Is a Stage Race? A Beginner’s Guide to Pro Cycling
A stage race is decided by cumulative time across 21 stages — not most stage wins. This beginner's guide explains how the Tour de France…
Pro Cycling Explained
Beginner-friendly guides explaining how professional cycling works — race formats, rules, tactics, and terminology.
Pro Cycling Explained — 10 articles, latest: What Is a Stage Race? A Beginner’s Guide to Pro Cycling
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What Is a Stage Race? A Beginner’s Guide to Pro Cycling
A stage race is decided by cumulative time across 21 stages — not most stage wins. This beginner's guide explains how the Tour de France works, what each jersey means,…
Articles in Pro Cycling Explained (latest from April 2026)
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How Does a Time Trial Work in a Stage Race?
A time trial is cycling's race of truth — each rider races alone against the clock, no drafting allowed. Learn how TT stages work, why…
What Is the King of the Mountains Jersey and How Is It Scored?
The Tour de France King of the Mountains polka dot jersey is awarded on a 5-category points system. HC climbs give 20 pts (40 at…
How Is the Points Jersey (Green Jersey) Awarded in the Tour de France?
The Tour de France green jersey points system awards 50 pts for a flat stage win down to 20 for mountains. Learn the exact points…
What Are Bonification Seconds and How Do They Change a Race?
Bonification seconds are time deducted from a rider's total for stage wins and sprint bonuses. In four Tours, Pogačar collected 3:19 in bonus seconds —…
How Does Drafting Work in the Peloton?
Drafting in a cycling peloton cuts aerodynamic drag by up to 95%. Learn the science behind why pro cyclists ride in tight groups — and…
What Is the Difference Between a Grand Tour and a Classic Monument?
Grand Tours are three-week stage races; Monuments are one-day classics spanning 240–300 km. Here's how they differ, why specialists rarely win both, and who holds…
What Is a Domestique in Pro Cycling and What Do They Actually Do?
A domestique is a pro cyclist whose job is to support a team leader rather than win. Here's what they do on race day, how…
What Do the Tour de France Jersey Colors Mean? All 4 Explained
The Tour de France runs four jersey competitions simultaneously. Here's what the yellow, green, polka dot, and white jerseys mean, how each is earned, and…
How the Tour de France General Classification Works
The Tour de France general classification ranks 176 riders by cumulative time over 21 stages. Learn how the yellow jersey is decided, how bonus seconds…
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