Cycling

Cycling is popular all over the world, especially in Europe. The most competitive and devoted countries are generally thought to be Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, although the United States also have a high international standing, and many countries the world over do well in certain disciplines.

In bicycle racing, sports bicycles are used in a competitive way, most often in trials of speed. There are two types of bicycle: recumbent (which hold world speed records) and diamond frames which are faster up hills.

Bicycle racing consists of many on-road, off-raod and track events including road cycling, BMX racing, cyclo-cross, track cycling, mountain biking and cycle speedway.

Bike trials is a sport where riders navigate natural and man-made obstacles without putting down their foot, or "dabbing"; it is similar to motorcycle trials. Points are awarded for bike handling skills, and as such there is a lot of overlap with BMX racing.