Cycling News This Week: UCI Bans, Subscription Woes, and a Tour de Force!

This week has been a mixed bag for cycling enthusiasts. From regulatory changes to subscription squabbles and inspiring challenges, here’s a digest of the news that matters.

UCI Cracks Down on Carbon Monoxide Doping

In a move to protect rider health, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has officially banned the repeated inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO). While CO is sometimes used in sports medicine to measure haemoglobin mass and blood volume, its misuse can lead to serious health problems. The new regulations, which come into force on 10 February 2025, still permit a single CO inhalation for legitimate testing purposes, or a second one after a two-week interval. It seems some riders have been pushing the boundaries in search of performance gains, but the UCI is putting its foot down.

Subscription Costs Cause Uproar

British cycling fans are up in arms over Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to close Eurosport and shift coverage to TNT Sports, accompanied by a hefty price hike. The move has been met with widespread criticism, with many feeling exploited by the sudden increase in subscription costs.

• Half-Price Offer: In an attempt to appease disgruntled fans, Warner Bros. Discovery is offering a seven-month deal at £15.49 a month to those who cancelled their Eurosport subscriptions. However, the price then jumps to £30.99 a month, leaving many feeling short-changed.
• Fan Fury: Many fans are unimpressed with the offer, with some threatening to report Warner Bros. Discovery to the UK market regulator for "abuse of monopoly" and "price gouging". The sentiment is clear: cycling fans are not happy about having to pay significantly more to watch the sport they love.
• VPN solution: Some fans are considering using a VPN to subscribe via another country.

Courier Firm Zedify in Administration

In less positive news, Zedify, Britain’s largest cycle courier firm, has entered administration, leading to the loss of over 100 jobs. The company, which operated a zero-emission, last-mile delivery model using cargo bikes, was considered a pioneer in the logistics market. Administrators are now seeking buyers for the business and its assets.

Bretagne Ladies Tour Cancellation

The Bretagne Ladies Tour has been cancelled because of a budget shortfall. Race organiser Loïc Déniel said that they were short 37,000 euros. The organisers are already working on the 2026 edition.

BEAT Cycling Team Take the Train

On a more positive note, BEAT Cycling, a Dutch UCI Continental squad, travelled by train to their recent training camp in Girona, Spain. Twan van Schie, the team’s sustainability manager, is calling on other squads to do more to cut carbon emissions. Van Schie said that more sustainable ways of travel do exist and are easily accessible.

Inspirational Feat: Amy Hudson to Ride the Entire Tour de France Route

Amy Hudson, known as ‘Amy Cycling Adventures’ on Instagram, is planning an epic adventure: riding the entire 6,300km route of the 2025 Tour de France, including all the transfers between stages. The 28-year-old will start in Lille on 27 June, a week before the men’s race, and aims to reach Paris on 26 July. She will average 225km a day, with only two rest days. Inspired by Lachlan Morton’s ‘Alt-Tour’ in 2021, Hudson is determined to complete this challenge to show that "no matter how hard life gets, don’t give up". She will be accompanied by her husband in a van, and is preparing for the nutrition and the heat.

New Unique, Comfortable Unisex Organic Cotton Cycling T-shirts Added to the Just Cycling Gift Store

At Just Cycling, we are excited to announce the addition of the new unique, comfortable unisex organic cotton cycling t-shirts to our gift store. These t-shirts are perfect for those who love cycling and want to look great while off the bike too! Our t-shirts are not only stylish but also eco-friendly and made with the highest quality materials. 

Firstly, here’s our Bikes, Beer, Banter - Unique, Comfortable Unisex Eco-Friendly Cotton T-shirt

Our Bikes, Beer, Banter t-shirt is perfect for those who enjoy a good ride with friends and a cold beer afterward. Made with eco-friendly cotton, this t-shirt is not only comfortable but also good for the environment. It is available in a unisex style and comes in a variety of sizes to fit any body type. The t-shirt features a bold design with the words "Bikes, Beer, Banter" printed on the front. It is perfect for casual wear and will make a great addition to any cycling enthusiast's wardrobe.

Plus our Mountain Bike "It goes down soon, honest" Unique, Comfortable Unisex Organic Cotton Cycling T-shirt

Our MTB "It goes down soon, honest" t-shirt is perfect for those who love mountain biking. Made with organic cotton, this t-shirt is not only comfortable but also eco-friendly. It is available in a unisex style and comes in a variety of sizes to fit any body type. The t-shirt features an MTBer going uphill with the words "It goes down soon, honest". Well, it’s simply something your mates would say when they have no idea and we’ve all heard it, or something similar.

Then we have the “When Your Legs Give In, Cycle With Your Heart” - Unique, Comfortable Unisex Organic Cotton T-shirt

Our When Your Legs Give In, Cycle With Your Heart t-shirt is perfect for those who want to inspire

others with their love of cycling.  In fact the words come from a great guy who has inspired many and when I got to speak to him, he inspired me.  He's not famous, but he is called Phil and he is a real inspiration!

Made with organic cotton, this t-shirt is not only comfortable but also eco-friendly. It is available in a unisex style and comes in a variety of sizes to fit any body type. The t-shirt features a heart design with the words "When Your Legs Give In, Cycle With Your Heart" and it is perfect for those who want to spread positivity and motivation to others through their love of cycling.

Features and Benefits

We have many more designs and all of our new cycling t-shirts are made with the highest quality materials, including eco-friendly and organic cotton. They are available in a unisex style and come in a variety of sizes to fit any body type. 

Our t-shirts are not only comfortable but also stylish, featuring bold designs with fun and inspiring slogans. They are perfect for casual wear and make a great addition to any cycling enthusiast's wardrobe. Additionally, our t-shirts are eco-friendly, making them a great choice for those who want to reduce their environmental impact.

Tips for increasing average cycling speed

 3 tips on how to improve average speed cycling

If you want to know how to increase average cycling speed, then we have 3 tips to help you achieve that.  

2 you can see results from today, one you'll work on over time. 

Stay Awesome!

The Benefits of Spin Class, for busy people who want to improve their cycling fitness

So, if you're looking for a fun and effective way to get in shape?  Spin classes might be just what you need! 

In this video, I share three benefits of cycling spin classes to help with your cycling fitness, particularly during the winter and if you're a busy person. 

Stay Awesome!

(These are my thoughts on Cycling - while walking with Bear and Bella, my Cockapoos.)

The Benefits of Spinning: Why it's More Than Just a Cardio Workout

Spinning has become a popular workout routine for many fitness enthusiasts. It involves riding a stationary bike with various resistance levels and speeds to mimic outdoor cycling. While most people associate spinning with cardiovascular workouts, the benefits go beyond just that. In this article, we will explore the benefits of spinning in detail.

Cardiovascular Benefits: 

Spinning is an effective way to improve cardiovascular health. It increases your heart rate, which helps in strengthening your heart muscles. It also improves blood circulation, which reduces the risk of heart diseases. Regular spinning can also improve lung capacity, making it easier to breathe during exercise and daily activities.

Muscle Toning: 

Spinning is an excellent way to tone your lower body muscles, including your calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. The resistance level and speed of the bike can be adjusted to target specific muscles. The intense workout also strengthens your core muscles, including your abdominal muscles and lower back muscles.

Weight Loss: 

Spinning is a high-intensity workout that can help you burn calories quickly. An hour-long spinning class can burn up to 500 calories, making it an excellent choice for weight loss. It also increases your metabolism, which helps your body burn calories even after your workout.

Low-Impact Exercise: 

Spinning is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on your joints. Unlike running or other high-impact exercises, spinning does not put stress on your knees, ankles, or hips. It is an excellent choice for people with joint pain or injuries.

Mental Health Benefits: 

Spinning is not just a physical workout; it also has mental health benefits. It is a great stress reliever and can boost your mood. The intense workout releases endorphins, which are the body's natural mood boosters. It also improves focus and concentration, making it an excellent choice for people with high-stress jobs.

More Than Just a Cardio Workout?

Absolutely! Spinning is an excellent workout routine that provides numerous benefits for your physical and mental health. It is a high-intensity, low-impact exercise that can help you tone your muscles, burn calories, and improve cardiovascular health. It is also an excellent stress reliever and mood booster. 

You can find more support by reading our Top 10 Spin Class Tips for Beginners and if you haven't tried spinning yet, we recommend you give it a try!

Is Spinning Good for Weight Loss?

If you're looking for a high-intensity, low-impact workout that can help you shed pounds, spinning may be just what you need. Spinning, also known as indoor cycling, is a popular form of exercise that involves pedalling a stationary bike to the beat of music in a group fitness class setting. But is spinning really effective for weight loss? 

Let's take a closer look.

The Benefits of Spinning for Weight Loss

Spinning is a high-intensity, cardiovascular workout that burns a significant number of calories in a short amount of time. Depending on your intensity level, you can expect to burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories per hour during a spin class. This can help with weight loss as you are likely to create a calorie deficit for the day.

Spinning also has the potential to help you lose belly fat. Belly fat, or visceral fat, is a type of fat that accumulates around the waistline and is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Studies have shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) like spinning can be effective at reducing visceral fat.

Tips for Spinning Beginners

If you're new to spinning, it's important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration
of your workouts. Here are some tips to help you get started:

What to Wear

Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing and supportive athletic shoes. Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the pedals.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your spin class. Consider bringing a water bottle with you to the class.

Avoid these Common Mistakes

Pay attention to your form and technique to avoid problems such as bouncing on the saddle or pedalling too fast. Work with your instructor to ensure you are using proper form.

How Often Should You Spin to Lose Weight?

To see weight loss results, it is recommended to spin at least three times a week. However, the frequency and duration of your spinning workouts should be tailored to your individual fitness level and weight loss goals.

Cycling Training Programmes and Sweet Spot Cycle Training

To maximise your weight loss results, consider incorporating cycling training programmes and sweet spot cycle training into your routine. Cycling training programmes can help you improve your overall fitness level and performance, while sweet spot cycle training can help you burn fat and increase your power output.

So, is Spinning Good for Weight Loss?

Yes.  Spinning is a fantastic way to lose weight, burn calories, and reduce belly fat. By following these tips for spinning and incorporating cycling sweet spot cycle training into your routine, you can maximise your weight loss results. 

And if you're new to cycling, consider working with a cycle coach to get started on the right track. Contact us at Just Cycling to learn more about our cycle coaching for beginners' services.

Top 10 Spin Class Tips for Beginners

If you're new to spin classes, you may be wondering how to adjust your bike, breathe properly during the workout, and avoid common mistakes.

As a UK cycle coach for "Just Cycling" I'm here to share my top 10 spin class tips for beginners.

1. Adjust your bike properly

The first step to a successful spin class is to adjust your bike properly. Make sure your seat is at the right height so that your knee is slightly bent when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Adjust the handlebars so that you can comfortably reach them without putting strain on your neck or shoulders.

2. Wear comfortable clothing

Wearing comfortable clothing is essential for a successful spin class. Choose clothing that is moisture-wicking and breathable and avoid clothing that is too loose or too tight.

3. Focus on your form

Form is important in spin class. Keep your core engage
d and your shoulders relaxed, and make sure you're not putting too much weight on your handlebars. Try to keep your upper body still while your legs do the work.

4. Breathe properly

Breathing is important in any workout, and spin class is no exception. Focus on deep belly breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.

5. Start slow

If you're new to spin class, it's important to start slow. Don't push yourself too hard too fast, as this can lead to injury or burnout. Gradually build up your endurance and intensity over time.

6. Mix up your workouts

Cycling workouts can get repetitive, so mix up your workouts to keep things interesting. Try interval cycling workouts, cycling HIIT workouts, or sweet spot cycle training.

7. Fuel your body

Eating a balanced diet is important for any workout, including spin class. Eat a small, balanced meal about an hour before your workout to give your body the fuel it needs.

8. Hydrate properly

Proper hydration is key to a successful spin class. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to keep your body hydrated.

9. Stay motivated

Staying motivated is important in any workout, including spin class. Set goals for yourself and track your progress and find a workout buddy to keep you accountable.

10. Consider cycle coaching for beginners

If you're serious about getting better at spin class, consider cycle coaching for beginners. A cycling training program can help you reach your cycling goals more quickly and efficiently, while also ensuring that you're doing the workouts correctly and safely.

I've got a worksheet you can have free, "Using high intensity short, fast rides for cycling fitness" Just say "Worksheet" in the comments and I'll get it to you.

Until the next time - Stay Awesome!