The name “bicycle” comes from the two Latin words “velocis” – fast, quick and “pes (pedis) – The name “bicycle” is derived from two Latin words “velocis” – fast, swift “pes (pedis)”.

The Emergence of the Bicycle

Many centuries ago, people began to think about such a form of transport, which could be operated by using their own muscular strength, such as the legs. The invention of the bicycle, or rather its prototype, occurred in the early 19th century. It is attributed to the German inventor Carl von Dreis, who in 1817 invented a two-wheeled scooter. It was made of wood, and riding it resembled skiing.

The development of cycling

In 1868, the first official cycling competitions were held. There was a bicycle race with a distance of two kilometers in Paris. The winner was an Englishman J. Moore. CyclingThe next year, he also won a road race length of 120 kilometers. The distances of the races became more difficult and required more and more endurance.

The modernization of the bicycle led to the Scotsman Denlop creating the first pneumatic bicycle tires in 1885. It became less shaky. The bicycle became more maneuverable and comfortable to ride, gaining popularity not only as a means of transportation, but also as a sporting option. Since 1870, in many European countries began to build special bicycle tracks. It is worth noting that with the advent of bicycle tires, bicycle races began to be held not only on special tracks, but also on ordinary roads. At the end of the 19th century, such competitions were held in France and America. In 1893, the first world track cycling championship was held in Chicago.

Cycling, as a sport discipline, was included in the program of the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. Shortly afterwards, in 1900, the International Cycling Union was formed. Since 1908, doubles races have been allowed in the Olympics program. Women were allowed to participate in bicycle races at the 1984 Olympics. In 1996, the games introduced mountain biking competition on special bicycle trails designed specifically for the sport.