Unlike soccer, football, baseball, and even track and field, cycling is not necessarily the top attention or cash grabbing sport in the world today. In reality, most of us know very little – if anything – about the sport. The bicycle (the instrument of the cycler) is one of the most familiar items in the world. It, however, is recognized as a leisure and transportation tool. Many of us fail to think of the bicycle as the equipment a cycler uses in a heart-pumping competition. In recent years, figures such as Lance Armstrong have brought some attention to the sport. Nevertheless, it remains largely in the obscurity.

This lack of attention, however, is not due to lack of importance or lack of benefit. In fact, cycling is an extremely interesting sport to follow and a very healthy sport to practice.

The bicycle – the tool used for the sport of cycling – is primarily a means of transportation. Largely used for getting from one place to another and for recreation, it is also used in sport and athletics.

The earliest races took place in the 19th century, with large races becoming popular in the 1890s curing the “Golden Age of Cycling” in Europe. In fact, cycling was a quite popular sport until the mid-20th century. Today, cycling is largely known for the Tour de France, which started in 1903. It is featured in the Olympics, giving viewers another chance to experience it. Beyond these two events, however, it is a minority sport.

There are various racing formats for cycling. Road races, for example, involve both teams and individuals and are contested in a number of ways. They may last just one day or include several stages. Track racing is lesser known but also takes place throughout the year in Velodromes. In recent years, mountain bike racing has become increasingly popular and is now an Olympic sport.

Nowadays, cycling is moving beyond the world of professional racers and becoming popular among a wide array of amateur athletes and sports enthusiasts. It is an excellent way to spice up a cardio work-out.

The sport offers tons of benefits, just like most physical activity. It is linked to improved physical and mental health.

Cycling is primarily a cardiovascular activity, much like running, swimming and rowing. It differs from similar cardio work-outs is in that it is low-impact and therefore much easier on joints and bones than, for example, jogging. Cyclers burn calories and fat during work-outs (though how many calories are burned depends largely upon effort) and is a great cardio alternative for those with arthritis, past sports injuries or problems with obesity.

Those looking to try out cycling have both indoor and outdoor options. Indoor spin classes are popping up in gyms all over and seem to be all the rage. For those who prefer to be outside, the cycling options are endless. All that’s necessary is a bike.

Cycling is truly a fantastic sport to both watch and practice. If you haven’t gotten in on the action yet, check out your television sports channels and head to your local sporting goods stores.

Damian Papworth loves cycling, both as a leisure activity and in amateur competition. He knows how crucial hydration in cycling is so he published the Cycling Water Bottle website. You can visit it at http://cyclingwaterbottleshop.com