This is a challenging, unique, and fun stage of the Tour de France, featuring gravel roads, or “chemins blancs,” included for the first time in the race’s history. Read more…
Leading a stage of the Tour de France in your cycling classes is an exhilarating experience, both for your riders and for you as an instructor. It’s an opportunity to use your best inspirational coaching skills paired with empowering music. Let’s dive into tips on creating and leading a Tour de France stage in your cycling classes! Read more…
Bastille Day is July 14. The Tour de France happens during the month of July. And there is always a reason to play French music in your cycling classes all year round. I’ve got everything you need in our bucket playlists of 600 French songs, including pop, rock, alternative, hip-hop, dance, electronic, and, of course, the iconic classics such as Edith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose.” Read more…
To prepare for the 2023 Tour, I knew I wanted to do stage 1 or 2 in the Basque Country of Spain but was not sure which one to prepare for. I have some excellent Spanish music to use for the playlist, so a while ago I started to collectRead more…
Stage 2 of the 2021 Tour de France was filled with excitement and drama. It also has a very heartwarming story to tell. This profile gives you all the details and cues to help you deliver a fun, challenging, and inspirational ride; your class will hail your storytelling skills. It doesn’t have to be this year’s tour, or even during the race itself—you can pull out this exciting profile any time of the year. Allez, Allez!Read more…
The team time trial is one of the more exciting stages of a bike race you can simulate in your classes. It’s a very challenging effort, and the extended warm-up plus the near constant rotations adds constant variety and keeps the class focused and committed. We provide you step-by-step coaching for this riveting race as well as a virtual ride so you can see how to manage your riders while teaching. Read more…
Share your excitement of the Tour de France with your students using this quick profile of stage 19. There is an early breakaway but the “heads of state” will let them go because there is no one of importance in the break. But rest assured—that doesn’t mean the peloton won’t hunt them down in the second half—get ready for some drama! The playlist should knock your polka-dot socks off!Read more…
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Kraftwerk says it has used the sound of bikes, and the rhythmic breathing of cyclists in its music. Hütter says that cycling is also about silence and appreciating the sound of the world around you as you ride, something which is carried over to their music. Have you used their music for your cycling classes, especially a Tour de France stage?Read more…
Did you watch Stage 20 of the Tour? Take this description of what actually happened on this very exciting stage to create a dramatic storyline for your own class. Also, in this post are some resources for articles and videos for you to use in your Tour de France profiles, whether you are creating your own, or using the ICA profiles. Enjoy!Read more…
If you have been watching or reading about the Tour de France this year, you would know that Stage 4 had a section over the cobblestones of Northern France. Last year as well there were nine segments of brutal cobbles in Stage 5. Prior to that, there were just aRead more…