Bicycle racing

Bicycle racing is a competition sport in which various types of bicycles are used. There are several categories of bicycle racing including road bicycle racing, cyclo-cross, mountain bike racing, track cycling, BMX, bike trials, and cycle speedway. Bicycle racing is recognised as an Olympic sport. The Union Cycliste Internationale is the world governing body for cycling and international competitive cycling events.
All bicycle races involve diamond frame bicycles of two triangles, generally composed of various steel alloys (with Cr–Mo), aluminum, or carbon fiber. An alternative is the recumbent, a bicycle on which the rider sits back with the legs horizontal. This puts the body in a position where there is less wind drag. Proponents claim it provides more comfortable riding, with no weight on the wrists. The recumbent is a more aerodynamic design of bicycle, and world speed records were set with them.
Bicycle races are popular all over the world, especially in Europe. The countries most devoted to bicycle racing are Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, although the United States has international standing, as do Australia, Luxemburg, and the UK.