Features

The Broomwagon
The Broomwagon
Through the summer, as the Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Tour de France Femmes unfolded, we saw images of riders struggling up mountains at the back of the... Read more...
When Dominance Kills the Drama: What Cycling Fans Really Want
When Dominance Kills the Drama: What Cycling Fans Really Want
This summer, as the Tour de France reached the half way mark I started to lose interest. It’s a bummer as every July since I was a kid, it entertained... Read more...
Baptized in Belgium
Baptized in Belgium
For generations the European continent has been the place for aspiring bike racers to learn, test their fitness against the best, and be seen by teams and scouts. Belgium, where... Read more...
Finding Purpose in a Cloud of Metrics
Finding Purpose in a Cloud of Metrics
As I age, my body slows but perspective grows. I can no longer follow the accelerations of my son Ashlin, who is a professional cyclist, and his friends, but I... Read more...
How past generations optimized aerodynamics and efficiency
How past generations optimized aerodynamics and efficiency
By Michael Barry  Before the 1980’s, it would be easy to think that racers didn’t consider the effects of air resistance on their performance. Bicycles and clothing hadn't changed much... Read more...
The invisible hand of speed: How cars and motorcycles shape pro racing
The invisible hand of speed: How cars and motorcycles shape pro racing
From slipstreams to close calls, motorcycles and cars have long influenced the outcome — and the danger — of the peloton By MICHAEL BARRY for Canadian Cycling Magazine   Vehicles... Read more...
The Race Of Truth
The Race Of Truth
With the World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda wrapping over the weekend, Michael Barry reflects on the time trial, what makes the solo event unique and what it takes to win. ... Read more...
Canada's First Cyclocross Race?
Canada's First Cyclocross Race?
From the archives-- Oct, 2017.   By Mike J. Barry Sr.   I arrived in Canada from England in 1964 with an old school mate and keen cyclist, John Bayly. We... Read more...
Riding Forward: The Evolution of the Women’s Tour de France and the Rise of Women’s Cycling
Riding Forward: The Evolution of the Women’s Tour de France and the Rise of Women’s Cycling
In this inspiring reflection, Olympian and former pro cyclist Dede Barry traces the incredible evolution of the Women’s Tour de France—from its overlooked beginnings to its modern-day revival as a... Read more...
The Concrete Bankings of Woodbridge
The Concrete Bankings of Woodbridge
by Michael Barry In the early 1970’s Woodbridge Ontario, a suburb of Toronto, had its own outdoor velodrome. A 254 meter concrete oval, with 45 degree bankings large enough for... Read more...
A ribbon of pink around the boot
A ribbon of pink around the boot
After crossing the finish line, all nine of us freewheeled, having squeezed out the most forceful pedal strokes in the final metres of the event. It was 2009, and we... Read more...
Track Racing: A training ground for champions
Track Racing: A training ground for champions
Many velodromes around the world, especially those outdoors and uncovered, go unused. Thirty years ago, they were hives of activity as kids learned to ride and race while professional races... Read more...
Gravel Season: How to Prepare for Events
Gravel Season: How to Prepare for Events
With the spring thaw comes a new Canadian gravel season. In southern Ontario, Paris to Ancaster, Hell of the North and Substance Project gravel events are just around the corner.... Read more...
Michael Barry: Sports psychology does not play a big enough part in pro cycling
Michael Barry: Sports psychology does not play a big enough part in pro cycling
The former pro weighs in on an important aspect in the sport that seems to be lacking Bike racing requires grit, sacrifice, and passion. The physical demands are met with... Read more...
Are gear restrictions the answer to slowing down professional cycling?
Are gear restrictions the answer to slowing down professional cycling?
Are gear restrictions the answer to slowing down professional cycling? Perhaps not, but it’s past time that safety is more seriously addressed. By Michael Barry. Over the last few years,... Read more...
AI is influencing bike racing outcomes. How will that affect the Directeur Sportif’s role and value?
AI is influencing bike racing outcomes. How will that affect the Directeur Sportif’s role and value?
In a cycling team meeting, the best team directeur sportifs will explain the intricacies of the courses, they know where the peloton will shatter, where the winning attacks will be... Read more...
The risks of gamified training: balancing PBs with true development
The risks of gamified training: balancing PBs with true development
Former pro and current coach Michael Barry weighs in on the risks of putting too much weight into awards The lure of an award, a badge, a personal best (PB),... Read more...
Michael Barry on performance and the power meter
Michael Barry on performance and the power meter
How the advances of data have helped, and hindered the sport Bike racers at every level of the sport are now breaking records in all disciplines whether the track, road... Read more...
BEHIND THE MOTOR
BEHIND THE MOTOR
"Motorpacing is the only way to truly simulate a race in training. Over the last few months, to help our son, Ashlin, train for the World Championships in Zurich Switzerland,... Read more...
An ex-pro asks: What’s the future of gravel racing?
An ex-pro asks: What’s the future of gravel racing?
By Michael Barry We can talk about ''the spirit' but what actually lies ahead When gravel racing began to grow in popularity across North America a decade ago, and as... Read more...
Podcast: How a Toronto rider became a U.S. national champion
Podcast: How a Toronto rider became a U.S. national champion
Ashlin Barry, son of two pro cyclists, is set for more cycling successes with the stars and stripes SUBSCRIBE TO CANADIAN CYCLING MAGAZINE PODCAST Apple Podcasts | Google Play |... Read more...
A rider’s long wait for the Grand Départ at the Tour
A rider’s long wait for the Grand Départ at the Tour
A professional cyclist’s longest days of the season are often the few days before a Grand Tour, where they sit around a hotel, often in a sleepy suburb or business... Read more...
UCI Blue Mountain Gravel World Championship Qualifier
UCI Blue Mountain Gravel World Championship Qualifier
At the top of the Niagara Escarpment, the peloton was corralled on the startline with Georgian Bay behind, a chairlift to the side and a gravel road that cut through... Read more...
Biometric data: Racing towards the future?
Biometric data: Racing towards the future?
The intersection of technology, racing and the implications of cyclists sharing their biometric data with teams, coaches and agents A classic scene sets up the storyline in many movies: a... Read more...
How Cyclists are Transforming their Performances Using High Carb Fuel
How Cyclists are Transforming their Performances Using High Carb Fuel
The professional peloton has been consistently breaking speed records over the past two seasons in nearly every World Tour event. There's no doubt that we have seen equipment and training... Read more...
Performance and the Power meter
Performance and the Power meter
How the advances of data analysis have helped…and hindered the sport Bike racers at every level of the sport are now breaking records in all disciplines whether the track, road... Read more...
In The News
In The News
Physical activity improves cognitive and mental health in all sorts of ways. Here’s why, and how to reap the benefits. How Exercise Strengthens your Brain>> Ashlin Barry had a strong... Read more...
Fast Talk Femmes: Tips From a Super Bowl Champ Turned Track Cyclist
Fast Talk Femmes: Tips From a Super Bowl Champ Turned Track Cyclist
Former NFL tight end Luke Willson and his coach, Jenny Trew, share tips on skill transfer between sports. Luke Willson is a Super Bowl XLVIII Champion who has played for... Read more...
Training: The Importance of Being Open to New Ideas and Methods
Training: The Importance of Being Open to New Ideas and Methods
By Michael Barry Sport science, training techniques, aerodynamics, and our understanding of a multitude of variables in relation to a cyclist’s performance have evolved, or been debunked, yet absolutists remain... Read more...
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: The Evolution, Controversies, and Future of Female Gravel Racing
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: The Evolution, Controversies, and Future of Female Gravel Racing
In this episode, Betsy Welch joins us to discuss the evolution and future of gravel racing, shedding light on the obstacles the community must overcome to get there. Besty Welch,... Read more...
The Thrill of Velodrome Racing
The Thrill of Velodrome Racing
In the track centre, riders whirl in place on rollers. Balanced on the spinning cylinders, they stare ahead with focussed eyes, finding rhythm with the music that flows out of... Read more...
Supporting Youth Cycling Development in North America
Supporting Youth Cycling Development in North America
Many of the top cyclists in the world are now some of the youngest in the professional peloton. World Tour teams are recruiting from the junior ranks, and many are... Read more...
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: Inside the Pro Peloton—with Carmen Small
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: Inside the Pro Peloton—with Carmen Small
In the latest episode of our female-specific podcast, we chat with the director sportif of one of the most successful women's WorldTour teams. Fast Talk Femmes Episode 104 // Feb... Read more...
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: Fueling For Performance with Dr. Dana Lis
Fast Talk Femmes Podcast: Fueling For Performance with Dr. Dana Lis
We chat with high-performance sports dietitian and researcher Dr. Dana Lis about how female athletes can get the most from their nutrition. Fast Talk Femmes Episode 103. Jan 24th 2023... Read more...
A Resurgence of Track Racing in North America
A Resurgence of Track Racing in North America
Track racing in North America is experiencing a slow resurgence with velodromes being built across the continent. Some of the tracks are short and steep and fit into a small... Read more...
Race Days: The Compounding Benefits of Race Experience
Race Days: The Compounding Benefits of Race Experience
The best bike racers aren’t always the strongest or the fittest cyclists on the start line but are often those who have a deep understanding of how to race and... Read more...
Hell Of The North 2022 Fall Edition
Hell Of The North 2022 Fall Edition
The road and gravel season came to end last weekend with the autumn edition of the Hell of the North, a long running gravel event northeast of Toronto. A huge... Read more...
Team Ontario Wins the Road Race at Canada Games 
Team Ontario Wins the Road Race at Canada Games 
Congratulations to Mariposa riders, Hudson Lubbers and Jack Ciotlos for representing Ontario at the Canada Games in Niagara last week. The team rode well as they supported their teammate, David... Read more...
Via Italia Criterium
Via Italia Criterium
Mariposa Team racers Ashlin Barry and Hudson Lubbers finished 3rd and 8th in the Pro 1/2 Via Italia Criterium in Windsor ON. Watch the post race interview with the podium... Read more...
Hot Summer Crit Racing
Hot Summer Crit Racing
For many reasons Criterium racing is one of the best development pathways for North American bike racing. Short circuits make for easier road closures, spectators can watch the peloton repeatedly... Read more...
Summer Books: Cycling
Summer Books: Cycling
A history of the machine’s evolution, a dive into the thrills of bicycle racing and a meditation on the two-wheeled life. By Michael Barry for the Wall Street Journal A... Read more...
A Conversation with Charlie Walsh, gold medallist in the Team Sprint at the Canadian National U-17 Track Cycling Championships
A Conversation with Charlie Walsh, gold medallist in the Team Sprint at the Canadian National U-17 Track Cycling Championships
We visit with Charlie Walsh, who won a gold medal at the 2022 Canadian National U-17 Track Championships on the 1 year anniversary of his Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) diagnosis.... Read more...
Hell of the North 2022
Hell of the North 2022
The Ontario gravel season kicked off on Easter Sunday with the Hell of the North classic, founded by Mike Barry Sr. over 30 years ago, and now organized by Ed... Read more...
Team Mariposa at the U-17/ Junior Canadian Track National Championships
Team Mariposa at the U-17/ Junior Canadian Track National Championships
The Mariposa Team had an fantastic weekend at the Canadian Track National Championships, winning 12 medals and Ashlin Barry set a Canadian Record in the U-17 2km Pursuit 2:16.735. Thank... Read more...
Madison Racing!
Madison Racing!
Madison racing is perhaps the most thrilling track cycling event, as two person teams take turns arm-slinging each other into the race. Mariposa riders, Hudson Lubbers and Ashlin Barry teamed... Read more...
Tuning Up For A New Season
Tuning Up For A New Season
As the winter lifts over Europe and the professional peloton begin their racing season, they will be testing equipment and feeling faster as they transition from their training bikes to... Read more...
In The News
In The News
Must listen: A great podcast with Exercise Physiologist and Skratch Labs founder, Allen Lim discusses Sports Nutrition and Marginal Gains in cycling.The podcast, Marginal Gains is worth taking a dive... Read more...
Running and Riding. How a Run Can Improve Your Cycling Fitness
Running and Riding. How a Run Can Improve Your Cycling Fitness
In the cold winter months, cycling can be a challenge, especially if the ride is anything more than a commute to work, the shops, or school. The cold wind quickly... Read more...
Cappellino, Cap, Casquette....
Cappellino, Cap, Casquette....
Rain tapped against the Team Sky bus window. The eight of us sat quietly in our chairs, some with their eyes closed and headphones on, others studying the race book... Read more...
Autumn (Excerpt from Le Metier: The Seasons Of A Professional Cyclist)
Autumn (Excerpt from Le Metier: The Seasons Of A Professional Cyclist)
By Michael Barry Photography by Camille McMillan Into the sixth hour of the ride, the temperature drops as I reach the top of the Pyrenean peak. Autumn is arriving on... Read more...