Features

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...