Cycling’s commercial landscape is changing faster than ever. Where the sport was once defined purely by athletic performance, money and technology now play increasingly important roles.
Gambling and Betting takes off in Sweden
Cycling is growing as a betting market and Sweden leads this development. Swedish players are discovering more opportunities to bet on everything from Tour de France to local races. An instant banking casino makes it easier than ever to quickly put money on your favorite cyclist.
Betting on the Eurovision Song Contest pulled in more than £200 million during 2025, showing how Swedes and Europeans embrace odds-setting on major events. The same pattern now appears in cycling. From stage wins to mountain prizes – everything can be bet on.
Technical advances in live-streaming make it possible to follow races in real-time while odds fluctuate. Platforms like PayPal Betting Sites notice how technological advances affect race results, creating new opportunities for informed betting.
Swedish betting companies are massively expanding their cycling markets ahead of 2025. Local races like Vätternrundan and international Grand Tours get more attention from players.
The Gravel Revolution and Wider Tires
The global gravel market grows 13.5% annually and changes how people view road cycling. The line between different bike types is blurring.
Tire widths are exploding. Where 40-42mm tires previously dominated, now 50mm and wider are standard on gravel races. Some pro cyclists even run 57mm Maxxis Aspen tires despite their bike’s specifications saying otherwise.
Reports say that wider tires reduce vibrations by up to 23% compared to narrower alternatives. This isn’t just about comfort but performance. A YouTuber showed that 5mm extra width only increases drag by 2-3 watts at 35 km/h – a cost most are willing to pay for better grip and control.
Manufacturers adapt quickly. New gravel bikes can now take tires up to 60mm, and electronic 1x drivetrains become standard for easier maintenance on muddy trails.
Suspension also comes to the gravel world. Front forks with 20mm suspension reduce handlebar vibrations making longer adventures more comfortable without compromising performance.
Data-Driven Training Takes Over
The power meter market was valued at $375.4 million in 2024 and expected to grow 5.2% annually. It’s no longer just the pros who train with data.
2024 saw a dramatic change where mountain bike power meters sold as much as road variants – 45% and 44% respectively. Favero Assioma PRO MX pedals dominate the off-road market and make precision accessible for all terrains.
Prices drop while features increase. Power meters can range from $220 up to $1200, covering all levels from hobbyist to elite.
AI revolutionizes training analysis. Professional teams like Team INEOS use AI-driven software to adapt training loads and recovery in real-time. Algorithms can analyze every second of training sessions and tie specific power to improvements in speed and endurance.
The popularity of indoor cycling has shown more cyclists the benefits of power-based training, driving up demand. Pedal-based meters grow especially fast since they easily move between different bikes.
Data analysis becomes increasingly sophisticated. Dual-sided measurement provides information about each leg’s performance, helping cyclists identify asymmetries and optimize pedal strokes for maximum power.
The post Road Cycling: Three Trends to Watch For appeared first on PezCycling News.
